Get More from Less: Performance Management Series (Part 2 of 4): Supervision
The first and most basic step in lifeguard performance management is to ensure that lifeguards are supervised whenever they are in the stand. This does not mean that you need to be on the deck personally every minute of the day, but it does mean that you need to have a plan to make sure that lifeguards are monitored and held accountable for their performance at all times. Best practice is to have someone—yourself or another responsible manager or supervisor—on deck approximately every thirty minutes. This is commonly referred to as the “thirty-minute rule” for managers.
There is no substitute for personal presence on the pool deck—“MBWA” (Managing by Walking Around)—but there are other ways to keep your staff supervised when you can’t be there yourself.
One of the easiest methods is to use Aquatic Quick Check forms (available on request from your Risk Manager or at www.redwoodsgroup.com/YMCA/Form_AQC.pdf) to get feedback on lifeguard performance. These forms can be filled out by other supervisors, non-aquatics staff, program participants or parents, or any other person that observes the lifeguards. In addition to getting frequent feedback on lifeguard performance, the quick check cards also help educate other staff and members on the high level of professionalism required of a lifeguard.
Unannounced audits are another proven method for supervising lifeguards. Visual observations, skills checks, and video audits can all be used, and, as you will read next week, also support the “Engagement” element of performance management. Be creative: use security cameras to observe guards, ask members to participate in rescue skill drills—remember we are not only striving to supervise guards at one specific time, but are striving to create a culture of aquatic safety throughout your YMCA or JCC.
Please post your comments, questions, or methods you like to supervise your guards. I look forward to your feedback. Thanks!