Lifeguard Staff Information Page
Farm Family Mantra #1:
The Farm Family deserves the safest pool environment in town!
-Professional lifeguards who enforce the rules clearly and effectively.
-Professional lifeguards who use their training to respond to incidents quickly and effectively.
-Professional lifeguards who educate the Farm Family about the rules and safe swimming practices.
Farm Family Mantra #2:
The Farm Family deserves the cleanest pool environment in town!
-Professional lifeguards who take cleanliness seriously.
-Professional lifeguards who vacuum pools, stock and clean bathrooms (including toilets), and a litter and stain free pool deck.
-Professional lifeguards who take pride in a sparkling facility.
Farm Family Mantra #3:
The Farm Family deserves the friendliest pool environment in town!
-Professional lifeguards who enforce rules in a friendly manner.
-Professional lifeguards who take the responsibility of being a role model to younger members seriously.
-Professional lifeguards who greet every member with a “hello” and a “have a nice swim” at desk.
Emergency Action Plan
- Please use your common sense at all times.
- After observing a situation that demands that you enter the water, please get the attention of the lifeguard on deck by giving three quick whistle blasts. Make eye contact with an on-deck guard before entering the water.
- Whichever guard is in the best position to respond to the situation should take immediate, prudent action. Direct assistance methods should be based on your American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.
- The pool should continue to be monitored by another guard (s).
- Other guards on hand should be prepared to assist in the actual rescue, crowd control, removing lane ropes, bringing bag valve mask, bringing AED, flagging down EMS, etc.
- The responding lifeguard should ensure that 911 is notified if necessary. Directions to The Farm are located over the pool desk.
- Involved parties following the incident should complete an accident/injury report.
- Please do not discuss the accident with non-related parties until you have been debriefed by the manager or pool supervisor.
- The bag valve mask and AED are located on the shelf in the front guard room.
Lifeguard Expectations
- USE YOUR COMMON SENSE AT ALL TIMES!!! (This cannot be stressed enough)
- Every guard must be at the pool at least 15 minutes before he or she is to start his or her shift (not before going up in the chair). Head guards do not want to have to scramble in order to find a replacement. If for some reason you cannot be at work on time, PLEASE call the pool so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
- YOU are responsible for finding your own replacement.
- All guards must have their own whistles!!!
- All guards should be prepared to enter the water at all times (wear a bathing suit).
- No gum chewing, eating or drinking(other than water) allowed in the stands.
- Practice politeness and avoid negative language while speaking to rule-breakers.
- Leave your personal life at home. This involves coming to work in a frame of mind conducive to doing your job properly. In addition, please be mindful of the topics you discuss, the words you use, and the presence of members while conversing with other guards. Many of the younger swimmers hold lifeguards in very high esteem. Because we are very influential, it is important that we choose our words carefully while on the job.
- No cellphones OR smart watches while in the stand. Please be mindful of using cellphones while on break. Remember to put member interactions before cellphone use. You may need to act extremely quickly during an EAP response.
- Guard swimwear must be red, black or blue in color. Suits cannot have loose strings and must fit in an appropriate and modest manner.
- Do not talk to your friends, sleep, slouch, or engage in recreational activities while in the chair. LOOK AND BE ALERT!! Please be mindful of posture. Looking too relaxed makes a guard look uninterested. Please think about how you are presenting yourself to others in the stand. BE RESCUE READY!
- Please make sure that gates to the lower pool remain closed when the lower pool is not in use. Also, make sure the baby pool gate self closes.
- Do not serve patrons in the “Farm Grill” unless the staff asks for your assistance.
- Stay busy during opening hour. There is always something to be done. Checklist tasks should be fully completed. Take pride in completing those tasks!
- “Stay on the ball.” There are lots of guards looking for hours so there will be no room for lazy guards.
- Check your bathroom of choice after getting down from the stand. Reload supplies (soap, toilet paper, hand towels), pick up trash, and look for disasters.
