Royal Caribbean, one of the larger cruise ship operators is becoming the first of the majors to add lifeguards to its pools and water activities. Previously, only Disney, a much smaller operator, had dedicated lifeguards.
Oasis of the Seas this week became the first of Royal Caribbean’s fleet to get the red-and-white uniformed safety staff; all 24 ships will be on-board by mid-June. In addition to having at least one lifeguard on duty at each open pool at all times, new water-safety signs are being posted, and instructions are being added to all the drills and assemblies at the beginning of the sailing.
The lifeguards are being hired and trained through Star Guard Elite, a Florida-based water-risk prevention consultancy. The lifeguards are specifically dedicated to the program and will not have other duties.
But honestly…weren’t you surprised they didn’t have them before?
