This is my fifth summer working as a water safety instructor and a lifeguard, and in response to patrons and staff tell me what is being done right and wrong I have come up with a things that I have learned and what other should learn.
Here they are in no particular order:
- Your child is not going to be the next eight time Olympic gold medal winner by the end of a two week swim class session. I know parents want their children to be good at something but maybe forcing something upon them is not the best way to go about it. If your child really dreads coming to swim lessons then maybe you should have a serious talk with them that they are just going to learn the basic rules of safety, you'll meet new friends, and it's only for a few minutes. Instead there are parents that say "Go swim or else we are going home," or my personal favorite "Why didn't you go faster?" I'm sure if you threaten your child the situation worsens.
-Lifeguards have reason to be scared when they go to work, especially if it is their first year and first job. I understand that screwing up at your job is a colossal deal, but imagine that times ten for a guard. They are under pressure to make uphold their city's standard and to make sure no one dies on their watch. I've only made two saves in my entire guard work and was I scared the first time? Yes, but after blowing that whistle I knew instinctively what to do to save an active drowning victim. Have faith in your guards and follow the rules so we don't have to yell them at you all the time.
-Some parents need to learn when to stay behind the chain-linked fence. I know parents pay good money to ensure their child learns how to swim and behave in an aquatic facility, so it makes no sense that parents are trying to get the child's attention when the instructor is trying to help each child out. I've seen mothers make arm circles or tell their child to put their head under water when an instructor specifically asks the class to keep their heads above water for the safety of the children and look at what the class is doing not what their mom attempts to show. If you want to show your child how to swim correctly without doggy-paddling you be my guest and take them out of swim lessons.
- And lastly, this one is for the adults. Every patron, no matter their age, must follow all pool rules. The long list of rules have all been established due to some type of lawsuit. The rules are there for a reason: for the safety of everyone who enters an aquatic facility.
I know it is the end of summer but I figure it may be nice to be pool etiquette savvy.
