As the summer draws to a close, we’re incredibly proud to announce the winner of Guard for Life’s Lifeguard of the Year award! After two and a half months of recognizing our guard’s hard work, filled with dedication, skill, and a deep commitment to safety, our lifeguards have truly shown what it means to be part of the American Pool family.

The Contest

Throughout June and July, our lifeguards were put to the test, showcasing not only their life-saving skills but also their exceptional customer service. Their hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Those who stood out earned the title of “Rescue Ready Guards,” a recognition of their excellence on the job. These outstanding individuals were automatically entered in a raffle for exclusive Guard for Life merchandise. Whether they won the raffle or not, all Rescue Ready Guards automatically became contenders for the prestigious Lifeguard of the Year award.

This year, out of 5,500 active employees, we were thrilled to see 64 nominated Rescue Ready Guards, 4 from each office; and 8 raffle winners step up as nominees for Lifeguard of the Year! In early August, the voting polls opened, and the response was nothing short of amazing. With an impressive 945 votes cast by guards, staff, families, and friends, the competition was fierce, but one lifeguard rose to the top!

The Winners

We are beyond excited to announce that Sami O. from the Berlin office has been crowned this year’s Lifeguard of the Year! Sami’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to safety earned him this well-deserved title. As a reward for his

 efforts, Sami will receive an exclusive Lifeguard of the Year sweatshirt, a feature on our social media channels, and a $1,500 prize. Sami, your hard work has paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Our runner-up, finishing just 16 votes behind Sami, is Lydia G. from the DMV office! Lydia has been a shining example of what it means to be a lifeguard, and her incredible work will be rewarded with a $500 prize. Lydia, your contributions this summer have been invaluable, and we’re thrilled to recognize your achievements.

As a company, we are immensely proud of ALL of our lifeguards! The skills, dedication, and teamwork displayed throughout the summer season have been truly inspiring. Watching our lifeguards step up, day in and day out, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our pool patrons has filled us with pride and gratitude. 

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard this season! Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence have made this summer a success. We’re excited to celebrate your achievements and look forward to another year of growth, learning, and keeping our communities safe.

Here’s to a fantastic summer and to all our Rescue Ready Guards—thank you for making American Pool a leader in safety and service!

Lifeguard of the Year, Sami O.

Berlin, New Jersey