Elk Grove Park District lifeguards win safety award

The Elk Grove Park District Aquatic department was recently notified that its lifeguard staff has been awarded the 2011 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award.

The award was given by Ellis and Associates, the district’s aquatic safety and risk management consultants. The lifeguard staff consistently exceeded the criteria for aquatic safety certification. This is a prestigious award that is only given to lifeguards scoring in the top 30 percent of the criteria. The award notice included recognition of professional excellence of the staff and their desire to make a difference to the patrons of the Elk Grove Park District aquatic facilities.

The Elk Grove Park District trains 180 lifeguards annually. They serve in the year-round Pavilion Aquatic Center and in the seasonal Rainbow Falls Waterpark.

In order to become a certified lifeguard staff must train for 40 hours on an automated external defibrillator, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, oxygen, first-aid and lifeguarding skills. Once certified, staff continue to train weekly to practice and maintain their skills.

The Elk Grove Park District maintains safety as its first priority. The lifeguards are often recognized by aquatic patrons for their professionalism. The Silver International Aquatic Safety Award is a compliment to the outstanding training provided by the district and to the entire aquatic staff for their commitment to excellence.