State of Aquatics (2022): Questions to Consider
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During the 2022 State of Aquatics webinar, we discussed four key priority areas based on the observations we have seen in the field this summer. Below we have created a list of questions for your organization to consider as you think through how to address those priority areas on your pool deck or waterfront.
Test. Mark. Protect.
- How can we utilize non-aquatics staff, or set aside specific times for swim testing to offset staffing shortages?
- How are we documenting which youth have been swim tested and which have not?
- How are we enforcing our policy at every pool or waterfront?
- How are we making sure that our policy is simple so that it is easy to be executed?
- Are our marking procedures simple enough that lifeguards can clearly identify non-swimmers?
- How are we educating our community (guardians, counselors, guests, etc.) on our policy so that everyone can support lifeguards in their work?
- How are we communicating with guardians who don’t want their child to be swim tested or wear a PFD?
Lifeguard Positioning
- How are we regularly testing to make sure that we have an adequate number of lifeguards to guard the entire pool or waterfront?
- How are we testing to make sure that lifeguards can recognize a victim in their entire area of responsibility?
- How are we including lifeguards in the testing process to make sure they understand why positions exist?
- How often are we asking lifeguards in the stand if they can see their entire area of responsibility?
- How are we empowering lifeguards to change their position if a blind spot exists?
- How are we responding when a lifeguard shares they are unable to see a section of their area of responsibility?
- If the pool or waterfront can’t be adequately guarded, which sections can be closed or programs can be altered?
Lifeguard’s Expectations to Get Wet Everyday
- When our lifeguards are on duty, do they expect to get in the water every day?
- How frequently are our lifeguards completing a realistic drill from start to finish?
- What drill can we implement this week to give lifeguards realistic practice?
- How can we continue to evolve and give lifeguards practice every day?
- How can we utilize non-aquatics staff to help implement drills?
- How are we practicing our emergency action plan and rescues with the number of guards we have on duty?
Staffing
- How many lifeguard staff do we expect to leave before summer programming ends?
- How are we planning now to make sure we have an adequate number of lifeguards towards the end of summer?
- How can we create backup plans now if staff leave or don’t show up for their shifts?
- Where can we reduce hours or adjust programming for the staff we will have?
- How are we planning now to onboard any new staff to ensure they are adequately trained?
- How will we transition from summer aquatic programming (camps, outdoor pools, etc.) to school-year programming (indoor pools, afterschool, childcare, membership, etc.)?