Gurnee lifeguards win ‘Golden Guard’ Award

The Gurnee Park District has two staff members that recently received the prestigious “Golden Guard” Award following an unannounced safety audit this summer by Ellis and Associates.

“Very few aquatic facilities have staff members that qualify to receive this honor,” said Tim Beckmann, aquatic manager at the Gurnee Park District.

“Gurnee Park District has two lifeguards that received this honor this summer on two different occasions. I’m very proud of both Allison Salisbury and Erin Siekmann for going above and beyond their job duties.

“It represents a tremendous commitment to safety and training, and exceptional performance by the lifeguards throughout the summer, during preseason training, and in weekly in-service training,” Beckmann said.

Only 29 other individuals internationally have received this award so far this year. Historically, around 100 individuals worldwide will earn this each year.

The “Golden Guard” Award been given to 10 Gurnee Park District staff members since 2002. Erin was the ninth and Allison was the 10th staff member to earn this award at the Gurnee Park District.

“For an organization such as the Gurnee Park District, which has employed hundreds of great employees during this time, it is truly a great achievement,” Beckmann said.

Allison Salisbury’s older sister, Jenni Salisbury, was also a recipient of this award several years ago when she was a lifeguard.

The Gurnee Park District is subject to five unannounced lifeguard audits per year. The audits can happen at any time the pool is open to the public, during swim lessons, and even during other special events.

The aim is to document that staff is prepared at all times for an aquatic emergency and then they are tested to the high standards of the Ellis and Associates International Lifeguard Training Program.

“We are very proud of our 137 staff members, many of whom work year-round delivering safe and effective swim programs and services to the Gurnee area,” Beckmann said.