The work of an outdoor sports manager includes developing outdoor sports facilities and ensuring their safety

29.4.2026 5.04

For Outdoor Sports Manager Petri Forsman, the best part of his job is the diverse range of duties.

Outdoor Sports Manager Petri Forsman plans and develops the city’s sports facilities to meet the needs of residents and athletes. Safety is always one of the highest priorities.

What are your duties as the Outdoor Sports Manager?
I am in charge of the development and planning of outdoor sports facilities in Espoo, including the planning of facilities for various competitions. One example is the Jukola orienteering relay race to be held in Espoo’s Ämmäsmäki area in 2028. We have been working on it for a year now. My day-to-day duties also include the development of sports facilities for local residents, such as extending the Oittaa roller ski route and harmonising signs related to the safety of beaches.

How does the City of Espoo ensure the safety of beaches?

Every May, a diver inspects the swimming areas of the City of Espoo’s 25 beaches to check for submerged logs or bicycles dumped in the water, for example. Maintenance personnel visit the beaches daily to pick up litter and to check that the safety equipment, such as lifebuoys, rescue rafts and ‘no diving’ signs, are in good condition. During the spring, lifeguards are recruited for our supervised beaches. Their work is guided by the beach coordinator and the team leader designated for each supervised beach.

What are the duties of lifeguards?

Lifeguards are responsible for general supervision and proactively ensuring orderly conduct. For example, diving off the jetties is prohibited, and compliance with this rule needs to be monitored. Each lifeguard is familiar with the beach they supervise, including deep sections close to the shore and the location of large rocks, so they can keep a close eye on anyone swimming near such areas.Looking after children is not a lifeguard’s responsibility – guardians are responsible for their children’s safety.

Text: Susanna Haanpää.

This article was originally published in the Espoo-lehti magazine 1/2026. Read other Espoo-lehti articles.