Skip to content
Close All

Pool Safety

HRCA Silver International Aquatic Safety Award

The Highlands Ranch Community Association is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious “Silver International Aquatic Safety Award”. Earning this award demonstrates that the aquatic facilities they 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.

A Lifeguard's Perspective

By HRCA lifeguard and Colorado Drowning Prevention Taskforce member, Janis Weed.
Reprinted from the Colorado Drowning Prevention Taskforce web site.

On the Stand - A lifeguard's perspective

Have you ever been in a store and realized that your child has wondered off? Your heart sinks and your ‘gut’ fills with anxiety of what could be. What’s your first instinct? …Go!

The same is for a lifeguard on stand when they see a child showing signs of actively drowning. Our instinct….GO! In fact, many times you will hear a lifeguard say: If I don’t know, I GO! As a lifeguard, we would rather err on the side of proactive safety than have to live with other possible consequences for the rest of our lives and yours. Those are two very different conversations to have with parents.

What are some signs of active drowning that lifeguards look for?
The victim normally has a vertical body position with arms out to the side in the water, making little to no forward movement. Their head is tilted back so that their mouth will remain above water. Their eyes may be squeezed shut or wide open with a look of panic. They will rarely make a call for help as their main focus is: GET AIR. Another telling sign of child in need of help is “Bobbing.” Many times this is mistaken for play, when in fact it is a red flag that they are in trouble and need assistance.

How can you assist a lifeguard when at the pool with your child?
If they are not a strong swimmer, have them wear a Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device, (note- arm floaties will not keep your child’s head above water, but do a really nice job of keeping their arms above water). Many public pools, water parks, and recreation districts have Coast Guard approved Type II lifejackets at their facilities that you can ‘check out’ while you enjoy their pools.

Many public facilities clear their pools each hour; use this time to assess your child’s energy level.

Set boundaries
Let your children know what is ‘off limits’ at the pool before getting in: The deep end. The big slide. The diving boards. Know where your child is in the water at all times. Be within arms reach at all times.This is greatest level of protection you can provide your child when at the pool. In addition, you are having some great quality time with your child.

By using these simple tips, you can assist the lifeguards in keeping the pools safe for everyone. Next time you see a lifeguard go in the pool, remember, they just had that heart-sinking, gut feeling that they needed to go!