Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults agree it is important that the public has access to first-aid training and certification opportunities, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) poll.

When it comes to interacting with the public, park and recreation professionals lead the way. More than nine in 10 park and recreation professionals receive access to first-aid training and certification opportunities. Nearly three quarters of all park and recreation agencies offer safety training classes to the public.

“Public safety is paramount in our parks, recreation centers and at all events, and learning first-aid in school or at work can help save a life,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “It is important to our communities that the public have access to opportunities to be trained in life saving measures. We are proud of and grateful to our park and recreation professionals across the country who are offering these opportunities.”

Key Findings:  

• Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults agree it is important for the public to have access to first-aid training and certification (i.e., lifeguard certification) opportunities.
• Seventy-two percent of park and recreation agencies offer safety training classes to the public.
• Ninety-two percent of park and recreation agencies provide first-aid training and certification opportunities to their staff.

To view the interactive charts with the survey results, click here.

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story.  To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.

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About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.