Northbrook Lifeguards Get Perfect Rating

A national water safety organization awarded the lifeguard staff of the Northbrook Park District a perfect safety rating during a secret inspection last weekend.

The Starfish Aquatics Institute gave the team a 5-star award, which recognizes exceptional performance of facility operations and management during the audit, according to a District news release.

“It is quite an achievement for the Northbrook Park District to receive this honor,” said Leslie Donavan, President and CEO of SAI. “It represents a tremendous commitment to safety and training and exceptional performance by the lifeguard staff. Earning a five-star award puts them at the forefront of the aquatic industry in commitment to safety and risk management.”

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On Saturday, August 8, reviewer Mike Eschenbach videotaped lifeguards working at Meadowhill Aquatic Center and the Northbrook Sports Center Pool before identifying himself. Then, he asked the guards to respond to mock emergency drills, while judging their efforts. The drills involved CPR, spinal injury, first aid and a drowning rescue.

The lifeguards were described as “exemplary” in their prevention, surveillance, professionalism and personal safety. The auditor’s report included many positive comments, such as, “Lifeguards did a good job working as a team” and “Supervisor did a good job with staff.” The auditor also conducted a thorough facility walk-through at each location, and the conditions and required paperwork met SAI standards.

“Our number one priority at the pools is safety, and I am very proud of our staff and how hard they work,” said Ethan Williams, Leisure Services Supervisor, accepting the award on behalf of the Northbrook Park District. “The combination of new staff doing really well and returning staff working with them has led to a cohesive team at the pools.”

The District employs 73 certified lifeguards and 15 managers. There are three instructor-certified lifeguards, which is unusual and indicates a higher level of training from an additional two-day course.