Fatigue & wellbeing team talk

Let's Talk Energy Levels: Supporting our fatigue levels and wellbeing (A 20-minute chat about managing fatigue in aquatics)

Quick Intro (2 mins) "Hey team - we all know aquatics is physically and mentally demanding. Whether you're scanning from the guard chair, teaching back-to-back lessons, or managing pool chemistry, fatigue is real. Let's chat about what helps us stay sharp and what drains us during shifts."

Group Chat (10 mins) Start with something relatable: "What's your biggest energy drain during shifts? For me, it's those long afternoon scans in the summer heat when the glare is intense."

Get people talking about:

• High-fatigue moments (late afternoon scanning, busy lesson periods)

• Physical demands (standing in guard chairs, demonstrating strokes)

• Mental challenges (constant vigilance, busy pool environments)

• Environmental factors (heat, humidity, glare, noise)

• Recovery between rotations

Making It Real (5 mins) Pick up on common themes: "I'm hearing that back-to-back lessons without breaks are really draining - what could help?" "Seems like the 3pm slump hits hard in the guard chair - let's talk about rotation timing."

Quick Action Plan (2 mins) "Let's try something new this week. What small changes could make a difference?" Examples:

• Adjusting rotation patterns during peak heat

• Extra water breaks between lessons

• Better glare protection solutions

• Buddy system for checking in on energy levels

• Quick stretches during changeovers

Wrap Up (1 min) "Thanks everyone - safety starts with taking care of ourselves. Let's check in next week on how these changes worked."

Tips for Running This:

• Hold it during a quiet time

• Make sure everyone's in shade/comfortable

• Keep rescue-ready (maintain proper positioning)

• Share your own pool-specific experiences

• Watch for signs of current fatigue

• Keep water available

Quick Follow-up:

• Test new rotation patterns

• Check equipment needs (umbrellas, sunscreen, water bottles)

• Monitor staff energy levels

• Adjust based on feedback

Remember: Our job is keeping others safe, but we need to stay safe too. Small changes can make a big difference in staying alert and effective.

Need any adjustments to make this work better for your aquatic team?