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.
Lifeguard Adventure Challenge
Training lifeguards is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Following the same training procedures year in and year out as outlined by a certification body can be difficult, but there is another
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.
Doubt It or Drill It?
This time of year, I’m in high gear. I’ll visit 22 camps in the 35 days between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Everyone needs a buddy at the pool and on the waterfront.The airport lounges, renta
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