Training our guard teams is vital to the safety and well-being of all who enter our facilities. Frog Falls’ guards are certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding and ARC Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding. The water safety team includes lead lifeguards who support and monitor the pool deck each shift. These experienced leads play a critical role in assisting and mentoring new lifeguards.

On one particularly busy day, I was reminded by how important it is for our guards to be not only trained in water safety, but also in leadership.

I was working with a customer when I heard two short whistle alerts coming from our deep-end lifeguard stand. The guard was signaling for backup. A lead guard responded and stood to the side of the lifeguard as they talked. Then the lead guard whistled to three young swimmers over to poolside and reprimanded them.

Later, I saw the same lifeguard at a different station. Before him were the same three swimmers that the lead guard had just reprimanded. They were continuing their unsafe behavior and ignoring the lifeguard. The guard had no choice but to call again for backup. This time, the lead guard asked the swimmers to leave the pool.

Whether you are lifeguarding at a pool, beach or in open water, it is important to have the confidence to handle the patrons in your zone. Guards must be confident in their abilities — and confident enough to call for backup when necessary.

Lessons Learned

1. Bolster lifeguard confidence. Remind them that they possess the training and skill to handle patrons. Having lead lifeguards mentor junior, less experienced staff can reinforce this.

2. Encourage guards to ask for help if needed. Sometimes patrons don’t respond to requests and things start escalating. Calling for backup helps the whole team.

3. Support and acknowledge your lifeguards. When people’s efforts are noticed and praised, it can have a positive effect on the individual, and the team.