Not On My Watch: Unannounced Drills

As the summer progresses, it is extremely important that lifeguards are continuously vigilant and aggressively scanning the water at all times. Administering frequent, unannounced drills at your pool will train and prepare guards to take action as soon as they see something that 'doesn't look right'—whether or not it turns out to be an emergency. It will also help you assess optimal lifeguard positioning and identify blind spots.

By implementing a Daily Testing and Remediation Observation Program (DROP drills), you can simulate for guards what a rescue and emergency response will look like. Below are the steps to take in order to implement an effective DROP drill:

Get to know your pool. This includes likely blind spots or problem areas that need additional attention.
Identify the device you will use. This can be a silhouette, manikin or something that you create on your own like a weighted blanket. You can even use a live human, although they will need to be trained on how to realistically and safely act as the victim.
Drop the device at the bottom of the pool. Place the device within the lifeguard’s area of responsibility and without giving the guard any prior knowledge. Alternating the methods of entry, days of the week and time of day that you administer drills will help to minimize predictability.
Track guard's response. As soon as the device is fully submerged, track the time it takes for the guard to respond to the device and retrieve it from the water. Rehearse a complete rescue scenario.
Debrief with the lifeguard. Reflect on what they thought went well and areas that could be improved. This feedback will allow staff to continue to grow in their skills and feel more confident when responding to an event.
Document DROP drills. This allows you to track staff progress and helps to identify any areas in need of improvement. If a lifeguard does not meet your pool's standard for identifying and responding during the drill, they should undergo remediation to ensure they remain vigilant the next time they are in the stand. Download our sample log and remediation plan worksheet.

With consistent implementation of the DROP drill process, lifeguards will be better trained, aquatic directors will have a way to hold staff accountable, and your guards will be vigilant, responsive and ready to act at the first sign of trouble.

In-Service Topic of the Week

Topic: Responding in Deep Water
When there is an emergency in deeper water at your pool, it is essential that lifeguards are prepared to respond and retrieve the victim. We have created a scenario for you to use with your teams that will allow you to practice a rescue in deep water.

If you’d like your teams to receive our aquatics safety content, including our summer series: Not On My Watch, please forward them this email and encourage them to subscribe.

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