hiring a lifeguard....m

[Gupsmom]

I'm thinking of offering to host an end of the year party for our cub scout den. We have an inground pool. I don't want to be tied to pool duty the entire time and I don't want to risk any accidents. Obviously each child would have to be with a parent but I'm still a little concerned. I'd be more than happy to donate the cost of a lifeguard to ensure everyone's safety. Does anyone know where I could try to find a lifeguard for hire? One of our past sitters is a lifeguard and I thought about hiring her. Then it occured to me that she wouldn't be insured. If I'm going to do this, I really should get someone that has insurance and is liscensed to provide this service for a private party.


Part of me thinks it's nuts to be worried about this (people have pool parties all the time) but I just can't stand the thought of someone getting hurt. I know how quickly an accident can happen in the water. It's very possible to get a group of adults socializing and not paying close enough attention to their children (a lot of the scouts have younger sibs too).

Thanks...
Jess

 

[JetMom]

I am a Cub Master and I just wanted you to know that there are very very strict regulations that must be followed at any scouting event that involves swimming. Leaders must be certified in "safe swim" as well as having a lifeguard on duty. there are literally pages and pages of regulations that must be followed.

If you want to have a pool party and invite boys from Scouts, that's great! but I would strongly advise against calling it a "Cub Scout" event.

 

[Gupsmom]

I don't mind following all the strict rules the scouts lay out. I wouldn't feel right Not having a lifeguard at the very least. 9 boys and their siblings (including 3 kids of my own) are a lot of kids to watch. I would have a hard time hosting (food, drinks, games) and watching the pool.

Jess

 

[bekkiz]

I'm not sure laws in your state are, but here in CA, lifeguards don't ever have "insurance" I've worked for private parties, summer camps and schools, private and public pools and never once was I ever asked to have insurance

You would need to make sure the lifeguard has their certificate, as well as up to date CPR/First aid. Beyond that, I think your homeowners should cover anything.

 

[Boo'sMom]

FYI, if it's a scout event, not only do you need a lifeguard, but you need a BSA certified lifeguard. Check with your pack committee chair or council service center to find a BSA lifeguard in your area.

More than likely, you can find a boy scout who has passed the BSA lifeguard course, and he might be willing to come and help you out.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Call your local YMCA and they will provide lifeguards for you.

Lori

 

[JetMom]

Be sure to discuss your plans with your Cub Master and/or Pack Committee Chairperson. I know that you are willing to follow the Scout Regs - but your Pack may not be comfortable with the idea or may not have appropriately trained leaders available to supervise the event.

Again - I would say go ahead and hire a lifeguard and have a pool party, just don't call it a Cub Scout Event.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Exactly, just call it a "family or parent" party or a get together. If it were Girl Scouts not only do you HAVE TO hire a lifeguard but it has to be a lifeguard plus, meaning they have to have the appropriate Girl Scout certifications as well.

Call your local YMCA.

Sounds like fun!!!

 

[Gupsmom]

Thanks... I'll call the YMCA and also the city pools (that's where the lifeguard we know works) and see what they say.

As for the lifeguard being insured....I had a guy over here fixing our gutter and he fell off the ladder. He broke a couple bones. Thank goodness the company carried it's own insurance (wouldn't have hired them if they didn't). That's the only reason I'm uptight about just hiring a lifeguard on the side.

I have to laugh at some of the scouting regulations. It's all these rules and legal garble that has me going about a lifeguard to begin with. Well, that and wanting to make sure all the kids are safe. It will have to be our Den leader's decision on whether we call the party a scouting event or not. She's the one that could get herself in trouble with the scouting association. If she's fine with it, then we'll just call it a pool party.

Jess