Contributed by Colby Phillips, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
The pools at Captain’s Cove in Greenbackville, Va., serve as far more than summertime retreat spots. They are vibrant gathering places that bring the community together. Thanks in part to a junior lifeguard program, the community has woven pool safety into the fabric of daily life.
The community, on the Eastern Shore, is home to more than 3,000 residents who know they can relax and enjoy themselves at pools staffed with trained lifeguards on duty. This strong sense of safety, connection, and community is thanks to our junior lifeguard program. Launched 12 years ago, the program has introduced more than 600 young residents to the responsibilities and values of keeping pools safe long before they join the swim team.
This unique program inspires children to learn about water safety and ignites a passion for lifeguarding. By introducing essential water safety, rescue skills, CPR, and first aid, the program aims to instill a sense of responsibility and leadership and prepare participants for a potential future lifeguarding job.
Flynn Kleinfeller, program manager and instructor, says, “Our junior lifeguard program is one of the strongest recruiting tools we have. It introduces young community members to lifesaving skills early, builds confidence, and nurtures a sense of responsibility and pride in serving Captain’s Cove.”
By the time participants are old enough to join the community swim team, they’re already connected, capable, and committed, and residents know them by name.
“The board of directors is quite pleased with the success of the junior lifeguard program. When many neighboring communities struggle to staff the pools, we have a deep, homegrown talent pool,” says board member Mark Majerus. “The youth develop a sense of team spirit, community pride, self-confidence, and work ethic. The association helps foster good employees not just for the development but for the community at large.”
The program is surprisingly affordable. Primary costs include instructor pay, basic equipment such as rescue tubes and first-aid kits, and administrative resources for registration and communication. Communities can offset costs through small participant fees, local sponsorships, or partnerships with swim teams or recreation departments.
As pool safety becomes an increasing priority for communities, programs like this are more essential than ever. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and education is one of the most powerful tools to prevent it.
By teaching kids how to swim and think, act, and respond safely around water, we’re investing in a safer future for everyone. Junior lifeguards also assist certified lifeguards during community events at the pool, giving them valuable firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the role.
For communities seeking innovative ways to enhance pool safety, foster confidence in young swimmers, address staffing shortages, and build community, junior lifeguard programs are a valuable investment.
Colby Phillips is senior general manager at Captain’s Cove Golf & Yacht Club in Greenbackville, Va. cphillips@captscove.com
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