City Of Carroll, Iowa | Official Website > The Rec > Lifeguard Shift Duties/ Reminders

Lifeguard Shift Duties/ Reminders

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Pool Opening & Closing Procedures

Opening the Pool

Before Opening

• Test water in both the main pool and whirlpool manually.
• Record results on the Chemical Log Sheet.
• State Requirement: Chemical tests must be done at 5:50 AM and 3:45 PM.
• Every 2 hours, check pH and ORP meters for the pool and whirlpool. Log all readings.
• Never leave the deck to check chemicals unless another guard is present.

Getting Ready

• Turn on all lights before entering the pool deck.
  • Use the touch screen near the guard room door.
  • Note: A buzzing sound will occur when toggling lights.
• Wear proper uniform:
  • Athletic shorts or swimsuit
  • Lifeguard shirt
  • Hip pack with supplies
  • Rescue tube (stationed at guard stand)
• Do NOT unlock pool doors until you’re at your post and ready to guard.

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Closing the Pool

1. Clear all patrons from pool, deck, sauna, and hot tub.
2. Inspect sauna and turn it OFF.
3. Lock all pool doors (Men’s, Women’s, Family Changing Room, and main entrance).
4. Whirlpool: Ensure it’s off and water is at correct level.
5. Collect towels & lost items, place them in Lost & Found.
6. Turn off all lights.
7. Return the key to the guard room.
8. Reminder: As soon as you clock in, test chemicals.
   • Do not stay in the guard room or get distracted.
   • This must be done before unlocking the facility.

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Lifeguard Capacity Rules

• When guarding alone, you cannot supervise more than 30 people (includes pool, deck, hot tub & sauna).
• Once attendance hits 28, two guards must remain on deck and adjust breaks as needed.

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🗓️ Daily Shifts

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Monday – Friday Shifts

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AM Shift (5:45 AM – 7:30 AM)

• Arrive by 5:45 AM with:
  • Hip pack (with supplies)
  • Guard shirt
  • Rescue tube

Opening Steps:

1. Turn on lights using the touch screen (Welcome = ON).
2. Check if sauna is ON:
   • Control panel right of door.
   • Knob: ON | Heat setting: 10.
3. Manually check chemicals (Hot tub & Main pool).
   • Hot Tub Limit: Max temp = 104°F.
   • If over 104°F, close the hot tub.
     • Set point should be 103°F.
     • If it’s higher, call the work phone.
4. Unlock doors and be ready to guard by 6:00 AM.

Closing Steps (7:30 AM):

• Remind members that the pool is closing.
• Sweep the pool deck & sauna.
• Leave sauna ON.
• Lock all doors (all lock from outside—you won’t get stuck).
• Return key to guard room.
• Turn off pool lights.

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Noon Shift (10:45 AM – 1:30 PM)

• Arrive by 10:45 AM with all gear.

Opening Steps:

1. Turn on lights (Welcome = ON).
2. Check sauna (Knob ON, Heat = 10).
3. Record chemical readings from wall meters (Hot tub & pool).
4. Hot tub temp must not exceed 104°F.
   • Close if over; call if set point is above 103°F.
5. Unlock doors and begin guarding by 11:00 AM.

Closing Steps (1:30 PM):

• Remind patrons the pool is closing.
• Walk the deck & check sauna.
• Leave sauna ON.
• Lock all doors.
• Return key to guard room.
• Turn off lights.

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PM Shifts

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3:50 PM – 6:30 PM

3:50 PM – 8:00 PM

• Arrive by 3:50 PM with all required gear.

Opening Steps:

1. Turn on lights (Welcome = ON).
2. Check sauna (Knob ON, Heat = 10).
3. Manually check chemicals (Hot tub & Main pool).
   • Max Hot tub temp = 104°F
   • Set point should be 103°F; call if over.
4. Assign stations:
   • Main station: Lap lanes, deep end, hot tub, sauna.
   • Second station: Bulkhead & shallow end.
   • Guards must not stand together.

Breaks & Checks:

• 3:50 – 6:30 Shift:
  • Break: 5:00 – 5:15 PM
  • No second break due to end of shift.
• 3:50 – 8:00 Shift:
  • Breaks: 4:50–5:00, 5:50–6:00, 6:50–7:00
  • Chemical checks: 5:45 PM and 7:45 PM

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6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Closing Shift)

• Arrive at 6:30 PM to relieve the earlier shift.

Closing Steps:

• At 8:45 PM, remind members that the pool is closing.
• Ensure all patrons are out, and check sauna.
• Turn sauna OFF.
• Lock all doors (they lock from outside).
• Return key to guard room.
• Turn off pool lights.