Standard Operating Procedures
Inclement Weather
Step |
Action |
Notes |
VISUAL |
Inclement weather is spotted and the Lead Guard or Supervisor is informed. |
|
CHECK |
Lead Guard/Supervisor checks radar and determines direction of storm. |
|
LISTEN |
Guard(s) on deck should be listening for thunder or other weather indicators. |
|
COUNT |
Once lightning and thunder are observed close together the guard(s) on deck should be counting. |
|
ALERT and CLEAR |
If the storm has come close enough to threaten the safety of patrons you must clear the pool and deck area. All guards can assist. Lead Guard or Supervisor should be visually on deck to address any patron concerns/questions. |
|
Guard Stand Rotations
Step |
Action |
Notes |
APPROACH |
Approach the guard stand or rotation point of exchange. |
|
CHECK |
Check/survey the water to determine safe conditions. |
|
ANNOUNCE |
Announce to the guard that you are relieving them from their area |
|
ROTATE |
Rotate positions while maintaining surveillance |
|
PROCEED |
Move to the next location Lifeguards should be on stand for a maximum of 50 minutes and have a break for a minimum of 10 minutes * If theres 2 guards present |
|
Dealing with Difficult Patrons
Step |
Action |
Notes |
APPROACH |
You are on stand and approached by patron. The patron is either chatty, upset or injured. |
|
CHECK |
Check/survey the water to determine safe conditions. Despite the urgency of the patron you must secure your area first. |
|
ANNOUNCE |
Injured Victim Announce that you are helping the injured victim Chatty/Upset Patron Direct them to the Head Guard or Supervisor if needed Radio for additional assistance |
|
ADDITIONAL |
The Swimming Swan LLC. prides itself on safety and customer service. Some patrons you encounter will be persistent. It is your job to kindly and respectfully avert their conversation away from you while you are actively guarding. |
|
Fecal Incidents
Step |
Action |
Notes |
VISUAL |
Survey the water for potential fecal object(s) |
|
ALERT and CLEAR |
Alert all patrons to exit the pool |
|
CHECK |
Utilize equipment |
|
REMOVE |
Wear protective gear |
|
PROCEED |
Determine next steps |
|
LEVELS |
Levels must be appropriate before returning to the water If the location doesn’t have a chemical test kit, it is recommended a pool company or professional assists |
|
CANCELLATION |
Determining to reschedule, cancel or wait to proceed with any swim lesson or activity |