- All guards should wear a red, blue, or black swimsuit. It does not have to say lifeguard on it. Please make sure your suit provides adequate coverage and will stay on in the event of making a save. We are a family pool and parents will email Ben and Jeff if they see a suit that is questionable.
- There is absolutely NO SLEEPING while you are on duty.
Rotation Specifics
We are striving to present ourselves as professionally as possible. Conduct in chair is vital. Remain attentive at all times. You should not be observed with your head frozen in one place, unless there is one swimmer in the pool. BE RESCUE READY!
A typical rotation when we are at one should look like the following:
- Incoming guard walks toward chair. While approaching chair, guard should scan bottom of upper pool, look for hazards on deck and in the pool, check baby pool and gate to lower pool, and look in baby pool for issues.
- Incoming guard should stand next to chair. At this point, outgoing guard hands incoming guard the rescue tube. Both guards should maintain watch over the pool during this process. Guards should also exchange information regarding pool situation. This information should include:
- Special needs swimmers in water
- Special classes or programs in water
- Any outside groups present
- Non-swimmers in water
- Anything unusual at the pool at that time
- Outgoing guard comes down from the chair.
- Incoming guard hands outgoing guard the rescue tube.
- Incoming guard climbs into chair while outgoing guard maintains supervision.
- Outgoing guard hands incoming guard the rescue tube once incoming guard is in the chair.
- Incoming guard gives the outgoing guard the all clear signal.
- Outgoing guard moves to the next station. While changing station, outgoing guard should scan bottom of pool, looking for hazards on deck and in the pool, check baby pool and gate to lower pool, and look in other pools for issues.
This transfer should be made with the utmost professionalism and confidence. Conversation should be kept to a minimum and should only include information about current pool situation.
Please remember to limit conversations with co-workers while they are on surveillance duty. You do not want to distract our lifeguards.
Pool Rules
You will learn quickly who the chronic violators are. Most of these children know how long to string the lifeguards along. Therefore, consistency is imperative. You may ask children who repeatedly break rules to 1) sit out for a period of time 2) pick up trash or 3) leave the pool. The third option should only be used as a last resort. Lifeguards should confer with the Supervisor or a Head Guard prior to asking a swimmer to leave the facility.
Safety First
The Farm has always been a safe and happy place for everyone, especially children. The following pool rules have been developed over the years to ensure the safety of all swimmers. There is a logical reason for each of the rules, and I fully expect the lifeguards to enforce them in a friendly manner. The guards want everyone to have fun at the pool, but it is their responsibility to prevent accidents and dangerous situations.
Apparel
Swim shirts are allowed on boards and slides.
No cut-off shorts are allowed.
Diving Boards
High dive waivers must be signed for all users under the age of 18 of the high dive. Members cannot sign waiver for guest children. 10 and under must pass safety test.
Wait on the ground for the diving boards(not the stairs).
No inward, cutaway, or suicide dives are allowed.
Only one bounce is allowed on diving boards.
No swinging on rails is allowed.
No goggles may be worn off boards.
Swim immediately to side of pool closest to diving board you used, and climb out using the ladder.
Do not go off board until the person before you is at side of pool.
No free swimming in diving area is allowed while the boards are open.
No back jumps are allowed off the boards outside of dive class.
Swimmers are not allowed to throw toys to people going off the diving boards.
Parents may not enter water to meet poor swimming children.
Upper Pool Slide
Wait on the ground for the slide.
Go down slide in sitting position only.
No swimming is allowed below bottom of slide.
Exit immediately after sliding.
No goggles may be worn off slide.
With no exceptions, parents waiting for children coming down slide must wait outside slide area.
No standing is allowed on top of slide.
No flipping, diving or twisting at the end of the slide.
No swimming from low dive to shallow water free swim area.
Children without badges should not use slide.
Be aware of children climbing down from slide.
Floats and Kickboards
No rafts or large floats are permitted.
Kickboards are permitted only in lap lanes and in shallow end of upper pool, not in the 7 or 5 ft. sections.
