By Juliene Hefter & Kirsten Barnes
When it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers, lifeguards play an indispensable role. But did you know that dedicating just four hours each month to in-service training can make all the difference? These training opportunities are not just a formality, they’re an opportunity to sharpen skills, stay updated on protocols and reinforce teamwork. Whether it’s practicing rescue techniques, learning about new safety equipment or reviewing emergency procedures, regular training keeps lifeguards ready for any situation that may arise. This monthly commitment also fosters a culture of safety and vigilance, ensuring that all lifeguards are aligned and working seamlessly together. Ultimately, investing this time into ongoing education enhances individual performance and creates a safer environment for everyone enjoying the water.
Meeting—and Exceeding—Industry Standards
While lifeguards undergo extensive training to earn their certification, maintaining that same high standard requires continuous practice, learning and perfecting, and leading organizations all agree that lifeguard skills should be refreshed as often as possible. Providing a minimum of four hours of in-service training each month not only reinforces skills but also aligns with industry standards, such as those set forth in the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Annex, as well as guidelines established by leading organizations, including the American Red Cross, StarGuard Elite, and Ellis & Associates.
Aquatic environments can change rapidly, and emergencies rarely unfold the same way twice. Regular in-service training helps keep essential lifeguard skills, such as CPR, AED operation and advanced rescue techniques, sharp while providing staff with the opportunity to refresh their understanding of facility-specific emergency action plans (EAPs), new safety protocols and risk management practices.
What’s Covered
Most certifying agencies have established requirements for ongoing training that underscore the importance of regular, structured in-service. Though not required in all jurisdictions, the MAHC can often be referred to as the industry standard of care and offers additional guidance on topics that should be covered as part of a facility’s annual in-service plan. Furthermore, MAHC provides a strong reminder that managers should look for “test-ready” skills when conducting in-service training. Typical monthly topics include:
- Rescue practice: active and passive victim retrievals, deep-water rescues, and backboard procedures.
- Emergency response: CPR, first aid, oxygen administration, and AED drills.
- Surveillance skills: scanning techniques, recognizing distressed swimmers, and preventing complacency.
- Facility-specific risks and procedures: facility rules and hazards, EAPs, closure protocols, whistle signals or radio protocol.
- Scenario-based learning: realistic simulations of medical emergencies, drownings, or crowd incidents.
But effective in-service programs cover both technical and soft skills. With that in mind, additional topics might include communication, customer service, professionalism, and team-building.
By varying topics each month, aquatic facilities can maintain engagement, ensure comprehensive coverage of all core competencies, and foster teamwork and communication among the lifeguard team.
Beyond the Minimum
While four hours per month is a solid foundation, many facilities benefit from finding time for additional training between shifts or before opening by adding skills drills, conditioning or games that reinforce lifeguard skills. Quarterly or seasonal refreshers, focused on emerging risks such as new pathogens, increased bather loads or changing regulations, also help reinforce readiness. Facilities with complex attractions, such as waterparks or waterfronts, may even schedule additional training to address site-specific hazards.
Real-World Results
Consistent in-service training directly translates into measurable improvements in safety. Facilities that invest in ongoing education report:
- Faster emergency response times thanks to muscle memory built through repetition.
- Fewer rescue incidents as vigilant scanning and early intervention prevent emergencies before they escalate.
- Higher staff confidence and morale that helps to reduce turnover and improve guest experience.
- Improved teamwork as lifeguards seamlessly communicate and execute coordinated responses.
- Documented risk reduction, which can lower insurance claims and enhance a facility’s reputation for safety.
Facilities implementing structured monthly in-service programs have reported significant decreases in “near-miss” events and faster recognition of potential drownings. These outcomes underscore what the industry already knows: Training saves lives.
A Lifelong Commitment to Safety
In-service training is not just an obligation; it’s an investment in the safety and well-being of the community, as well as a professional commitment to excellence. By dedicating a minimum of four hours per month and supplementing that with shorter ongoing drills, facilities ensure their lifeguard teams remain competent, confident and ready. The result is a culture where safety is second nature, and every team member contributes to protecting the community they serve.
A few hours each month can truly make the difference between reacting and preventing—and that’s what world-class lifeguarding is all about. RM
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Juliene Hefter is executive director of the Association of Aquatic Professionals. Kirsten Barnes is assistant director of the Association of Aquatic Professionals. For more information, visit aquaticpros.org.