The Lifeguard in America Program: News
It is August and the local TV station reports:
A lack of lifeguards has forced a public pool...to close. The water in the...Park Pool is slowly turning green, because it isn't being treated. No one has been allowed to swim in the pool for about a week. The ...Athletic and Activities League (who) runs the pool... say they have had a lot of trouble finding certified lifeguards.” “(They have called the local) university to find a temporary lifeguard, but (have) not yet had any luck finding someone.” 1
This is a true report and unfortunately not an isolated one. “The American Red Cross says enrollment in lifeguarding and recertification courses is declining because of shorter summer breaks, competition from better-paying jobs and lack of awareness about career opportunities in lifeguarding.” 2
Although the industry is faced with a shortage of lifeguards, swimming as a recreational activity has not decreased in popularity and US developers continue to build more pools. Help is needed and Lifeguard America is ready to extend the lifeline!
We live in a global society and must be willing to accept that the safety of our community pools may rely upon the vigilance of a lifeguard from Eastern Europe, Asia, or South America. The Lifeguard America program connects community pools in need of lifeguards with qualified temporary workers from around the world.
Each participant in the Lifeguard America program is fully certified by the American Red Cross in Lifeguard Training, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. In addition, many have completed certified swimming pool operator training prior to their arrival in the United States.
The Lifeguard America program is not a replacement for employing the youth of America in the positions of lifeguards. It is designed to supplement the “pool” of youth available to keep our aquatic facilities safe and open.
Finally, Lifeguard America relies on federally supported visa work programs to supply legal employees to community association, hotels, pool management companies, country clubs, resorts and municipalities across the United States.
Lifeguard America is a division of Copia International, LLC, which is committed to supplying a quality work experiences to workers from around the world.
1 WNCN-TV Raleigh, NC, August 7, 2006
2 The Honolulu Advertiser, July 3, 2006 story by Christie Wilson