Des Plaines Park District Lifeguards Receive Highest Honor

The Des Plaines Park District announced at the October 16, 2018 Park Board meeting that it has been awarded the prestigious “Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award”. Earning this award demonstrates that the aquatic facilities we operate consistently exceed industry standards in risk management and epitomize aquatic safety excellence. International Aquatic Safety Awards are conferred to deserving aquatic facilities by Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. - International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants.

“It Is apparent that the entire staff embodies the idea of setting the standard in aquatic safety and swimmers who frequent this aquatic facility are afforded the highest degree of swimmer protection currently available for the aquatic industry,” said Richard A. Carroll, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. Senior Vice President and COO.

International Aquatic Safety Awards are presented annually to participants in E&A's Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program (CARMP) and are based on the results of multiple random Unannounced Aquatic Facility Operational Safety Audits throughout the year. These audits include undercover video surveillance of individual lifeguards while they protect their Zone of Protection® areas, in order to accurately evaluate their professional diligence. Additionally, individual and team basic life support and rescue skills are evaluated, along with simulated emergencies that measure the effectiveness of established Emergency Action Plans. The audit concludes with administrative, supervisory and facility evaluations. All E&A client facilities are top performers and represent the finest and safest aquatic facilities in the world. As such, it is of particular note when E&A facilities perform so well that they are granted an International Aquatic Safety Award.

According to Matt Hartnett, Aquatics Manager for the park district, “Our lifeguards undergo extensive pre-season training, led by our long-time Certified Lifeguard Trainer, Jason Mata.” Their initial 20 hours of course training includes a written test, water safety and rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, AED certification, and oxygen support training. Once assigned to a pool, the guards spend another 10 to 15 hours in-service training at their facility before it opens for the season. During the summer, guards practice daily, swim laps to stay fit, and rehearse life-saving scenarios for one hour before their shift starts to meet a four-hour per month minimum requirement. Guards are trained to recognize the difference between splashing, playing, and drowning.

“Keeping your mind alert in the sun, making sure guests are doing what they should be doing, even parents and adults many years their senior, handling first aid emergencies, and rescuing patrons in distress is not a job for just anyone,” continued Hartnett. “Lifeguards have one of the most demanding, serious, and difficult part-time summer jobs of all the park district summer staff. The training is intense, because the job is intense. Safety is our number one priority.”

Safety Awards are presented only to E&A's most elite clients, in three levels–Silver, Gold, and Platinum. To qualify for a Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award: All Overall Audit scores must Exceed Industry Standards and the Standards of the Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program, and 96% of all Lifeguard Observations, Supervisor Observations, and VAT® Observations must have Exceeded the E&A Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program Standards. 16% of the client base will receive this Award for 2018.

Founded in 1983, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. (E&A) is an international aquatic safety and risk management firm dedicated to the prevention and elimination of drowning and other catastrophic aquatic events. Among its many services, E&A utilizes its Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program along with its International Lifeguard Training Program to advance the latest lifesaving technology, methods, and practices to dramatically reduce or eliminate risks - most importantly drowning events - and enhance the overall aquatic safety protection systems in place within their client family. As part of the Comprehensive Program with its clients, E&A trains and licenses lifeguards, following up that training through mandatory Unannounced Aquatic Facility Operational Safety audits of licensed lifeguards to ensure optimum performance and skills that are always at “test-ready” levels.

The 2019 International Lifeguard Training Program at the Des Plaines Park District begins in March, with additional sessions offered in April, May and June. Complete details are on the park district website, DPParks.org.

Photo: Des Plaines Park District lifeguards Thomas Roberts, Claire Larsen and Safia Hattab (l-r) perform a rescue training exercise on lifeguard Michael Framke during the 2108 pool season at Mystic Waters.