Many individuals join Kiwanis clubs specifically because we are an international
organization with a global mission-that lofty goal of changing
the world one child and one community at a time. To this
point, with a few notable exceptions, our Capital District
clubs seem to have focused on local efforts directed toward
helping our own children and communities. This is commendable,
but it does not address the incredible needs of children
worldwide...Accordingly,
our District Committee on International Understanding has
decided to pursue a new approach
to achieving our global mission. We have selected Africa because its needs are great and most of us know extremely
little about this part of the world...Swimming
Pool Caution
by Mike Rind, District Risk Manager
If any of our Kiwanis
clubs either own, operate, or maintain public swimming
pools (for example, in conjunction with their local
YMCAs), they should be aware of a new federal law dealing
with swimming pool safety. Designed to prevent drownings
in public pools, the new law takes effect on December
19, 2008. It requires the use of certain devices, such
as anti-entrapment drain covers and fences/barriers,
in public swimming and wading pools and jacuzzis. This
federal law is designed to encourage states to enact
pool and spa safety laws that meet standards to be
set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This
could mean Y's or Boys and Girls Clubs may want to
contact safety engineers or aquatic designers to ensure
that their facilities comply with these requirements.
There are many details that affected clubs will want
to review. Kiwanis's insurance company has not imposed
specific requirements that clubs take steps to meet
the requirements of this law; however, the Kiwanis
insurance program will NOT respond to any losses
that clubs might incur by failing to act to implement
these requirements. Specifically, Kiwanis insurance
will not cover any penalties or fines that may be
imposed by authorities for violations of the law.
If your club may be affected, you can contact Mike
Rind, District Risk Manager, for further details,
at mrind@comcast.net or 410 360 0303.
