Turning the tide: dive into how the city of Omaha pooled its resources to beat its water woes

Parks & Recreation, August, 2004 by Kimberly S. Harman, Cheryll A. Peterson-Brachle

In addition to great wages, an in-service training program has enhanced staff retention. Components of this program include rescue awards, lifeguard competitions, an end-of-the-season social event, and an Omaha Lifeguard Day, here staff is recognized by the mayor at a city-wide event.

Making Aquatics Special

Creating a unique environment with new events was the last piece of the puzzle. Weekly special events are held at each of the 19 facilities. Some of those include a Flick and Float, Can Drive for a Dive, a Father's Day Swim and Meet Your Lifeguard Day. These special events added a new dimension to the city's summer program and helped increase overall attendance.

As a result of this successful plan, Omaha was the recipient of the 2003 National Excellence in Aquatics Award from NRPA. The Excellence in Aquatics Award honors an agency judged to demonstrate excellence in the management and development of public swimming pools and other aquatic facilities. The award highlights both the massive physical improvements at Omaha pools and the quality of aquatic staff currently managing the facilities. This plan has resulted in a 37 percent increase in attendance since 1998, and reduced cost per swimmer usage by 38 percent, as well as an overall staff retention rate of 72 percent.

As we all know, a crisis can happen at any time in an aquatic environment. A good plan, along with being proactive can help minimize your risk and hopefully prevent it. In Omaha, a crisis created an award-winning aquatic program, which can swim with the best in the country.