07/28/2022
Took the kids to a pool today and had to write the City about the severe lack of safety. So much potential- really hope they take my suggestions. I know there are more pools out there like this so just be aware of what a guarded pool should look like.
I feel lead to remind my friends and family here what to look out for while choosing a guarded pool to cool off in.
Keep an eye on your family at all pools! Kids shouldn't be dropped off to be baby sat by guards all day. Guards should have whistles, be on stand with rescue tubes and strap ON correctly, they do not go under the guards feet!
They shouldn't be on their phone or leaving stand to get drinks, hose deck or change music. They shouldn't be on stand for an hour at a time- they need breaks and rotations to stay water aware, hydrated and healthy!!!
Guards should not be playing with the children in the water and on play structures while 1 guard "works." And their friends shouldn't be talking to them while on stand.
If there are more than 20 people in the pool you should see more than 1 guard on stand AT LEAST!!! Most pools have 2 guards on stand or 1 on stand and 1 nearby if it's a small pool. But always should have at least 2 trained responders.
There should not be anyone in the guard room but guards/staff.
When guards rotate both should have a tube, both should watch the pool and they should talk to each other to switch out. (EX: I've got eyes on the pool, climb into the chair and watch kid in yellow shorts-- I'm in the chair watching water, you can rotate along.).
Guards should not be eating on stand or wearing shoes.
I say this so you know what to watch for when you take your family to the pool.
Guards shouldn't be humming on a whistle for 30 minutes - it should only be used for communication so it doesn't become like crying wolf.
So often we talk about how to choose swimming lessons, but often we put all trust in Lifeguards who may have shown competence in their training class but lack of adult supervision in the workplace leads them to be unprofessional.
It is important you know what behaviors to watch for in Lifeguards protecting your families lives and when choosing which pools to swim in.
Safe summer swimming!!
Corrie.
