May is National Water Safety Month and one of the most important, yet often underestimated, components of a safe aquatic operation is effective staff rotation management practices.
We’ve all been on stand when a rotation is running behind. You start getting antsy. Your focus begins to slip, and the seconds feel longer than they should. As aquatic professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure that effective rotation management practices are in place so that the vigilance of our teams is never compromised by fatigue, distraction, or preventable operational gaps.
Rotation management is not simply about moving lifeguards from one position to another; it is a deliberate strategy designed to preserve zone engagement, reduce fatigue, and ensure consistent, proactive surveillance across all zones. With the busy summer season ahead, now is a great time to review your rotation management practices to ensure they support safe operations.
Here are some best practices for effective rotation management:
Frequent Rotations
- Both the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) Section 6.3.3.1.2A and the StarGuard ELITE textbooks and Client Handbook promote frequent rotations.
- Studies by the United States Lifeguard Coalition have shown that after roughly 30 minutes the ability to focus significantly decreases. Thus, it is recommended that lifeguards rotate positions roughly every 20-30 minutes and do not exceed 60 minutes.
Variety
- When possible, alternate periods of duties that do not require active surveillance. This could include incorporating down time, dispatch responsibilities, tube or ride vehicle management, scheduled breaks, or other facility-specific duties.
Organized Rotations
- To minimize overall rotation time, rotations should be intentionally designed and follow a clear, methodical system. There are numerous ways rotations can be managed, and each facility may be best suited for something unique to that location.
- In larger facilities, dividing the facility into defined “zones” or sub-areas can improve efficiency by keeping staff rotations localized and reducing transition time. In smaller facilities, a simple, consistent pattern, such as a clockwise rotation, may be equally effective.
- Rotations may include a break as part of the rotation, or a "break and replace" system may be used. Or perhaps something completely different. Regardless of the system you choose to implement, remember that it must meet the objectives of time on stand, local labor laws for breaks, and limit complacency or fatigue.
- Ultimately, a simple, well-thought-out and organized rotation will be easier for staff to understand, remember, and reduce the overall time the rotation takes.
Documentation:
- SGE recommends that facilities maintain documentation which details daily rotation(s) and breaks provided for lifeguard staff. The documented rotations should allow the facility to accurately determine who was where and when at anytime during their operational hours.
As you prepare for a busy season, remember that strong rotation management is a foundation for safe aquatic operations. By incorporating rotation management best practices into you operations, you can better support lifeguard vigilance and reduce fatigue. National Water Safety Month serves as a timely reminder that the systems behind the stand are just as critical as the skills on it.
Taking the time now to evaluate and refine your rotation practices helps ensure your team is positioned to perform at their best. Remember, the SGE team is always here to assist and provide guidance if you have any questions!
For more information on the Model Aquatic Health Code, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/model-aquatic-health-code
References
United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition. 2011. United States lifeguard standards: an evidence-based review and report by the United States life guard standards coalition. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education 5(1). http://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol5/iss1/8