Staying Strong, Safe & Connected
Swan Aquatics, LLC Team Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 2 | July 24, 2025
In This Issue:
* A Note to Our Amazing Team
* Important July Dates:
* July 25: World Drowning Prevention Day
* July 31: International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
* Drowning Prevention
* Customer Service
* Staff Shout-outs!
* Welcome to New Leadership
* Lifeguard Opportunities
* Lifeguard Policy Reminders
To Our Amazing Team:
We hope this message finds you well and thriving. As we continue to grow and make waves in the aquatics industry, it’s important to stay connected, celebrate our wins, and keep everyone aligned. This newsletter is your monthly dive into what’s happening across Swan Aquatics — from exciting updates, team shoutouts, and training tips, to upcoming events and important reminders.
Whether you're poolside, in the office, or supporting from behind the scenes, your dedication and hard work are what keep us moving forward. Let’s take a moment to reflect, recharge, and refocus as we move into another strong month together.
Thank you for everything you do — now let’s jump in!
Warm regards,
The Swan Aquatics Leadership Team
🛟 Important July Dates
July 25 is World Drowning Prevention day
More drownings occur in July than any other month of the year.
July 31 is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
“We want to take this time to thank our lifeguards for their dedication, bravery, and expertise in preventing accidents and saving lives.”
- Stacy Burton, Director of Facility Operations
🛟 Drowning Prevention
Why "Just Being on Duty" Isn’t Enough
Can you think of three reasons why drownings occur even with lifeguards watching?
Hint: R - I - D
🛟 Customer Service
At Swan Aquatics, we’re not just providing safety—we’re creating memorable experiences for every family and guest who walks through our gates. Whether it’s a friendly greeting, clear communication, or going the extra mile to help a parent or child, great customer service is what sets us apart. Every interaction is a chance to build trust, showcase professionalism, and leave a lasting impression. Let’s continue to lead with courtesy, care, and pride in everything we do!
- Melissa Swanson-Musil, Founder & CEO
🛟 Spotlight on: Swan Staff
Shout-outs!
Shane Cardenas, Gilroy - The Junior Guard program:
A huge shoutout to Shane for running a smooth and successful Junior Guard program in Gilroy this season! With 7 engaged participants and everything running without a hitch, Shane’s leadership and organization truly stood out.
Joshua Moeller, Surf Club - Facility Supervisor:
Congratulations to Josh on his well-earned promotion to Facility Supervisor at the Surf Club! Starting as a Lifeguard Coordinator, Josh has stepped up a big way—leading in-services, supporting recruitment, and providing outstanding communication and support to our entire team.
Welcome to our New Leadership Team Members
Regina Hoskins, Lifeguard Events Coordinator
Combining my passion for aquatics and my professional experience makes for the perfect job! Happy to be a part of the Swan team.
Kelly Hodgins, Human Resources Coordinator
After nearly two decades in the Aquatics community, I find joy in connecting with individuals eager to make a difference in the aquatics world and safeguard our communities. Joining the Swan Aquatics team fulfills this passion and purpose!
Jeff Church, Chief Strategy Officer
Jeff has over 30 years of experience as a founder and CEO of 8 companies across diverse sectors. Over the past few years, he has advised more than 50 early-stage founders as they endeavor to follow their dreams!
Rebecca Larsen, Health and Safety Manager
Rebecca has over 15 years of experience working in education and safety. With over five years of experience as a CPR instructor with the American Red Cross, she is known for delivering interactive, inclusive, and engaging training sessions that ensure participants leave confident and prepared.
🛟 Spotlight on: Lifeguards
Hi Lifeguard Instructors,
Looking to further your certifications and keep up with your skills year round?
Consider bridging to become a CPR instructor and potentially teach CPR courses to the general public. We can help you figure out the steps to do it. If you are in an area we are holding cpr courses, we welcome all qualified applicants to check out our mentor/mentee program.
Our mentor-mentee program pairs experienced CPR instructors with lifeguard instructors looking to bridge in the Red Cross system to teach land based CPR courses. Our mentors will take you through the land based formats we most commonly teach, the difference between training for professionals and training the general public, and make sure you are 100% comfortable before you teach your own courses.
For more information: contact Rebecca Larsen (Health and Safety Manager) and Katie Harker (Director of Health and Safety)
Lifeguard Policy Reminders
Facility Staff
Staff are only permitted to work private events if they fulfill their employment requirement to work a minimum of 3 days per week at our partner facility. Management pre-approval is required in order to work a private event.
Staff must also participate and be up-to-date with all required in-service training in order to work private events.
Private Lifeguard Staff
Event Lifeguards are hired for one-off or multi-day events at non-partner venues, usually private pools for weddings, birthdays, and social gatherings.
You are often the only lifeguard on duty (unless supervising more than 20 participants). Survey the pool area thoroughly before your shift and identify emergency access points, restrooms, and the best location for full pool visibility.
Balance guest safety with a respectful presence. Over-enforcing rules can harm repeat business, so be firm, but friendly.
To work events, you must:
* Hold valid Lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications
* Have reliable transportation
* Wear the complete Swan Aquatics uniform:
* Lifeguard t-shirt
* Red swimsuit or shorts
* Whistle
* Hip pack with first aid supplies
* Rescue tube
* Hat or sun protection
Thanks to our Aquatic Operations Manager, Aaron Turnier, for providing these policy reminders!
