I lap swim daily at a public pool, actually a city pool. I alternate between 2 pools depending on my schedule. I see a huge difference in pool management style and lifeguarding situations. One pool is monitored very closely, and the other, often the lifeguard is not even on the deck, and instead in her office behind a window. Are there any laws or standards on how a lifeguard should monitor swimmers, the pool etc? Also, she uses the cell phone and often is eating her lunch and visiting with either swimmers or her family or friends while she is lifeguarding.
The Red Cross Lifeguard Training course is very specific on how lifeguards should be attentive, scanning the pool area the whole time with a rescue tube at the ready.
I too see very different standards based on facility. And that is who is responsible: The facility. If something bad happened and a lifeguard was negligent, it would be the facility as well as the individual lifeguard who could be held accountable.
If it were me I'd put a little comment in the box to let them know of the problem. You might see a more attentive lifeguard next time.
The Red Cross Lifeguard Training course is very specific on how lifeguards should be attentive, scanning the pool area the whole time with a rescue tube at the ready.
I too see very different standards based on facility. And that is who is responsible: The facility. If something bad happened and a lifeguard was negligent, it would be the facility as well as the individual lifeguard who could be held accountable.
If it were me I'd put a little comment in the box to let them know of the problem. You might see a more attentive lifeguard next time.