On crowded days, floats and balls may be removed from pool.
Children in water wings or puddle jumpers must always be within arm’s reach of a parent or adult.
Swimmers are not allowed to hit one another with kickboards or floats, this includes noodles.
Standing on kickboards is not allowed.
Well-fitting life jackets and puddle jumpers are allowed.
Lap Lanes
Lap swimming is allowed only in lap lanes.
Lap swimmers must stay on one side of lane (two in each lane).
No cutting through lap lanes is allowed.
Circle swimming is allowed only in end lanes under shallow-end guard stand, or when agreed to by swimmers in a certain lane.
Lap swimmers with a reservation have priority for the lane they are booked in.
Pool Area
Swimmers must enter water from side facing forward-no flips, spins, or can-openers.
No walking on deck in flippers is allowed.
No talking to on-duty guards in stand is allowed.
All swimmers must check in at desk.
No glass is allowed anywhere inside pool gates.
No running is allowed.
No horseplay is allowed.
No profanity is allowed.
Only staff members are allowed in office.
Games
Take only one step when entering pool, no running entries.
Balls may be used only in shallowest end of large pool and shallow end of lower pool. (Abuse of privilege will result in balls being taken away).
Soft squirt guns are allowed. These may be removed during crowded times in pool.
No tennis balls, footballs, baseballs, etc… are allowed in pool. If it would hurt to get hit in the head with it, it’s not allowed.
General Pool Rules
Swimmers must enter water front-first only—no flips or back dives from side.
Children without FSRA badge must remain in shallow area of the upper pool and behind depth divider rope in shallow end of the lower pool.
No gum is allowed while in pool.
No horseplay is allowed in the water or on the deck.
No hanging or playing on ropes is allowed.
No hanging in the water with feet on the deck is allowed.
You may ask children who repeatedly break rules to 1) sit out for a period of time 2) pick up trash or 3) leave the pool. The third option should only be used as a last resort. Lifeguards should confer with the Supervisor or a Head Guard prior to asking a swimmer to leave the facility.
Fecal Contamination Policy
Please notify the Head Guard, Pool Supervisor, or Manager if you suspect, see, or get information from a patron regarding a fecal emergency. PLEASE DO SO DISCRETELY SO AS TO NOT ALARM THE PATRONS!!!!! The shift supervisor will then decide what action should be taken. Pool closures could be as short as 30 minutes. Please follow same procedures for vomit.
Permanent swim diapers are required. If you see a child not wearing the required permanent swim diaper, notify a head guard, pool supervisor, or the manager on duty discretely. In addition, desk attendants should make sure that all patrons who check in diapered children are aware of the policy.
Swimming Lessons
All full-time guards will have the opportunity to teach both group lessons and private (one-swimmer) lessons. Feel free to talk with more experienced swim teachers concerning constructive and appropriate activities for swim lessons.
All final decisions regarding private lesson pairings will be made by the pool manager. Patrons should fill out a private lesson form, the pool supervisor will then assign the lesson to a chosen guard. Please do not accept requests to teach private lessons immediately. Instead, tell them that the pool manager makes these decisions and they should speak to them regarding their wishes. Once instructors have been assigned to lessons then all subsequent decisions are made by the instructor and parent. Private lessons cost $25. After lesson completion, have member sign private lesson receipt. You will be paid $20 per lesson on the next payroll.
DO NOT SCHEDULE A PRIVATE LESSON DURING LIFEGUARDING HOURS.
Special Reminders Regarding Group Swim Lessons
- Treat lessons like shifts.
- Please show up early so that the lesson can start on time. If you are too late, your lesson will be given to another guard.
- Give all your campers a mini swim test at the beginning of the week to see their skill level. Also, give one at the end to see improvement.
- Prepare lesson plans for each week
- At the end of the week prepare a written up-date for parents, include the child’s skill level, areas of improvement and areas that need work. Use the Red Cross swimming levels to assess improvements.
