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Session Title: ‘Yes, Drill Sergeant’: How Paramilitary Preparation Increases Performance

Description: Trends in aquatics seem to point to making lifeguard training more silly and fun instead of realistic. How fast can you find the toy/ball secretly tossed in the pool? Where is the sad emoji in a sea of happy emojis? But should fun be the focus in a position where consequences can be dire, for both the employee who fails to react and the patron who requires care? Lifeguards are first responders. So are law enforcement officers, paramedics and firefighters, all of whom we trust with our lives and all of whom consistently drill in realistic settings with realistic scenarios with paramilitary precision. Lifeguarding should not be the exception. Using structured, realistic drilling disciplines staff and helps them better understand the importance of their role and how to properly identify, respond and treat patrons. It also not only creates a sense of personal confidence and pride, but also fosters teamwork and leadership amongst the staff. This session is for any new or seasoned aquatics professional to gain perspective, ask questions and acquire performance enhancing techniques to raise staff confidence, readiness and performance.

Topic(s): Aquatics, Leadership and Personnel Management, Safety and Security, Workforce Development

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