Guarding Our Guards: Learning from Lifeguard Workplace Deaths in North America
Session Description
In December 2023, Jazmin Jefferson was a 21-year-old lifeguard in Washington, D.C. who experienced cardiac arrest while on stand; she collapsed into the basin she was guarding. Her backup lifeguards were completing admin duties in the pool office and maintenance in the pump room. Jazmin was submerged for at least 7 minutes and died from her injuries in hospital.
This is one of several recent instances of injury/death of lifeguards in Canada and the USA. This session will take a case study approach to review multiple cases and key takeaways. Attendees will leave this session with strategies and resources to assess and implement improvements at their aquatic facilities.
Presentation
PowerPoint slides
Feedback form
Case Studies
Picture Butte, AB FOIP Documents
Alberta: Convictions under the OHS Legislation (see 2022)
Washington D.C. FOIA Documents
Inspection: 1335606.016 - Sarasota Yacht Club, Inc.
Inspection: 1249237.015 - Community Pool Service, LLC
Deming, NM FOIA Documents
OSHA Inspection 1608622.015
News Articles
Alberta town hit with fine after lifeguard suffers serious injuries
Family Demands Answers from DPR as Lifeguard Lies in Hospital
Family Members Mourn Loss of DPR Lifeguard During the Holiday Season
Mother of DC lifeguard who died after falling into a city pool speaks out
There was no one to save Jazmin | Family of DPR lifeguard demand answers after death
Young lifeguard remembered as a loving daughter, sister, friend
Community Members Honor Jazmin Jefferson at Vigil
Investigations move forward on lifeguard drowning at aquatic center
Megan Wertz Obituary
Changes at city aquatic center following 2022 fatality
A Deming lifeguard drowned in the city pool with weights tied to her body. A year later, how has the aquatic center changed?
Brief press release on Facebook
Detailed press release on Facebook
State investigators say damaged rope caused prop helicopter accident at American Dream Mall
Smugglers’ Notch Resort drowning death: Parents of boy ready to sue ‘potentially liable parties’
6 injured at Colorado resort after HVAC system collapses in pool area
Lawsuit filed by victims injured in HVAC collapse at Gaylord Rockies pool
How to Change Your Life In 30 Days
Heroic lifeguard killed by freak lightning bolt at top of giant theme park ride hours after celebrating his 21st birthday *
Adventure Island fined in lifeguard's death *
Lifeguard was urged to use help, inquest told *
UPDATE: Schlitterbahn employee injured in accident dies *
Lifeguard crushed by wave generator; OSHA fines employer $96K *
Family of Raleigh lifeguard: 'Substandard work' led to electrocution *
Raleigh lifeguard's death prompts legislation at state level *
Not one more: why pool professionals still need to talk about entrapment prevention *
Newport Beach lifeguard died from accidental drowning: autopsy *
*articles not mentioned during session
Resources
Lifesaving Society Canada General Standards
Lifesaving Society Canada Swimming Pool Standards
AMHSA Aquatic Health & Safety Awareness Campaign
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
OSHA Establishment Search
Other Cases of Serious Injury or Fatality (USA)
Accident Summary Nr: 100120.015
Accident Summary Nr: 201034774
Accident Summary Nr: 83433.015
Accident Summary Nr: 135320.015
Accident Summary Nr: 46650.015
Accident Summary Nr: 202471843