- Remember, teaching swim lessons is a privilege, not a right
Most group swimming lessons will run in conjunction with the three camps. Therefore, it is important that each instructor try their best to make each lesson both enjoyable for the swimmers and educational. These swimming lessons are flexibly structured. After the first day of each session the groups will be shuffled to match the swimmers according to ability. It is important that each swimmer feels safe and is safe at all times.
Janitorial Duties
Maintaining the cleanliness of the entire facility is one of the most important facets of the lifeguarding staff’s job description. We all have to work to maintain a clean facility. Failure to recognize situations in which cleaning is necessary do not go unnoticed by shift supervisors and project the attitude that a lifeguard does not care. Such attitudes not only create more work for everyone else but also will be taken into consideration concerning future employment. Expectations concerning the state of the facilities at the opening and closing of each day will be made readily available and should be consulted prior to the opening of the gate and the departure of any guard at the close of the day.
Guards working the morning shift are expected to arrive at the pool at 9 a.m. to prepare the facility for opening. This hour is intended to be spent putting the pool in operating condition. Weekends are especially important. The bathrooms and building must be clean, including the counters and mirrors and the pool should sparkle. After coming down from the stand, you are responsible for checking the bathrooms for general cleanliness and for the bathroom necessities: soap, toilet paper, and hand towels. Also make sure you check the contents of the toilets. There is no reason that patrons should complain about un-stocked bathrooms.
Restock Supply Videos
Scheduling
You will receive an email regarding upcoming schedule each week. These will be sent in priority order: shift leaders, full time guards, and part time guards.
Running the Desk
On normal days lifeguards will rotate through the desk station.
- Please keep all belongings (cloths, towels, etc.) in the changing room.
- Put supplies back where you found them after you use them.
- Keep members away from the desk area to avoid an unnecessary pile-up at the entrance.
- Keep the cordless phone at the desk area at all times. Members may use the white phone for personal phone calls under two minutes.
- The desk attendant’s main responsibility is checking in members and their guests, giving out information, and answering the phone. Please answer the phone by acknowledging The Farm and yourself. For example, “Farm pool, this is ________”.
- The Pool Manager is the ONLY person who is permitted to schedule parties, please do not schedule a party on your own.
- Please keep desk area clean and orderly
Lifeguard Desk Job Duties Description
Member check-in.
- Ask name and find name in CourtReserve system.
- If name is in the computer, register all family members for the current day open swim on CourtReserve.
- If name is not in computer, alert head guard or pool supervisor.
Guests
- Add number of guests to the cart in the CourtReserve POS system on the computer and put first names of guests in the cart notes. Make sure to get the correct member name to charge the guests to their account.
Valuables
- Place in small bag, clearly write name and cross off when valuables are claimed.
First aid
- Equipment is on shelves behind desk.
- Accident reports are located in the file cabinet under the printer.
- Accident procedure on bulletin board.
Phone
- Answer the phone with “Farm Pool. This is… ”
- Members may make local calls.
Recreation Programs
- Assist with sign-ups for recreation Write information on registration sheets.
- Provide any information regarding recreation programs to Directly responsible to pool supervisor or head guard.
Rain Policy
If you feel that your services may not be needed due to inclement weather, call thirty minutes before your scheduled shift or show up for work. Morning shift must show up for work. When odd jobs are completed and the decision to stay open is made (by the pool manager or head guard), a skeleton staff will stay on duty. The crew will consist of three guards, rotating from desk to pool. The determination of who stays or who leaves will be made by the pool manager or head guard. If you have a transportation problem, please notify the pool manager. If, for some reason, you will not be able to report to work on time, please inform the pool manager or a Head Guard ASAP so that they may make the necessary arrangements.
Lightning Policy
If weather indicates that there may be a thunder/lightning storm, all guards not in a stand or at the desk are expected to be on the deck with eyes open. At the first sign of close thunder or lightning in the area, the supervisor or head guard will give the order to clear the pool. Members must clear the deck in the event of lightning. The pool manager or a Head Guard will then give instructions to both other lifeguards on duty and members. The pool will reopen 30 minutes after the last lightning sighted or thunder heard. In severe weather it may remain closed for the rest of the day.
