Ongoing training gives lifeguards the opportunity to practice their skills, apply their certification to your facility and know what to expect if an aquatic event were to happen. We have compiled 13 sample skill-based training topics with scenarios and discussion questions. We encourage you to utilize these as you train staff ahead and throughout the summer.

Over the past few summers, we have continued to see reported incidents of peer-to-peer abuse. This summer, staff will need to be prepared to supervise all youth in order to prevent peer-to-peer abuse. Our recorded train-the-trainer session will walk you through a peer-to-peer abuse training for you to use with your staff to make sure all youth are supervised and safe this summer. 

As youth-serving organizations across the country gear up for the summer, below are three of our top key reminders when training staff: 

Realistic
Train staff based on realistic scenarios that may occur. Give them hands-on practice so that they can build muscle memory and gain confidence to take action at any moment that they feel something may be wrong. 

Ongoing
Training can be challenging for many organizations due to scheduling, financial constraints and staffing. Therefore, build ongoing trainings into your everyday practice and regular staff meetings rather than just offering long, monthly trainings. 

Reinforcement
Effective training happens more than one time. Continually reinforce and refresh staff on all key safety practices throughout the summer. Give staff the opportunity to apply their learnings from online trainings to your organization's specific policies and procedures.