From the Desk of Rac Carroll:

THE HEAT IS ON. ATTENDANCE IS UP. STAY FOCUED ON VIGILANCE!!!!

While this is what the summer season is all about, the realities are that both of these factors (heat and attendance) present challenges to our lifeguard/lifeguard supervisors. Facilities should be taking the time to focus on not just maintaining, but increasing vigilance/attentiveness of our lifeguards and providing them the resources to be able to provide consistently high levels of vigilance. Have you thought about what you need to do on these days of high attendance which will increase vigilance? Implementing shorter rotations, longer breaks or additional short breaks, increasing hydration and the availability of ice/water, making your guards get in the water during the day (keeping a wet head all day) and continuing the VAT drills. All of these little things will make the difference on a hot and busy day.

We have had a very busy early season with aquatic incidents and the results have been positive; the one common factor- LIFEGUARDS RECOGNIZE AND REACT QUICKLY! If the recognition and reaction was not as timely the outcomes may not be the same. It is imperative that you focus on your front line resources and keep them ready both mentally and physically. Now is not the time to stop the VAT drills and group In-Service trainings…it is the time to step them up and allow your lifeguards to become accustomed and aware of that manikin in the bottom with the wave pool full to capacity. After all what good is the VAT drill that doesn’t simulate a real environment- and with the summer heat on and attendance up a full capacity wave pool or activity pool is REALITY.

I want to take a moment to commend the many lifeguards who have had to provide additional rescue skills to guests at their facilities- YOU ARE THE REAL HEROES!! You Make a Difference every day and you deserve to be recognized. If you have had an incident where your staff has provided care to a guest that made a difference please email me so I can provide you with a certificate of achievement and recognize your team for their efforts.

Rac