Should lifeguards be posted at on-board swimming pools?

[timwilloughby]

A recent post about an incident aboard a Princess ship spurred me to post this question thread.

Most if not all ships do not post lifeguards at their pools. This fact is clearly outlined by signage posted throughout the swimming areas on almost all lines and ships.

Do you think that cruise lines should begin to post lifeguards at their pools? Why or why not?

I know lifeguard or no lifeguard, I would still be watching or playing with the children I was responsible for.

Cruise Line Fans.com wants to know what you think about this semi-controversial topic. We're all ears.

[bgsimp]

No, I don't believe there should be lifeguards. That's the parents responsibility. I think they would end up being baby sitters. There are enough little ones running around without supervision & this would add to that.
I like kids, I just like them better when parents are watching them.

[timwilloughby]

No, I don't believe there should be lifeguards. That's the parents responsibility. I think they would end up being baby sitters. There are enough little ones running around without supervision & this would add to that.
I like kids, I just like them better when parents are watching them.

I think I am of the same opinion. Lifeguards would really turn things into a bit of a zoo around the pool areas. And what is more fun that to have a swim with your own kids or relatives or friend's children....not much.

Has anyone been on board ships that have a regulated, life-guarded pool or pool time slot?

[Char]

I agree with bgsimp! Parent's should take full responsibility for their children no matter where they are on the ship. Especially in venues that have any kind of safety consequences.

[Pungo3]

I see no need for lifeguards. Adults should be responsible for themselves and for their children. If a parent wants to take a child on a cruise, they should accept the responsibility of keeping that child safe for the duration of the cruise!

[Ziggy7]

I vote no also. It gives parents a false since of security. Your trusting your child's life to a total stranger. Just because the cruise line hires them does not make them anymore human, and humans make mistakes. I'm not saying I'm more perfect, but I'm more sure of me than I am of a stranger whether they are hired help or not. My children are the most important part of my life.

What I think should be implemented is before boarding (in cruise docs), and on embarkation, parents (or adult bringing a child) should have a printed list of all restrictions and rules for the child and their responsibility for them, and be required to sign it at embarkation.

The cruise lines should not be responsible to constantly have to protect these children when in public areas on a cruise. But a few precautions can't hurt and they won't cost much

Thanks Tim for posting this thread! Ever since I read that story yesterday I have been thinking about this subject.

[hanna]

I agree with Ziggy totally. She said it all.

[sk8erguy1978]

Sadly for once I disagree and think there should be a posted lifeguard. I personally think my reasons are very good reasons. Now, I am not saying parents should not watch their kids. Parents MUST monitor their kids while in the pool, it is after all, your responsibility as a parent. Here are my personal concerns.

1. Lots of parents let their kids run rapid, and have no control over them. A lifeguard would be there to enforce rules such as no running.
2. Not all parents are certified in First Aid / CPR (even know they should be) having a lifeguard on duty would be a way to ensure someone is near by with recent valid skills and certifications.
3. In poor conditions (high waves) it might be sometime before someone makes an appropriate decision to close the pool, with the lifeguard right there, he/she can make the determination in a timely fashion before someone gets hurt.
4. This goes in line with number 2 a little - What if the parent is not a strong swimmer and can not get in deeper waters (I know most pools on deck are shallow) with the lifeguard on duty, he/she can jump in and pull the child to safety.

Those are just a few of the many good reasons a lifeguard should be on duty. Think of a town pool parents play with the kids and watch them in the pools but the lifeguards are still on-duty to ensure safety around the pool.

[LuLu]

Having Life Guards at the pool is not something I'd care to see.

Having a SECURITY person going from pool to pool is!

We were on a ship where a couple of glasses were broken (man in a scooter hit two folks causing them to drop their glasses) and the glass was all around the deck and IN the pool. It took about 30 minutes to get anyone to do anything about it... and then they never really cleaned the glass out of the pool properly ....

Also, just having some uniformed ship person ... reminding folks that DIVING was not allowed in the pool ... children with diapers were not allowed in the pool ... and that sort of thing ....

[Blizzard]

I do not see it happening. They will not post lifeguards.

Cruse lines do not want to have their staff tell any passengers that they can not do something. (like no running or diving around the pool) Lulu is correct that it would be nice if security (or a ships officer) inspected the area more frequently.

If there was a lifeguard there would probably be more parents leaving their kids unsupervised at the pool. Then when something does go wrong, they will sue the line because the lifeguard was incompetent.