Bounce Now, Pay Later? Reducing Summer Ministry Risk
Houses of worship and nonprofits must manage the risks of summer fun.
“Summertime Blues” – a rock anthem covered by numerous musicians – conveys a high schooler’s grievances about adulthood interfering with seasonal fun: “Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna’ do. ‘Cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues.”
But there’s another kind of summer bummer that can afflict houses of worship and nonprofit organizations: costly insurance claims and sharp-edged lawsuits that deflate even the most joyous bounce-house fun.
“Everyone does it”
It’s common for houses of worship and community organizations to host festivals with inflatable amusements, dunk tanks and even traditional carnival rides. Other popular summer activities include hosting sports-themed camps and tournaments. When congregations head out on the road to retreats, even more amenities become available. Water blobs, zip lines, ropes courses, pools and lakes are big draws.
They’re also big risks.
Facts about the fun
We don’t want to spoil good vibes. Who doesn’t have great memories of camps and retreats? But, since we’re in the business of worst-case scenarios and risk management, it’s our obligation to share the facts.
Bouncing into litigation
Bounce houses and inflatable amusements may seem innocent enough. Yet they hold high potential for injuries – especially since they’re oriented toward children and youth. Kid-to-kid collisions – especially if supervision is inadequate – are nearly unavoidable. But wait, there’s more! If inflatables are improperly anchored or blasted by strong winds, they can tip, flip or topple. In addition, these and other carnival activities require electricity and cords strung across vast areas (read slip, trip and fall injuries). Storms can further elevate the risk of hazards from wind, water and electrical currents.
Offsite, out of mind?
Zip lines, blobs, slides and lakes are usually located at camps and retreat centers, not houses of worship or local venues. However, location does not remove risk.
Camps usually require participants sign waivers acknowledging hazards and waiving rights to litigation. However, lawsuits can still proceed.
Questions to ask
We’re not the buzzkill brigade. However, you should be informed of the risk of participating in wet and wild summer fun.
Before you commit to sponsoring recreational activities on or off your property:
Find out if your insurance covers the activity. If so, are there any exclusions?
If your insurance does not cover the activity, ask if you can purchase a special event policy that strictly covers the event itself. Heads up: You may find the answer is no.
If the answer to the first two questions is no, then understand you’re assuming 100% of the risk.
Before heading to a camp or retreat, determine:
Does the camp provide insurance protection for activities that occur on site? (Hint: It likely does not.)
If the camp or retreat does not provide coverage, then the responsibility falls back on your insurance. Most facilities require proof (a certificate) that your insurance will cover your risk. Important: Allow at least two weeks for the insurer to respond to your request.
If your coverage does not apply at camp, you can inquire about special event insurance. Again, there is no guarantee of a “yes” answer from your carrier.
“Even if activities are covered by your policy, the risk of claims remains.”
A serious injury could lead to a health crisis, an emotional lawsuit, negative publicity and ultimately higher insurance rates.
If an activity is not covered and you choose to proceed, your organization assumes the full burden of a legal defense.
Organizations can reduce (but never eliminate) risk by training staff and volunteers, adopting and enforcing safety policies and documenting all the above. Consider these a minimum.
“Calculated fun”
Those two words never go together. But in this instance, they must. There is a price to pay for bouncing off the blob, whether it’s accounted for in your standard liability or special event premiums or settling a lawsuit out of pocket.
Do your research and seek the maximum protection you can get while still making the most of seasonal opportunities. Summertime Blues don’t have to shut down your plans, but awareness of the risks may change them for the better.
