Colleagues of the Washington Recreation and Park Association Aquatics Network:

Help Us Spread the Word About Lifeguards' Mental Health!  

As a professional entity who deeply cares about lifeguards, we need your help in spreading the word about a new research study surrounding lifeguard mental health. 

As you may have heard, the International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, in collaboration with leading organizations such as the Association of Aquatic Professionals, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc., StarGuard Elite, Lifeguards Without Borders, Swim Global Project and Surf Life Saving Australia, is launching a coordinated initiative to better support lifeguards who experience workplace trauma. This includes ongoing communications, research efforts, and Critical Incident Stress Management programs. 

Our first challenge is to establish that lifeguards – whether paid or volunteer – experience critical incidents associated with their lifesaving work.  The mental health toll of working as a first responder—whether a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic—is well documented. Unfortunately, the same attention has not been given to aquatic personnel, especially lifeguards, despite their role as trained first responders. 

ILCIRA hopes to help address this gap in research through our collaboration with the Center for the Advancement of Military & Emergency Services (AMES) Research at Kennesaw State University. This year, on July 25, 2025 – World Drowning Prevention Day - the AMES Research Center will launch a survey, "Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Critical Incidents in International Aquatic Personnel", that aims to bring national and international attention to the overlooked issue of critical incident stress in aquatic settings. 

ILCIRA would appreciate the Washington Recreation & Park Association (W.R.P.A.) Aquatics Network’s help by promoting ILCIRA, the mission and efforts ILCIRA is undertaking on behalf of the aquatic industry, and this current research initiative, by encouraging each member facility of W.R.P.A. to participate. We are requesting collaborating facilities to: (1) Encourage your lifeguards and leadership teams to sign up for ILCIRA’s Newsletter & Research Updates; and, (2) encourage your adult lifeguards (18 years of age, or older) and aquatics leaders to complete the AMES Research Study beginning July 25, 2925. NOTE: This survey will be distributed to all who have signed up for ILCIRA’s Newsletter. (You can also sign up to receive the survey at:  Sign Up for the AMES Research Center Survey.) Participating in this important study is one way everyone involved in lifeguarding can help give back to the greater aquatics’ community. Other participating organizations are planning to provide regular reminders to staff during staff trainings, leadership meetings, etc., so they can appropriately target their adult lifeguard staff. NOTE:  The AMES Research Center will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.  Despite the anticipated time commitment, it will be time well spent.  Again, please encourage your adult (18 years of age, or older) staff to participate in this critical step in improving opportunities to address lifeguard mental health.

Below, you’ll find both a research brief from Kennesaw State University outlining the upcoming survey and a recent article that your organization is welcome to share or use to craft your own message:

Kennesaw State University Research Brief  

Remembering the Forgotten First Responder:  Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Aquatic Personnel

Your support in amplifying ILCIRA’s social media outreach on this topic by retweeting/reposting our promotional posts would be deeply appreciated as we build awareness around this important topic that we already know affects lifeguards and allied aquatic professionals across the globe.  

Email us at: [email protected] for a marketing kit, a suggested posting schedule and suggested language to use to promote this critical survey to the industry. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional materials. 

Tyler Anderson, AqP, CEAP, CCISM, CCI 
President  
International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance  

[email protected] 

 

Jeff Fryer, AqP 
Specialist – Strategic Partnerships 
International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance 

[email protected] 

Department of Health Water Recreation Updates