How much do lifeguards use whistles at resort pools?

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

My son potentially has sensory issues and / or anxiety (we’re on waitlists for professionals until the end of time so no official diagnosis.) Recently he’s become terrified of the sound of lifeguard whistles and refuses to go to the pool, which he used to love. At our pool they’re “on the whistles” fairly frequently though (adult swim every 45 minutes, warnings to kids running and that type of thing.) I’ve been to Disney pools but never paid attention to the amount of whistling that goes on before. I’m hoping whistles are maybe limited to actual emergencies there? Does anyone have any info on how / when the Disney lifeguards at resort pools use whistles?

 

[lanejudy]

Depending on resort, the "quiet pools" maybe a good choice. No lifeguards there. Also much less huste/bustle activity and stimulation.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Disney lifeguards only use their whistles in an actual emergency, never for other purposes. Getting someone’s attention for rules enforcement (eg, stop running, can’t bring that drink in the pool, swim away from the slide exit, or whatever the case) will always be verbal and not with the whistle.

I’ve always assumed it’s some sort of Disney lifeguard protocol as you see it in the water parks too.

Hearing a whistle, while possible, would be rare.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

I would say that the answer to your question is directly proportional to the guess ability to listen and follow directions....

 

[patty57]

I wonder if ear plugs might be helpful for him?

 

[Robbie Cottam]

In all serious. The main pools at most of the lresorts are pretty busy.
Kids playing,
Parent screaming,
Grand parents fighting….

Although I find the pools relaxing for the most part I would NOT called them quiet or calm! If that makes sense

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

Depending on resort, the "quiet pools" maybe a good choice. No lifeguards there. Also much less huste/bustle activity and stimulation.

Great idea, I’ve heard of quiet pools but had not visited them before - will look for those!

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

Disney lifeguards only use their whistles in an actual emergency, never for other purposes. Getting someone’s attention for rules enforcement (eg, stop running, can’t bring that drink in the pool, swim away from the slide exit, or whatever the case) will always be verbal and not with the whistle.

I’ve always assumed it’s some sort of Disney lifeguard protocol as you see it in the water parks too.

Hearing a whistle, while possible, would be rare.

Thank you, that is a huge relief!

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

I wonder if ear plugs might be helpful for him?

Thanks! I think when he’s older we will be able to utilize those types of supports more. Right now his tactile sensitivities get in the way - he is on and off with wearing “over the ear” headphones, but anything in his ear he can’t tolerate at all.

 

[PalmettoPath]

As others have noted, I rarely hear whistles unless there is something more serious going on and they need to get attention fast.

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

In all serious. The main pools at most of the lresorts are pretty busy.
Kids playing,
Parent screaming,
Grand parents fighting….

Although I find the pools relaxing for the most part I would NOT called them quiet or calm! If that makes sense

See that’s the thing, and why I have a hard time making sense of his sensory stuff… noise in general he can be fine with. He’ll even want to turn up the volume on YouTube or favorite songs way too loud, to the point that I’ve worried he isn’t able to hear well (he can, but for fave songs he’ll just yell ‘louder, louder!’ and want them way too loud.) But very specific sounds drive him bonkers no matter how quiet they are. Whistles, hand dryers, toilets flushing… I don’t know if they’re at a specific pitch or if it’s an anxiety thing or what. From what I’ve read this can be par for the course with sensory issues - sometimes wanting too much input, sometimes being hyper sensitive - but I find it so puzzling.

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

As others have noted, I rarely hear whistles unless there is something more serious going on and they need to get attention fast.

I’m so glad to hear that!

 

[DLgal]

Thanks! I think when he’s older we will be able to utilize those types of supports more. Right now his tactile sensitivities get in the way - he is on and off with wearing “over the ear” headphones, but anything in his ear he can’t tolerate at all.

Have you looked into the wax style swimming earplugs? They don't actually go inside the ear canal, they just sort of get squished into the opening until it lays flat. They don't feel like anything is on or in the ear. They are great for swimming to keep water out and mute some noise. My autistic son with extreme sensory hypersensitivity used them when he was younger and couldn't tolerate in ear earplugs. You can find these at every drug store. They are often neon orange or white in color.

I don't recall frequent whistles at Disney pools, but kids scream at the pools a LOT. They can get very loud.

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

Have you looked into the wax style swimming earplugs? They don't actually go inside the ear canal, they just sort of get squished into the opening until it lays flat. They don't feel like anything is on or in the ear. They are great for swimming to keep water out and mute some noise. My autistic son with extreme sensory hypersensitivity used them when he was younger and couldn't tolerate in ear earplugs. You can find these at every drug store. They are often neon orange or white in color.

I don't recall frequent whistles at Disney pools, but kids scream at the pools a LOT. They can get very loud.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[DisneyOma]

Disney lifeguards only use their whistles in an actual emergency, never for other purposes. Getting someone’s attention for rules enforcement (eg, stop running, can’t bring that drink in the pool, swim away from the slide exit, or whatever the case) will always be verbal and not with the whistle.

I’ve always assumed it’s some sort of Disney lifeguard protocol as you see it in the water parks too.

Hearing a whistle, while possible, would be rare.

As others have noted, I rarely hear whistles unless there is something more serious going on and they need to get attention fast.

I've heard whistles at the Hippy Dippy pool at Pop Century, and at the Big Blue pool at AoA. There tend to be big crowds at these pools, and the lifeguards are blowing whistles at kids most of the time, or dumb adults putting kids up on shoulders. I'd guess 3-4 whistles in an hour, maximum, though.

 

[PalmettoPath]

I've heard whistles at the Hippy Dippy pool at Pop Century, and at the Big Blue pool at AoA. There tend to be big crowds at these pools, and the lifeguards are blowing whistles at kids most of the time, or dumb adults putting kids up on shoulders. I'd guess 3-4 whistles in an hour, maximum, though.

Could be, we have never stayed at a Value or Mod.