PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale’s lifeguard team received a score of 96 from the National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO) after the organization conducted a lifeguard inspection last week at DryTown Water Park.
The Palmdale lifeguards achieved their rating 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 100 observations in his full-day visit.
NASCO performs inspections at hundreds of water park facilities throughout the United States each year, and the organization is recognized as a leader and innovator in the safety procedures for aquatics and amusement park facilities.
“The NASCO representative acknowledged that the score earned by the lifeguard staff was the highest that he had awarded this season at any water park facility he has visited,” said Parks and Recreation Manager Keri Smith. “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. 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,” she said.
“This is an amazing achievement and a testament to the hard work and determination of our lifeguard team and staff,” Smith added. “Any score over 70 is considered a ‘World Class’ operation and to obtain a score of 96 is said to be ‘unheard of,’ but apparently not in Palmdale. This is the 13th time we have achieved a ‘World Class’ score.”
“I’m especially proud of the leadership provided by Head Lifeguards Jared Long and Rudy Urquizu and Senior Lifeguards Devon Nies, Alex Bigwood and Austin Stapp,” said Smith. “They have kept our program at a level that is among the highest in the nation. Furthermore, our residents who use our aquatic facilities have the satisfaction and peace of mind knowing that they have the best trained and best performing lifeguards available.”
For more information about Palmdale’s lifeguard program, contact the parks and recreation department at 267-5611.