Improving Lifeguard Performance: The Value of
In-Service Training

The key to preventing drowning and other aquatic injuries is to have properly prepared and supervised lifeguards. The reality is that lifeguarding, first aid and CPR skills degrade fairly quickly over time without repetition and reinforcement. By conducting in-service trainings on a regular basis, aquatic supervisors can improve the skills and abilities of their lifeguards, and improve their overall facility safety.

"In-service training re-enforces skills taught not only in the core lifeguarding course, but also those skills specific to the individual facility," said Bryan Nadeau, guest arrival systems manager for Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks in St. Louis, Missouri. "Skills are best executed when guards routinely practice them. If guards cannot perform under a controlled training situation, they'll be less likely to perform on demand during an emergency situation."

Scheduling in-service training can be difficult, which may hinder the amount of trainings that are able to occur. Factors such as the length of your season, budget, facility operational hours, and the availability of your lifeguards will influence your planning decisions. It is important to work with your entire team to develop an extended schedule so that everyone is included in the process. This will help build teamwork, morale and commitment to the job.

"There has to be a commitment from management to schedule sessions that allow maximum participation," stated Nadeau. "Some guards prefer early morning, some evening; commit to it, execute it-no excuses."

Dan Jones, director of aquatics and beach safety for the city of Newport News in Virginia, has his aquatic facilities assign skills for all lifeguarding staff to complete by the end of each month. "These skills may be completed during scheduled shifts (if appropriate), scheduled shift overlaps, on their own or in groups. We focus on seven components each month that range from conditioning; caring for head, neck and back injuries; water rescue and oxygen delivery to victim assessment and emergency cardiac care," he added.

In-service training is critical for lifeguard skill retention and facility safety-and has quickly become an industry standard for reason of risk management. Topics or skill practices chosen for in-service training should enhance the lifeguards' knowledge, skills and enthusiasm, and help them maintain a high level of performance all season long.

"We do icebreakers to get everyone laughing, provide stations with engaging scenarios, as well as create search and rescue competitions," stated Tina Dittmar, aquatics supervisor of the city of Laguna Niguel in California. "Overall, we make every effort to ensure in-service training is fun, informative and challenging."

A team that is committed to in-service training and that works together to make it happen often has overall happier guards, better retention and fewer staffing problems.

To effectively conduct in-service trainings, becoming familiar with common patterns of class organization, such as group discussions, demonstrations, drills and simulations, is key. These trainings are an excellent way to keep the knowledge and skills of your employees sharp. Review and challenge courses, as well as new certification courses, can be offered through in-service training as well, which allows your lifeguards to grow professionally and expand their scope of training.

"We should be training our lifeguards to feel empowered to respond to and prevent emergencies," said Jones. "In my opinion, we are only as good as our training. Consistent day to day facility operating standards help create an environment where lifeguards are positioned properly to recognize and respond effectively to emergencies," he added.

When asked the difference seen in her employees after an in-service training, Dittmar replied, "Confidence. My guards watch the water better, they deal with patrons with more patience, and the little things are taken care of efficiently."

"When they are on duty, they take command of the facility," she added. "It's a great thing to see, especially when it's the first day of summer with 200 kids at the pool and the staff take care of the day like they have been doing this everyday for years."

Nadeau added, "It is too obvious to state that their skills are fine-tuned through in-service training; because it goes further than that. A team that is committed to in-service training and that works together to make it happen often has overall happier guards, better retention and fewer staffing problems."

Lifeguard Management Manual with CD-ROM Stock No. 654148 Retail Price: $26.99 In-Service Training Made Easier The American Red Cross Lifeguard Management course provides lifeguard supervisors with tools and resources to develop their own in-service training program and documentation procedures specific for their pool, waterpark or waterfront facility. Participants receive a manual and CD-ROM, which is packed with customizable tools such as records and reports, as well as nearly 100 in-service training outlines on topics including sexual harassment, assertiveness, communication, fitness and emergency scenarios.

Tina Dittmar has been the aquatics supervisor with the City of Laguna Niguel in California for over 16 years. She is a Lifeguarding and Water Safety instructor trainer, as well as AFO. She was a member of both the Swimming and Water Safety and Lifeguarding Advisory Groups. She appears in the new lifeguarding videos as a rescuer in the caring for head, neck and back injury segment and in the Lifeguard Management video as a "supervisor" and as the lady in the flower swim cap. Dan Jones is an American Red Cross-certified instructor trainer in Lifeguarding, Water Safety, as well as an Emergency Response and Small Craft Safety instructor. He has worked and managed a variety of public and private swimming pools both indoors and outdoors. He has been an American Red Cross volunteer for over 23 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Chapter in Virginia. Since 1999, he has served as a member on the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Advisory Group. Bryan Nadeau has worked as the operations director, as well as the revenue director, for Water County USA since 1999. He currently works as the guest arrival systems manager for the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks. He was on the IAAPA's Waterpark Committee from 2000-2004 and recently was a member of American Red Cross Lifeguarding Advisory Group.

For more information, contact your local American Red Cross chapter.
To order program materials, contact your local chapter, call (800) 667-2968
or visit www.shopstaywell.com.

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