3 tips for implementing community water safety lessons

3 tips for implementing community water safety lessons

In celebration of National Water Safety Month, pool management and directors should look into offering water safety lessons for the local community. This annual event is hosted by the World Waterpark Association, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation & Park Association and the American Red Cross and is a great opportunity to work with other aquatic facilities.

Get into the spirit of National Water Safety Month by hosting water safety classes. You may discover that the costs of doing so are too high for your facility to handle alone. In these cases, consider enlisting the help of other community pools.

Ensure that all needs are met
Though your pool might be able to operate with one lifeguard per shift, offering water safety lessons will require at least two or more certified individuals, especially because parents and guardians will be invited to these courses.

Working out the details doesn’t have to be difficult if you consider these three tips.

1. Staff accordingly: Chances are, your facility has a swimming instructor and a few lifeguards. If the roster isn’t big enough to host classes as large as you’d like, speak with pool management from other venues to see if they can offer help. Many participants of these courses will be unfamiliar with proper pool conduct, so make sure you have enough staff to ensure the safety of all class participants.

2. Work with fundraising groups: You don’t have to limit your water safety partners to other aquatic venues. There are bound to be a number of fundraising groups in the community that are more than happy to help out. After all, water safety is critical. Figure out if there are any other costs that you have to offset and reach out to these organizations.

3. Market on a large scale: Once you’ve enlisted the right groups to help out, collaborate on the marketing strategy. Bring lots of publicity to the events to ensure that the entire community is aware of the new learning opportunities at your pool.

If the program is a success, don’t be surprised if other, larger organizations reach out to you to discuss further funding and expansion. This happened to community-owned Hyland Hills Water World, according to Aquatics International magazine. After an outstanding pilot program on water safety, Wells Fargo Bank became involved in the efforts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in the community and establish new relationships with local and commercial industries.