In-service Trainings
There will be scheduled in-service trainings this year. Please attend. Lack of attendance may lead to scheduling restrictions.
Conclusion
We expect 110% on the job. We want to have the best pool in town with the reputation for the best guards. Do your part to make that happen!!! Don’t be surprised if we get drop drills this year. Guard skills will be checked throughout the summer. Please be prepared.
Job Descriptions
A. Pool Manager
- Responsible for all pool operations (see head guard).
- Organize and conduct guard orientation at the beginning of the summer.
- Write information for Farm newsletter.
- Organize and direct swim lesson offerings to members.
- Help organize and direct any special pool event.
- Set time schedule for pool.
- Write an evaluation of the aquatic program: programs, facilities, and personnel at the end of the season.
- Maintain a good working environment between members, guards, and guests.
- Directly responsible to FSRA manager.
B. Head Guard
Morning shift
- Unlock gates and bathhouse.
- Make sure all scheduled employees are present.
- Assign set-up and clean-up tasks.
- Take pool water chemical reading.
- Check pumps.
- Adjust chlorinator as necessary.
- Check on progress of clean-up and assess further clean-up needs.
- Make rotation.
- Help with set-up.
Daily
- Record pool water readings at 9, 2, and 5 o’clock.
- Check on pumps.
- Survey crowd density periodically and make arrangements to open/close lower pool if necessary.
- Determine reasonableness of games like sharks and minnows and t-tag.
- Handle any problem members, guests or employees may have.
- Take appropriate first aid action, call FSRA manager and fill out accident report in case of accident.
- Keep pool, bathhouse, and outlying areas neat and clean.
Evening shift
- Make sure all scheduled employees are present.
- Set rotation.
- Move lap lanes in upper pool to accommodate lap swimmer demand.
- Organize and help with clean-up.
- Lock all doors and gates
- Directly responsible to Pool Manager.
C. Life Guard
Daily (morning)
- Distribute trash cans.
- Furnish necessary soap, towels and toilet paper to bathrooms.
- Prepare pool house. Clean as necessary.
- Open pool house partitions.
- Wipe tables with sponge.
- Check for wasp nests.
- Empty all skimmers.
- Remove leaves, rocks and trash from pool with net.
- Vacuum baby pool.
- Blow all deck areas.
- Turn on slide water.
- Straighten lost and found.
- Police entire pool deck and grass for trash.
- Maintain safe and clean area while off duty.
- Perform desk duties.
Daily (evening shift).
- Police pool deck for trash.
- Put all equipment inside bathhouse.
- Turn off slide water.
- Collect and consolidate all trash cans. Empty trash in dumpster.
- Hose locker rooms if necessary.
- Scrub locker rooms with disinfectant.
- Police area for trash.
- Lock all doors and turn off all lights except outside flood lights.
- Perform desk duties
Weekly clean-up.
- Do work assigned on weekly clean-up list.
- Wipe off all shelves and benches with sponge.
- Clean all toilet facilities.
- Clean water fountain and baseboards.
- Clean windows in bathhouse.
- Any yard work or pool clean-up that is needed.
- Directly responsible to pool manager and head guards.
All Pool Staff members are required to read through the information in the links provided below.
FSRA Policy For The Protection Of Children, Youth; And Adults With Developmental Disabilities
FSRA Bullying Policy and Prevention
Social Networking Policy for Employees
Mandatory Farm Employee Quiz
Please read through the FSRA Policy For The Protection Of Children, Youth; And Adults With Developmental Disabilities, FSRA Bullying Policy and Prevention, and The Social Networking Policy for Employees. Once you have read through the 3 attachments, take the online quiz. You must get 80% of the questions correct or better to avoid an in-person orientation. All quizzes must be completed before your first day of employment.
Take the quiz HERE
Take the lifeguard rules quiz HERE