Integrating Lifeguarding Quotes

As time goes on, more and more community's are slowly starting to realize how important their lifeguards actually are to the community. Just over the summer of 2014 at Centennial Park Aquatic Center, there has been over 300 recorded saves (Seidelmann, Head Pool Manager). That being said, more and more communities (including The Village Of Orland Park) are giving their lifeguards larger raises. In fact, in 2013, Centennial had increased their lifeguards' pay raise from 10 cents to 50 cent a year as a thank you to the guards for the thousands of lives that have been saved and gone without notice. Now not only do lifeguards feel more appreciated by the village, but a 4th year returning lifeguard will now be making $10.50 and not $8.90 which is more of an incentive to stay with the village or not be forced to find a higher paying job and be forced to leave Centennial.

A short interview with Head Pool Manager of Cenntenial Park Aquatic Center- WIlliam Seidelmann

•       What are some other reasons you have discovered why our lifeguards chose being lifeguards?
Other than money, the sense of community amongst their peers and outdoor environment tend to be reasons people return as lifeguards year after year. Responsibility and the feeling of making a difference is the reason parents have told me they like their children to work for us.
•       What are other types of certifications in the life saving world can one get if they wish to pursue the first responder field?
EMT, Paramedic, and Firefighter are some certs people have pursued.
•       Are there any benefits to having a CPR/AR/AED certification even when your not a lifeguard?
Greatest benefit is being prepared for emergency situations. Understanding what questions to ask and how to respond in order to help someone get to the professionals is a great take away. A lot of people like having babysitters that are certified too; when talking in the younger adult population that are normally lifeguard certified.
•       How has being a lifeguard as a teen has affected some of the older generation lifeguards (if you still have contact with any?)
Many of the guards I started with have pursued carries in medicine or in communication fields. Since working in a large- diverse, sometimes stressful environment become natural, retired guards tend to find their way to these positions.
•       What are some Lifeguard related jobs that one can pursue for a full time job?
Recreation administration, aquatics supervisors at the collegiate and high school levels, risk management consultants (auditors for Eliis, Starguard or Red Cross)
•       What are some salaries of lifeguards at other facilities?
Anywhere from minimum wage to 10ish dollars an hour. Management at facilities tends to range from 10,000 a summer to 40,000 a year (base salary). At Orland I tend to make about 25,000 for the season- this includes training.
•       Approximately how many lives have been saved from lifeguards this year at the pool?
Average of 300 Rescues a year
•       How many lives have been saved from off duty lifeguards that you know of?
Last year alone I was told of 5 guards that performed first aid outside of the facility. Otherwise I do not have a concrete number but a lot of first aids, seizures, and diabetic related illnesses are treated by guards.

*A special thanks to Will for participating in the interview and responding quicker then a lifeguard that spots a distressed swimmer.

A Magnificent short Digital Lifeguarding story!

Digital Story on Lifeguarding. Perf. Bridget Collita and Brett Stozek. Youtube. Pamela Dettman, 10 Aug.      2013. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_hVEVrM_Xw>.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_hVEVrM_Xw

I have found a magnificent short digital story about life guarding that has tons of wonderful statistics and facts of lifeguards, what a lifeguard is portrayed as and what they actually do, and even some background of life guarding. The author also mentions how being a lifeguard has changed her in a positive way. What used to be a minimum wage summer job turned into a fun summer job which would teach her not only safety and performance, but teamwork, professionalism, leadership and time management. I would like to also add that it helps you think and make quick decisions when needed, as when your lifeguarding, seconds could be the difference between life and death. Whether you are looking into becoming a lifeguard next summer or just want to do some CPR classes, this video is DEFINITELY WORTH THE WATCH!

Summary: "Development and future trends in lifeguarding"

Tyson, Kim. "Developments and Future Trends In Lifeguarding."Journal of Physical Education,      

       Recreation & Dance. 61.5 (1990): 40. Web.

Lifeguards have started to take on a whole new image then what was portrayed of them in the past. With more and more water facility being build every year, more and more lifeguards have been trained to watch them. What was once a easy seasonal job now requires highly specialized skills. As time goes on,many facilities are slowly starting to realize that their lifeguards are basically the first responders. Every year, more and more facilities are changing their techniques to better fit the position. It has come to a point where lifeguards have basically become EMTS. Basic lifeguards are required to know first aid, CPR, AR, and even must trained to use a automated external defibrillator. As time goes on, lifeguards are stepping up there game as more and more lives are being saved each year due to the quick reaction and knowledge lifeguards must now know.