I am pleased to report significant improvements in
lifeguarding at Vale Farm Sports Centre. As well as more consistent vigilance,
over the last three months management have implemented a number of physical changes:
- Providing a third lifeguard to monitor the learner pool.
- Providing a higher chair for one of the guards and positioning
this to allow a diagonal view from the corner furthest from the other main pool
guard.
- Introducing wrist bands, which should mean guards are
less distracted by tickets. (Though on some mornings recently the bands were not
in use).
- Bringing in other staff to do work previously done by lifeguards, such as moving swimming lane ropes.
For years I have complained about poor lifeguarding
and pressed both Brent Council and LC for a comprehensive review. Given this, I
am curious as to why the recent changes.
I also wonder if users of other LC centres have noticed similar
improvements. Do let me know.
As far as I can tell the changes have not been publicised. Why the coyness when LC hype trivial improvements?
To my
knowledge, the officials investigating the drowning
of Michelle Gellard in June of 2008 at an LC managed pool have not made
anything
public. Of course, that does not mean questions have not been asked. I
rather hope that
after eight months some facts are established and reports will soon be
made available so that all providers of lifeguarding can study any
lessons to be learned.
Could it be that the lifeguarding improvements I have
seen have something to do with the slow turning wheels of enquiry?
PB 20.3.09
Website
Again I criticise LC's web site for not providing customers with relevant information.
Vale Farm's wetside changing rooms will be closed for two weeks from March 25th.
As of 20th March, the Vale Farm page at LC carries no warning about this. Nor does Brent Council's Vale Farm page.
Swimming
will continue but only if you use the dryside facilties and walk
through main reception to the other side of the complex.
The Internet is not just for advertising! PB