Outdoor work, covered crews.
Workers' comp first, plus general and professional liability, for lifeguard services, referee and umpire associations, ski operations and park maintenance contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Water, slopes, fields and heat
Recreation service workers get hurt in ways an office worker doesn't: lifeguards on rescues, referees hit by players or balls, ski staff on icy slopes and lifts, and park crews running mowers in the heat. Cal/OSHA's heat illness rules apply to outdoor workers, and every California employer needs workers' comp for its employees.
Many of these classes are written as workers' comp only, so I start there and then look at the liability side separately: a drowning claim against a lifeguard service, a call a referee made, or a park visitor hurt near a crew. These risks often need specialty markets, and I place each piece where it fits.
- Workers' compInjuries to lifeguards, officials, ski and park staff.
- General liabilityInjuries to swimmers, players and park visitors.
- Professional liabilityClaims over rescues, calls or supervision.
- Equipment and autoMowers, rescue gear and crew trucks.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Business: services you provide and where.
- Staff: employees by job, seasonal counts and certifications.
- Payroll: annual payroll by job type.
- Contracts: cities, pools or leagues you work for and their requirements.
- Equipment: mowers, rescue gear and vehicles.
- History: current policies and any injuries or claims.
Recreation business insurance, answered
Why do some policies only cover workers' comp?
Some recreation classes are written for workers' comp alone because the liability side needs a specialty market. I quote the two pieces separately when needed.
Are seasonal lifeguards covered by workers' comp?
Yes. Seasonal and part-time employees need workers' comp in California like any other employee.
Do referees need their own liability policy?
Often yes. Officials can be named in claims over calls or injuries, and associations usually carry or require coverage.
What do cities and pools require?
Public agencies usually require workers' comp, general liability at set limits and additional insured wording. Send me the contract and I'll match it.
Do you offer recreation business insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your crew. I'll shop it.
Your services, staff count and payroll are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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