Life Guards

RandyG:
Our HOA employs a swimming pool company who maintains the pool and provides the lifeguards at an hourly rate. The budget for the year includes the approximate amount for LGs as it is usually decided in Jan. and not needed until May. The LGs also ARE SUPPOSED to be used for parties, etc., that are held at the pool. I suppose this is better than relying on homeowners to get one lifeguard per 20-25 people and then they do not. In the past our board has allowed the pool company to hire teenagers from our own subdivision (first). Personally, I have seen that that is not a good idea--they usually are kids that know each other and talk too much rather than watching the swimmers. There have to be two LGs at a time at our pool--one in the LG chair while the other breaks but in case of accident or emergency, they have to work together. We have a telephone convenient in case of emergency, but they have been known to tie that up talking to their friends. Bottomline, under 18 they are not very responsible, BUT, last two years, the manager of the pool company has been very strict--she shows up unexpectedly and has fired two LGs--children of board directors. We were glad it was the pool company and not us (the board) at the time. I am no longer on the board. One kid was asleep and the other was in the clubhouse watching his own TV that he had brought with him. So, long story short, if you hire young LGs, have someone manage them and watch them carefully. If you hire a pool management company--check them out thoroughly. I will also have to point out here that our pool company have been in bed with our president and have provided what appear to be favors in exchange for her letter of recommendation which I've seen online. It appears it is about their providing LGs for swim team and perhaps sponsorships. It seems there can never be a clean slate or never that anything is easy. That said, there should be someone out there, a company or individuals that are not in a conflict of interest situation. Interview several and have the board decide on what to do. I hope this helps. We are in TX.
EdR