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.
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