Where Have All The Lifeguards Gone?
As a long time pool rat, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend—fewer and fewer teen-agers show any interest, let alone demonstrate a serious approach, to becoming lifeguards and swim instructors.
Grade "A” Lifeguard
“As a lifeguard you have six hours of boredom [interrupted] by 30 seconds of terror,” says Mike Howard, operations director for Coney IslandPark in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Sunlite Pool at Coney Island receives
Lifesaving And Emergency Equipment
No one likes to contemplate the possibility of a water-related accident, but the time you spend this spring preparing lifesaving and emergency equipment may mean a safer summer season.
Are Your Lifeguards Adequately Trained?
Although it has been longer than I care to admit, I still remember the first time I obtained American Red Cross lifeguarding certification. Sitting on the edge of the high-school pool in
Six Lessons Lifeguards Must Learn
Directors at camps and other youth programs work hard to staff pools and waterfronts with certified lifeguards. That’s a good start, but to prevent accidents and to run a top-notch
Implementing A Junior Lifeguard Program
Long Island, N.Y., is known for its beautiful beaches, freshwater lakes, and miles of scenic waterfront. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that most local parents prioritize “learning to swim” as a critical skill for their kids.
Talking To Lifeguards
Larry, the waterfront director at Camp Whatsit, was on top of his game. He boasted new certifications in swimming instruction and lifeguarding from national organizations, had been teaching swimming for four years at his town’s parks and rec department, and even turned down an offer to be the head lifeguard at the local beach to become the waterfront director at Camp Whatsit.
Hiring Lifeguards
As the warm weather approaches, camp administrators are probably considering hiring lifeguards for summer pool and aquatic activities.
Lifeguard Training: 101
By reviewing and evaluating the plan for addressing these issues, you will be on your way to employing lifeguards who not only understand their responsibilities but are competent and confident enough to perform them!
Smooth Sailing At The Beach
It's another spectacular New Hampshire afternoon at Camp Birchmont as I sit alongside Lake Wentworth, enjoying a moment of quiet.
Skills Verification For Lifeguards
You wouldn’t hire a new staff member without an interview and references, so why would you rely on a lifeguarding certification without in-water skills verification? Because every camp waterfront is different,
Lifesaving And Emergency Equipment
No one likes to contemplate the possibility of a water-related accident, but the time you spend this spring preparing lifesaving and emergency equipment may mean a safer summer season.
Lifeguarding Essentials
As the summer draws to a close, remind your lifeguards and lookouts that laws, standards and rules help only when they are followed. My 25 years as a waterfront director have taught me the following
A Lifeguard’s Priorities
Here's a video from West Bend Mutual Insurance Company on how lifeguards should prioritize their duties.For more safety tips from West Bend, go to