Owning a commercial pool and hiring great lifeguards go hand in hand. But being a lifeguard is a big responsibility and swimmers want to know that they are protected by qualified personnel. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of lifeguard tips to ensure that your staff is prepared for any situation.
Ten Things All Lifeguards Must Keep in Mind
- An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is better to be firm with your commands to prevent a rescue than to need to rescue at all. Being able to spot situations before they happen is key.
- Keep organized. Have a designated bag for all your supplies, such as CPR mask, whistle, towels, extra clothes, and more.
- Your own health is important too. Eat healthy, energizing snacks. And be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection and plenty of sun lotion.
- Be an effective scanner. Switch between side-to-side and up-and-down scans of the pool. The bigger the swimming area, the more important efficient scanning becomes.
- Be vigilant. Identify swimmers who are higher risks than others and keep a close eye on them.
- Avoid distractions. Children and teens often try to taunt you and test your limits. Remain calm and in control.
- Designate your boundaries. Make sure that all ages can easily tell where the lifeguard zone begins and ends and can maintain proper distance.
- Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Ideally everyone follows proper pool etiquette. But people often behave more recklessly in the water, so it’s crucial to plan for the mayhem.
- Knowledge is power. Regularly review your lifeguard manual and materials to reinforce all the knowledge and maintain confidence.
- Lifeguards are a team. Don’t be afraid to talk to more experienced lifeguards. They may have useful information to draw from. There’s no such thing as too much knowledge.
These lifeguard tips will make your season better than ever. Sunset Pools & Spas Commercial is dedicated to proper lifeguarding and pool safety. Contact us with any comments or questions you have.