The Lifeguard Games

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Traditionally, most pools require in-services for their lifeguards to keep them at the tip top of their game. After a monotonous 5 years of the same in-services, we decided to mix it up. We took 5 of our pool managers and split them into 5 teams for a Lifeguard competition. The managers anonymously “drafted” their teams, to compete for a $500 prize. Every 2 weeks teams competed in various series of point based challenges, including back boarding, Emergency Action Plans, CPR-AED, and other various obstacle courses. It made our staff extremely knowledgable and proficient in their field.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Our members were ecstatic not only to watch some of these challenges take place, but were continually asking who was in the lead week to week. It not only made our staff study and understand our safety procedures more, but it allowed for a more fun and impactful way to build team morale and team work for the staff. Overall, the staff became better lifeguards and a better staff because of the lifeguard games. We honored the winning team at a large pool party so our members could acknowledge their hard work throughout the year. Additionally, we awarded them a life size check and a trophy! The staff has already talked about the competition for next year!