INDUSTRY VIEWS
We’ve been sharing our expertise in water safety, lifesaving, and lifeguarding to educate everyone to enjoy water safely. SINCE 1891 We’re not just experts in lifeguarding and lifesaving qualifications;
THE FUTURE OF POOL SAFETY WHY TECH + LIFEGUARDS IS THE PERFECT COMBINATION
Swimming pool safety has progressed significantly over the last 20–30 years. Pool operators now provide some of the safest places for people to stay physically and mentally healthy; learn to swim; have fun; and be educated on how to be safe in other water environments. The pool attendant of the 1980s has evolved into a lifeguard with various soft and technical skills to communicate with pool users, keep the pool safe and save lives. The question is: how will the next 30 years change swimming pool safety? Technology is transforming most industries and swimming pools are no different. Already used in swimming pools for over 20 years, the pace of tech development and adoption has quickened over the last few years. Many pool operators are now looking to use technology to enhance safety, provide data and, in some cases, help control the huge costs associated with providing a pool for their community. Pool technology is already impressive: by monitoring pool users at all times and alerting the lifeguards if someone needs assistance, it delivers an additional layer of safety. This is of huge benefit when a hundred people might be participating in a range of pool-based activities. But what would you say if I told you the technology could also provide real-time, accurate information on pool use? Some of today’s most innovative swimming pool technology can provide valuable data such as pool user numbers in each pool, each minute of each day, and the areas of the pool they are using. Heat maps can indicate high-/low-use areas and risk ratings for sessions. Imagine the power of knowing exactly what drives success in your pool. Imagine the ways in which this data could empower you to update, develop and enhance programmes to increase income and better serve your community. Guidance to support any pool operators considering the use of swimming pool technology is available here . Created by an industry working group of pool safety experts and endorsed by CIMSPA, RLSS UK, Swim England and ukactive, the guidance is for swimming pools that are constantly lifeguarded. It will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in technology and the industry. A webinar providing an overview of the guidance is available here. Yet as impressive as this technology may be, it cannot dynamically risk assess, educate users, perform a rescue, recover a casualty or provide vital CPR or first aid. A human lifeguard still plays a vital role, with the combination of technology and lifeguards providing a perfect safety provision. In the longer term, swimming pool operators may have the flexibility to move away from the rigid, remote lifeguards sitting on a highchair. There is a while to go before we reach this point, but we have certainly made a step in the right direction.
we can also help you with everything related to swimming pool safety, from Pool Safety Audits, Pool Risk Assessments, and Mystery Visits to Lifeguard Zone Visibility Tests (LZVTs), Creation or review of Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP)
Pool technology is already impressive, but what if I told you it could also provide real-time, accurate information on pool use? JO TALBOT Director, Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK
www.rlss.org.uk
Contact us for more information at learnmore@rlss.org.uk TRAINING • QUALIFICATIONS • CONSULTANCY • GUIDANCE
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023 STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
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STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
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