PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale’s lifeguard team received a perfect 100 score from the National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO) after the organization conducted a lifeguard inspection Sunday (July 15) at DryTown Water Park.
“This is an amazing achievement and a testament to the hard work and determination of our lifeguard team and staff,” said Parks and Recreation Manager Keri Brady. “Any score over 70 is considered a ‘World Class’ operation, and to obtain a score of 99.5 is said to be ‘unheard of,’ but apparently not in Palmdale.”
The Palmdale lifeguards achieved their perfect score of 100 after being evaluated for:
- Scanning time (how quickly and accurately the water surface is viewed),
- Appearance (indicates that the lifeguard is prepared with proper equipment), and
- Posture (rescue ready stance).
In addition, they were monitored at varying time intervals and position rotations throughout the Water Park. In all, the NASCO representative completed 80 observations in his full-day visit.
He was thoroughly impressed with the lifeguard management team’s ability to prepare and motivate the lifeguards to perform their duties at such a professional level,” said Brady. “The DryTown lifeguard staff is considered to be one of the elite teams in the country and NASCO hopes to use the staff’s performance as a model for other lifeguard teams to emulate.”
“I’m especially proud of the leadership provided by Head Lifeguard Jared Long, and Senior Lifeguards Andrew Adams, Josh Johanson and Rudy Urquizu,” Brady continued. “They have taken our program to a level that is among the best in the nation.”
The real winners are the residents who use the pools and DryTown Water Park, Brady said.
“They have the satisfaction and peace of mind knowing that they have the best trained and best performing lifeguards available,” she said.
NASCO performs inspections at hundreds of water park facilities throughout the United States each year and is recognized as a leader and innovator in the safety procedures for aquatics and amusement park facilities.
For more information about Palmdale’s lifeguard program, contact the parks and recreation department at 267-5611.
(Information via press release from the City of Palmdale.)
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maaaaat says
just so you know, the lifeguards are also evaluated on their skills and rescue abilities the day before.
Andrew says
Good job guys! I worked for City of Palmdale as a lifeguard in 2009 and 10. I loved it! It sucked that those kids got hurt. A lot of real great senior guards and managers got fired for it and it was a shame.. It really put a bit of a downer on everyone that year. Sucks it had to happen at preseason training at the very begging of summer. Love you guys! COP for life! Great job!
Doc Rivers says
Whatever happened to the Palmdale lifeguards that Mayor Parris was going to bankrupt the City of Palmdale over? This guy made alot of claims that were not true and seems to have gotten away with it. This is not the first time!
Matt says
The lawsuit has been dismissed. Per Palmdale, it was dismissed with prejudice. The judge said the lifeguards were already being taken care of by work-comp.
Concered says
So if they watch the water…..have their bathing suit pressed and fancy and stand in the right position they get 100%? WTH does that have to do with really saving a life?!?!?!?!
John Mlynar says
Not sure if having “their bathing suit pressed and fancy” helped but the lifeguards at Dry Town have saved lives already. They were honored for their heroic actions, and deservedly so.
Bizz says
Yeah…this sums it up- The City of Palmdale’s lifeguard team received a perfect 100 score from the National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO) after the organization conducted a lifeguard inspection Sunday (July 15) at DryTown Water Park.
Good!!
really says
No it probably has more to do with them having their cpr mask on their person and their rescue flotation device… These kids are great representations of our community and should be commended for taking their job seriously. And if they were given a score based on pressed bathing suits that should be commended too. It presents a professional image and shows they have pride in themselves. I think this is a lost principle… remember when cops, fireman and business professionals looked impecable and we used to think wow they look sharp!
Jacky Johnson says
Again, what is wrong with the people of the AV? You insult and mock, taking great pleasure in the DEATHS of young kids and young adults of color when they do the stupid things most ALL people do when they are young.
You rejoice and cheer when you see those same kids throw away their lives behind senseless violence and hopeless criminal behavior. Or addictions. Or mental illness for crying out loud!!!
Yet here we have what would appear to be some outstanding young men and woman who have been honored for their hard work and dedication to what will, for the most of them, be but one step to bigger and better achievements.
And here we have AV adults complaining, down playing the kids hard work. You mock and belittle their accomplishments.
@Concerned. What exactly do you want from the young in the AV? And have you never taken pleasure in seeing the HARD earned, and deserved rewards given to a stranger?
Have you ever NOT taken joy from seeing the many many misfortunes and life changing mistakes of your fellow man?
CONGRATULATIONS TO PALMDALE’S LIFEGUARDS! Well done!
Matt says
Good job and good news is rex won’t bankrupt the city with his lawsuit against Palmdale for the guys that got hurt last year.