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Copyright 2001

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS:

The primary responsibilities of a lifeguard include: Safety, Security, and Public Relations.  These three areas are of utmost importance in fulfilling the position of lifeguard.  All lifeguards are responsible to the Aquatics Manager.

Safety:

v     Prevent, report and document all accidents.

v     Supervise the pool facilities.

v     Clear and secure the pool at closing.

v     The lifeguard should enforce all pool rules (page 7) and use the discipline technique mentioned on page 8.  All warnings (above a minor one such as running), time outs and dismissals will be documented in the Discipline Report Book.

v     Check that the safety equipment is in the correct place and is in good working order on a daily basis.

v     Inspect the pool on a daily basis.

v     Use phones for emergencies only.

v     Arrive on time for shifts.

v     Kickboards and/or any additional articles left in the pool or on the deck need to be cleaned up and placed in their appropriate locations at closing time.

v     Lifeguards have the right to test the ability of a swimmer if he/she feels the swimmer is not capable of swimming in an area in which the depth of the water exceeds the capabilities of the swimmer. 

v     Lifeguards have the right to refuse admittance to any patron having an obvious communicable disease, skin eruption, cut, sore or lesion, eye, ear, nose, or throat infection: Or any other reasons where admittance may be detrimental to the well-being of the individual.  (*These examples have been taken directly from the Nebraska Swimming Pool Operator’s Manual*) Such conditions include: colds, ringworm, fevers, foot infections, skin lesions, carbuncles, inflamed eyes, ear discharges or any other condition which has the appearance of being infectious.  Persons with excessive sunburn, abrasion which has not healed, corn plasters, bunion pads, adhesive tape, rubber bandages, etc., or other bandage of any kind should not be admitted.

Security:

v     Keep all areas secure both during and after normal operating hours.

v     Document all incidents.

v     As soon as employees arrive, check the pool and surrounding areas for safety.  Don’t forget to look at the pool bottom.

v     Lifeguards are city employees.  Therefore, if a patron is misbehaving or damaging property in the city park area outside the pool the lifeguard has the right to give warnings to the patron and follow up with discipline that is appropriate if the warning is not heeded.

Public Relations:

v     Have patrons who are buying a Season Membership fill out the Season Membership Form to ensure accuracy and a proper record.

v     The participants are our customers.  We need to be as accommodating as possible without creating additional risk.

v     If participants look as if they need assistance, help!

v     When participants arrive, make them feel welcome by greeting them politely when you are in the office.

v     Explain misunderstandings in an articulate, dignified manner.

v     Relay information from the participants to the Manager.

v     Do not hesitate to point the participant to the Manager or Assistant Manager on duty.