The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) is taking significant strides to ensure the safety and satisfaction of campers. The association hosted a webinar, dedicated to training Certified Pool Operators (CPOs).
The comprehensive class, spearheaded by Terry Munoz, was spread over two days, offering 10 hours of rigorous instruction each day. This was followed by a test, the successful completion of which would endow participants with their coveted CPO certifications. Out of the seven park operators who took the exam, six passed the course.
This initiative was sponsored by Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks in Spring, Texas.
Brian Schaeffer, the executive director and CEO of TACO, shed light on the broader vision behind such initiatives. He remarked, “We’re supplementing the education we provide in our Spring Meeting and Trade Show with online seminars throughout the year and we find the webinar approach to be quite popular and effective for our members,”
But why is this training so crucial for campground owners and RV park resorts? The answer lies in the recently unveiled 2024 Camping Trends Outlook by Campspot.
The report highlighted that nearly a staggering 63% of those surveyed expressed keen interest in water-centric activities like beach visits, boating, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boating. Furthermore, half of the respondents showed a penchant for swimming, hot tubs, saunas, pools, and even water parks.
For campground owners and RV park resorts, these insights are invaluable. Offering water amenities is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Ensuring the safety of these water features is paramount. This is where TACO’s CPO training becomes indispensable.
A certified pool operator is equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain and operate pools and other water features safely. They are trained to understand the nuances of water quality, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. In essence, they are the guardians of water safety in campgrounds.
For campgrounds, having a CPO on board translates to enhanced guest satisfaction. Campers can indulge in their favorite water activities with the assurance that they are in safe hands. Moreover, it can significantly reduce the risk of water-related accidents, ensuring that the campground’s reputation remains untarnished.
As the camping industry evolves, so do the expectations of campers. The allure of water recreation is undeniable, but safety cannot be compromised. TACO’s initiative in providing CPO training is a step in the right direction, ensuring that campground owners and RV park resorts are well-equipped to offer both fun and safety in equal measure.