Articles
Not Enough Lifeguards
Throughout the last two years, many industries have struggled to recruit, hire, and retain workers. Aquatic departments haven’t been immune to these challenges, but unlike other employers, they faced a labor shortage before the pandemic.
Responding To An Opioid Overdose
In the event of a medical emergency, who is the best person to respond? We’ve all watched the scenes from medical dramas—first responders rushing to the scene of an emergency with flashing lights and blaring sirens.
Lifeguard Bootcamp
“Tweet, tweet, tweet.” “Call 911.” “Grab me the backboard.” These are some of the sounds you’ll hear on the pool deck during the annual, preseason Lifeguard Bootcamp at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.
Take Control Of Aquatic Staffing
Aquatic facilities across the country are facing unprecedented staffing challenges. How they are addressed today can lead to an even stronger foundation in the future.
Lifeguarding Procedures
Most of us as aquatic center managers have adopted one program or another to certify lifeguards. Whether it’s the Red Cross, YMCA, Ellis & Associates, Canadian, or other, we tend to stick with the procedures taught by the program we chose.
Safe Water
An essential factor in the safe operation of any pool is clean, crystal-clear water. This becomes increasingly important when one begins to consider wave-pool design and operation.
Goosebump Moments
The monotony of these days is occasionally broken by outstanding moments. Some memories are personal. I can recall the exact spot on the road on which I was driving when I heard on the radio that a second plane had slammed into the World Trade Center, and that it was an attack, not an accident.
StarGuard ELITE Receives First Certification Of Lifeguard-Training Program
StarGuard ELITE (SGE) and the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) together announce the CMAHC certification of the StarGuard Lifeguard Program – the first ever CMAHC certification of a
Elevator Advice
As I write this, summer is looming. Planning is underway. Is there water in the pool? Check. Chlorine? Check. Cash registers installed? Check. Lifeguards hired? Oops! Couldn’t check off that box? Couldn’t get
Invest In Equipment And Training
Thousands of families, including children and the elderly, visit municipal pools and water parks every year seeking a fun and relaxing experience. Although providing such an environment can be a challenge,
The Value Of Four Minutes
Four minutes. Under most circumstances, four minutes is unimportant and forgettable. The time it takes to gas up your car. To pay the monthly bills online. To order a sweater on Amazon. At other times it can feel
Hey, Lifeguard, Look At Me!
This past June, I paused to observe an energetic 5-year-old who was getting a lifeguard’s attention by yelling, “Hey, lifeguard, look at me!” As an aquatic manager, I’ve heard those five
Raising The Bar
In the world of aquatics, you are only as good as your team of lifeguards. Aquatic facilities across the nation have struggled to recruit lifeguards, and the city of Round Rock, Texas, was
Take Time To Train
In a lifeguard-certification course, participants learn the skills necessary to protect swimmers and provide emergency care when required. They learn a lot in a 25- or 30-hour course, but
Safeguard Aquatic Facilities
By N. Jonas OhrbergThousands of families, including children and the elderly, visit municipal pools and water parks every year seeking a fun and relaxing experience. Although providing such an