Training Evaluation for Introductory Ocean Lifeguard Instruction: A Practical Example from California

Authors

William A. Koon, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; California State Parks, Sacramento, California, USAFollow
Ryan M. Gates, California State Parks, Sacramento, California, USAFollow
Jack Futoran, California State Parks, Sacramento, California, USAFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.12.02.09

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Exercise Physiology | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Leisure Studies | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Outdoor Education | Public Health | Sports Management | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

Ocean lifeguards have several responsibilities that require precise training. California State Parks is one of the largest providers of open water lifeguard services in the United States, and trains approximately 200 new lifeguards per year. As part of our lifeguard training section’s quality improvement efforts, we conducted a training needs assessment to help determine how well our introductory ocean lifeguard training curriculum prepared lifeguards to perform job related tasks upon successful completion of the training program. We surveyed both first year and seasoned lead lifeguards on operational needs, training gaps, and specific subject areas. We identified several areas where our training program required improvement. This assessment provided us with evidence from which to update our curriculum, helped identify gaps in the field, and provided a feedback mechanism from field staff not previously involved in prioritizing training needs.

Recommended Citation

Koon, William A.; Gates, Ryan M.; and Futoran, Jack (2020) "Training Evaluation for Introductory Ocean Lifeguard Instruction: A Practical Example from California," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 12: No. 2, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.12.02.09
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol12/iss2/9