Developing a risk-management program to prevent accidents in aquatic facilities Download pdf of this article Article originally published in Parks & Rec Business magazine, April 2023. Drowning is a significant health concern within the U.S., and is one of the leading causes of...

05 April, 2023

All ponds in and around residential communities should be required to be fenced in order to prevent unauthorized access, especially by young children.  Regardless of whether or not state/county/city laws require fencing, the owner/operator of the community complex should take...

05 April, 2023

Training & Equipment First Responders must be properly trained and equipped in order to safely and effectively respond to ice rescue and recovery incidents. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be readily available and in good condition for both shore-based and Rescue Swimmer...

21 January, 2022

With changes to pool operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are also recommended changes to how lifeguards respond to medical emergencies. Based on current recommendations, we have outlined procedures for swimming pool, water park and other aquatic venues...

02 June, 2020

Local governments are beginning to allow swimming pools and other aquatic facilities to reopen as restrictions ease across the country. Lifesaving Resources can provide guidance and training to facilities looking to safely reopen their doors. The guidelines below are based...

01 June, 2020

Responding to Cardiac Arrest calls during the Coronavirus pandemic has required First Responders to modify protocols to reduce risk to responding personnel while providing lifesaving care to patients....

14 May, 2020

by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in Sept. 1981, Security Tips Newsletter According to the National Safety Council, accidents are the leading cause of death in this Country for people between the ages of 1 and 44. Accidents remain one of the leading...

01 October, 2016

by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in March 1983 jems For the past three issues, jems has presented a thorough review of spinal immobilization devices that are used in traditional rescue situations. But what about the victim who must be removed from deep...

01 October, 2016

by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in May 1986 jems Each year approximately 10,000 new spinal cord injuries are identified and treated in this country. The average age of onset is 28.7 years with the most common age being 19 years. Fifty percent...

01 October, 2016

Lifeguard competition has been proven to be a very effective motivational tool, as well as the basis for developing a seasonal or year-round lifeguard in-service training program. by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in April 1986 Parks & Recreation LIFEGUARDS! Man Your Buoys! (Bang!!)...

01 October, 2016

Spinal Injury Management in Water Environments Part 2: Emergency Procedures by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in July 1987 Parks & Recreation; Revised April 2014 Spinal injuries in water can be greatly reduced if incidents are properly managed by those on scene. Personnel responsible for...

01 October, 2016

Spinal Injuries in the Aquatic Environment Part 1: Prevention by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in July 1987 Parks & Recreation One hot Sunday afternoon, a family was enjoying a leisurely barbeque around their new backyard swimming pool. The children played a game of tag...

01 October, 2016

Eight Steps To a Safer Facility by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in Feb 1987 Parks & Recreation Aquatic activities have become very popular forms of recreation in this country, not only during the summer, but all year long. Aquatic recreational activities take many...

01 October, 2016

Why a Pool Audit Means Good Risk Management by Gerald M. Dworkin Printed in Club Director. (1990). Revised April 10, 2014 Guaranteeing the safety of all members who use your club's aquatic facility and safeguarding the assets of the club against possible loss...

01 October, 2016

The lifeguard "Standard of Care" describes the manner in which a lifeguard is expected to act or behave. There are six key elements to this standard, and a breakdown in any one of them are the basis for most drownings...

01 October, 2016

The Supreme Court helps employers see the ADA a little more clearly. by Gil Fried and Ann Walker AB-Dec, Sports Law Report Analysis of the Americans with Disabilities Act has produced both court opinions and popular opinion, but the landmark legislation still seems...

01 October, 2016

by Gerald M. Dworkin January 9, 1997 The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training curriculum is currently advocating a sub-standard procedure for the immobilization of suspected spinal injured patients in shallow or deep water. This issue is being presented to solicit the opinions...

01 October, 2016