Parks and Rec Days End July 31!

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

by Sandy Kellogg

Aquatic Operations Supervisor, Mount Vernon RECenter

Fairfax County Park Authority
VRPS Aquatics Resource Group 2016 Chair

VRPS 2016 Awards Co-Chair

The Latin quote above is often translated into “Who watches the watchers”, but according to the ultimate authority, Wikipedia, it literally translates into “Who will guard the guards themselves?”.  Last week I had the privilege of being asked to come tour an aquatic facility in Loudoun County.  The Lovettsville Community Center has a beautiful seasonal pool overlooking the mountains to the north, and with their new lounge chairs it definitely has a country club atmosphere.  I saw lots of interesting things at the facility, but the one thing that sticks in my mind are the surveillance cameras that they have pointed at the pool.

Many facilities will have security cameras on the front desk or entrances, but there seems to be a reluctance to have similar surveillance for the aquatic areas.  Many people have told me that they are reluctant to have video surveillance, especially with recording capability, simply for liability issues.  Yes, having a video that shows negligence or unprofessionalism behavior would definitely show up in a courtroom, but the liability would be very straightforward, and in today’s connected world the video and pictures are happening anyway.  And as a training tool, the Lovettsville Pool has a decided advantage.  A recent rescue was caught on video, and was a great training tool for other staff.  It was also a great tool for seeing what went well, and what could go better.

I have taught a lot of aquatic risk management, and there is nothing more powerful than actual video footage.  At a recent camp director training the 13 minute video of the Yoni Gottesman incident was much more powerful that anything I could say or do.

We can use cameras to ‘watch the watchers’, but lacking the technological investment aquatic facilities can still benefit from staff that knows people are watching them.  We use unannounced audits when an aquatic staff member comes from another facility, often in street clothes, and watches the guards.  They even go as far as to put a silhouette into the water, or swimming themselves and simulating an emergency.  The staff on duty never know` when or who, and the unknown is often the extra edge to their scanning.  A simple spot check can let the guards know that people are watching, just like back in 2nd Century when the Roman poet Juvenil wondered who would guard the guards.  

Bring on the Competition!

by Sandy Kellogg

Aquatic Operations Supervisor, Mount Vernon RECenter

Fairfax County Park Authority

VRPS Aquatics Resource Group 2016 Chair
VRPS 2016 Awards Co-Chair

There are a lot of things happening on the VRPS website.  There is a common thread that seems appropriate for an Olympic season – the Spirit of Competition!  We are a profession that thrives on teamwork, networking and cooperation, but sometimes a sense of competition can unify a team and create fun opportunities for people to aspire for first place.

First of course is the Lifeguard Cup!  The Aquatic Resource Group has been running this for several years, and last year decided to go to a Virtual Cup.  No, you don’t get to compete online, but your team gets to compete at their own site, and in their own times.  Results are sent back in and tallied.  Last year the Princess Anne Recreation Center in Virginia Beach won a pizza party and prize pack for coming in first.  Registration deadline is July 22; the VRPS website had more details.  Based on last year’s spirit videos this was a fun event at the sites that participated; there are some very creative staff members out there!

The VRPS Resource Groups and Service Areas are currently calling for nominations for the 2017 Boards, and VRPS nominations will be out soon as well.  It is wonderful to have the chance to choose between amazing applicants, but to do that we need more people running!  Please consider stepping up to nomination for a board or two.  The friendships and fun far outweigh the work.  VRPS needs all our help to extend their mission statewide, serving on a board is a great way to start.  Nominations for many of the groups are out there right now; there is more information on the VRPS website.

The Awards and Citations Committee would like to encourage everyone to submit applications for the 2015 VRPS Awards, presented at our annual conference.  As a member of that committee, it’s really fun to read and evaluate different programs and facilities.  There are so many interesting ideas, programs and projects going on out there, you all deserve to be recognized for the great things you do!  Here’s your chance for the state organization to recognize you as well.  Deadline for nomination is July 31; the VRPS website has more information.

Lastly, when I think back at my time at the VRPS Leadership Training Institute (LTI) this year, what I remember most (other than the awesome educational sessions!) are the games and challenges we did.  Our closing night there was solo cups being stacked, toilet paper being thrown, and even some booty shaking ping pong ball activity!  We all tried to be the best we could be, but in the end we all won and got some great pictures!  In the end, whether it’s with competition or collaboration, we are doing awesome things for Parks and Recreation in our state.  Come join us!

Everyone Likes Being Needed

by Sandy Kellogg

Aquatic Operations Supervisor, Mount Vernon RECenter

Fairfax County Park Authority

VRPS Aquatics Resource Group 2016 Chair
VRPS 2016 Awards Co-Chair

We all thrive on recognition, on being the best at what we do, and the confidence that comes from feeling irreplaceable.  There is a problem, though, with believing you are the only one that can do your job as well as you do – what happens when you can’t?

I got called home last week on very short notice.  Home for me is Southern Alberta, so it was not a particularly short trip!  I did everything I could to quickly get things taken care of while I was gone, with the ever present threat of an outrageous cell phone bill if I get stuck dealing with work issues while in a foreign country.  As I went around assigning tasks I realized I do a lot of stuff!  And while I think I’m pretty good at what I do, I am the only one who knows how to do them!  I spent longer explaining how to do some of the tasks that I should need to, and the fault was definitely mine.   I have amazing staff, many dedicated employees and coworkers, and I neglected to train and share responsibility.

When I got back is when it really hit.  There were frustrations, and broken things that “only you know how to fix”, and a long list of things that I had to deal with.  I realized I was looking at it backwards.  Instead of wanting to be the go-to person for everything my goal should be the opposite.   I have done my job well when I can be called away for emergency leave and have people not realize I was gone, that things can get done and thrive without me being the only one to do them.  My staff can handle it, as they tell me again and again, and I have to have the faith in them that they have in me.  Summer camp is coming up soon, hopefully the only reason they know I’m gone is my empty chair!