September 2009 Blog Posts (10)

Recognition Survey

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=h7x1w170u2zghec646647

I would be grateful if you completed the survey at the link above to help me determine the most preferred methods of recognition. This survey will only be available until October 1st.

It takes about 1 minute to complete.

Please forward the link to any peers or subordinates as the survey is intended to determine how line level employees would like to be recognized.

I… Continue

Added by Andrew Vaughan on September 27, 2009 at 2:52pm — No Comments

Sanitation of pool decks, walkways and locker areas is as important as water quality.

Most comprehensive aquatic management / operation texts specifically identify the importance of “cleaning and disinfecting” pool decks, walkways and locker areas. The concept of disinfecting is simple, yet often over-looked. The most recognized method of sanitation is to use and 5 percent bleach and water solution in the following areas:

DAILY SANITATION: Locker area decks, benches, sinks, toilets, changing tables, shower decks and all walkways.

Daily Cleaning: With the… Continue

Added by Leland Yarger on September 25, 2009 at 11:52am — 2 Comments

Turn Your Swimming Pool Into A Fire Truck

I want to re introduce you to Mark Urban a pioneer in pool valve technology. Mark like many of us has supported the pool industry for over 30 years, some of us have even labeled him the" Nutty Professor".

Nutty or not Mark has developed the popular Flow Reversal Valve, Share a Heater Valve, and now the Fire Plug Valve. The fire plug valve is what I am going to highlight today.

Mark developed a valve that can turn any… Continue

Added by James Kantorowicz on September 24, 2009 at 8:57am — 1 Comment

Looking for Leaders

Aquatic and Recreation Leaders (Directors, Supervisors, Operation managers…whatever the name) must take an active role as a leader. Leaders are seen, not hidden. All levels of management must be engaged with all levels of employees in their organization and have some appearance that they care what goes on in their facilities.

Too often lifeguards fail to see or have any contact with management personnel. Some staff only see senior facility staff when something goes critically wrong.… Continue

Added by Leland Yarger on September 21, 2009 at 12:29pm — 1 Comment

VGB Act fot Crypto? It's Up to You.

The Crypto issue may become the next knee jerk reaction federal law. Crypto is clearly a life-threatening issue for aquatic facilities and like entrapment it is not new. All that is needed now is an individual with great political influence to help enact another federal law. This could easily take place because the majority of pool operators, facility owners and local and state health inspectors largely ignore the topics that create situations that lead to a crypto outbreak. Unless facilities… Continue

Added by Leland Yarger on September 21, 2009 at 12:25pm — No Comments

The Mother of Reinvention

People of a certain age will get a jolt of nostalgia when they read these next three words: School House Rock. That was the name of the educational musical cartoon shorts that ran on Saturday mornings between “Scooby-Doo” and “Bugs Bunny.” There was “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill,” and the one I’m thinking about today, “Mother Necessity.”

In that funky ‘70s musical style, “Mother Necessity” explained… Continue

Added by Gary Thill on September 21, 2009 at 10:22am — No Comments

VGB Enforcement-It has begun!!!

A word to those who were trying to dodge the CPSC on VGB compliance-The time is up!! At least it is in Ohio. Last week about half a dozen facilities received the following letter Names have been removed for privacy purposes.

VGB.pdf

That's right the CPSC is coming to a town near you. From what we can gather… Continue

Added by Bob Willard on September 21, 2009 at 9:00am — 9 Comments

Hard Times and Simple Appearances

Aquatic Director's and Supervisor's should make every effort to educate their staff about simple appearances on the job.

If patrons see staff (even "down shift" lifeguards) sitting or laying around, reading, texting, making what appear to be personal calls or simply looking bored....it could result in bad PR or worse.

As many aquatic leaders know, there is always something needing to be completed at the aquatic complex. Cleaning may top this list, but also conducting… Continue

Added by Leland Yarger on September 18, 2009 at 10:59am — No Comments

Comment on September 09 Editorial

In the September 2009 editorial by Gary Thill, “The Price of Heroism”, Gary makes some great points and while I agree with him, there are some additional issues involved. Here are two more factors that directly impact the editorials theme:

1. From the editorial: “2009 maybe one of the deadliest drowning years on record”. Undoubtedly there are many factors that influence drowning, but unfortunately, one may have just been created by the federal government recently, The VGB Act. The… Continue

Added by Leland Yarger on September 15, 2009 at 12:52pm — No Comments

When are the Politicians Going to Get Serious About Drowning Prevention?

Am I the only one that finds it ironic that the federal government can pass anti-entrapment legislation that is costing commercial, public and semi-public pools across the U.S. millions but has never allocated adequate resources to the prevention of drowning? Don't get me wrong, I am all for anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices that will prevent this tradegy from occuring, but the last I heard was that about 7 people each year die from entrapment in the U.S. and if I recall correctly,… Continue

Added by Jim Wheeler on September 2, 2009 at 3:21pm — 1 Comment