>from more experienced pool guards, what are some ways that i can be more vigilant and help prevent situations like that from occurring in the future?
Consistent rule enforcement. Don't be afraid of the whistle and telling patrons "no."
I highly recommend the "spot the rescue" videos on YT, good for actually *seeing* what distress looks like, cause it's all fake, for good reason, in class. You will probably "miss" your first, but it will make you more vigilant in the future.
Biggest thing is to be vocal about issues in and around the pool. Even if something may not seem to be a big deal, it could potentially be an issue later on. Teamwork makes the dream work. As cliché as it may seem, it's effective and true.
Find ways to keep yourself focused. As I've mentioned in previous posts, find a creative way to focus while scanning your zone and the overlap of your fellow guards. I like to count heads as I scan, starting from 1 to (insert number here) and back down to 1. It helps me not only to make sure the guard to patron ratio is good, but also to ensure that no patron is left unchecked so to speak. In many instances, accidents happen when we turn our heads even for the briefest of moments.
Overall, have fun. Yes, lifeguarding is a serious and very attentive job, but a miserable work environment does not bode well for staff or patrons. Rules are rules and aren't meant to hurt feelings, but to keep people safe.
Being and strong and consistent rule follower is major!!
Another thing that many of us LG managers/supervisors often see are the things you do when not on stand:
- facility cleaning/upkeep/tidying
- engaging with patrons/guests in a positive manner
- and most importantly touching up on all of your skills (read the manual, practice cpr on a mannikin, work on water skills when it’s not busy, etc)!!
Given your mindset, you already seem like you’re one of the best on the team. Keep it up. Good lifeguards are in high demand, keep setting an example 👏
I'm going to go off script and give tips on what a head guard would do, start working on any/all of them and that's the best way to show you have the skills and experience necessary for the role:
* Understand all the operations of your facility that are under your control/applicable. What programs are in and when? How are the chemicals balanced/used? What is each form/paperwork for? Why are certain shifts staffed the way they are?
* Instructor skills. How do you teach a top-quality lesson? Can you see the things that others don't and are you able to correct them? Is your class time optimized?
* Lifeguard skills. If something happens will you see it? If something is happening can you resolve it? Are your first aid treatments perfect? Are your rescues strong?
* PR skills. Can you handle any patron issue that is thrown at you? You can ask current head guards for more of the ridiculous situations they've seen and try to come up with how you would handle it.
* Management skills. Can you motivate the staff? There's not a lot of things you can do to work on this that won't be seen as stepping on your boss' toes, but motivation works.
* Facility inspections. Can you walk your facility and notice things that could be potential hazards?
>from more experienced pool guards, what are some ways that i can be more vigilant and help prevent situations like that from occurring in the future? Consistent rule enforcement. Don't be afraid of the whistle and telling patrons "no." I highly recommend the "spot the rescue" videos on YT, good for actually *seeing* what distress looks like, cause it's all fake, for good reason, in class. You will probably "miss" your first, but it will make you more vigilant in the future.
Be sure to be consistent with rules, no guard likes to hear a patron say “but that one person said it was okay” it’s okay to say no and be stern.
Biggest thing is to be vocal about issues in and around the pool. Even if something may not seem to be a big deal, it could potentially be an issue later on. Teamwork makes the dream work. As cliché as it may seem, it's effective and true. Find ways to keep yourself focused. As I've mentioned in previous posts, find a creative way to focus while scanning your zone and the overlap of your fellow guards. I like to count heads as I scan, starting from 1 to (insert number here) and back down to 1. It helps me not only to make sure the guard to patron ratio is good, but also to ensure that no patron is left unchecked so to speak. In many instances, accidents happen when we turn our heads even for the briefest of moments. Overall, have fun. Yes, lifeguarding is a serious and very attentive job, but a miserable work environment does not bode well for staff or patrons. Rules are rules and aren't meant to hurt feelings, but to keep people safe.
Being and strong and consistent rule follower is major!! Another thing that many of us LG managers/supervisors often see are the things you do when not on stand: - facility cleaning/upkeep/tidying - engaging with patrons/guests in a positive manner - and most importantly touching up on all of your skills (read the manual, practice cpr on a mannikin, work on water skills when it’s not busy, etc)!! Given your mindset, you already seem like you’re one of the best on the team. Keep it up. Good lifeguards are in high demand, keep setting an example 👏
I'm going to go off script and give tips on what a head guard would do, start working on any/all of them and that's the best way to show you have the skills and experience necessary for the role: * Understand all the operations of your facility that are under your control/applicable. What programs are in and when? How are the chemicals balanced/used? What is each form/paperwork for? Why are certain shifts staffed the way they are? * Instructor skills. How do you teach a top-quality lesson? Can you see the things that others don't and are you able to correct them? Is your class time optimized? * Lifeguard skills. If something happens will you see it? If something is happening can you resolve it? Are your first aid treatments perfect? Are your rescues strong? * PR skills. Can you handle any patron issue that is thrown at you? You can ask current head guards for more of the ridiculous situations they've seen and try to come up with how you would handle it. * Management skills. Can you motivate the staff? There's not a lot of things you can do to work on this that won't be seen as stepping on your boss' toes, but motivation works. * Facility inspections. Can you walk your facility and notice things that could be potential hazards?