Promising Practices for Increasing the Number of Equity-Owed Lifeguards in Canada and the United States of America

Authors

Sofia Pantano, University of OttawaFollow
Audrey R. Giles, University of OttawaFollow

Disciplines

Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Leisure Studies | Public Health | Sports Management | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada and the US. Then, we summarize key challenges to the inclusion of members equity-owed groups within lifeguarding. Next, I use archival research, an intersectional theoretical approach, and reflexive thematic analysis to highlight promising practices for promoting equitable access and inclusion for members of equity-owed groups in lifeguarding.

Recommended Citation

Pantano, Sofia and Giles, Audrey R. (2025) "Promising Practices for Increasing the Number of Equity-Owed Lifeguards in Canada and the United States of America," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 15: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol15/iss1/4