In addition to requiring all lifeguards to be trained and certified, an important part of a safe pool environment is requiring lifeguards to attend regular in-service training sessions. It’s essential for lifeguards to practice their skills on a regular basis. Often, the longer someone has been a guard, the farther away they are from their initial training. Without regular practice, how to execute rescue skills can fade from memory, especially because guards aren’t typically rescuing swimmers during every shift. Rescue skills are very important and there’s no room for error during an actual emergency. In-service training ensures guards are always rescue ready. 
Lifeguard in-service tips and ideas
Our aquatics experts have created a Safety Summary with numerous tips and ideas for aquatics directors managing lifeguard in-services. Check out a few of the tips below and download the PDF to keep all these ideas accessible.
- Mark the calendar: Create an in-service schedule for the entire year. Ensure this schedule is available to all lifeguards and that they know in-services are mandatory. Keep records of in-services with information including who attended and what topics were covered.
- Basic and advanced rescues: Be sure to cover both basic rescue skills and more advanced rescues. Ensure deep water rescues and spinal injuries are part of what’s covered regularly so all guards are very comfortable with these skills.
- CPR and AED training: Review CPR basics at each in-service to ensure these skills are fresh in everyone’s minds. It’s also a good idea to review where the automated external defibrillator (AED) is kept and when it should be used.
- Endurance and speed: Incorporate some endurance and speed swimming drills into your in-service schedule. These skills are also important to practice.
- Recognition and awards: Adding some fun elements to your in-services like positive recognition and awards for guards for different achievements will increase the likelihood that guards will attend sessions and retain the information covered.
Keeping skills for guards fresh and increasing their confidence can go a long way toward keeping your pool safe. In-services are the best way to achieve both goals.
