Norwegian Cruise Lines is joining the hopefully growing parade of cruise lines adding professional lifeguards to their pools and waterparks, starting with its four largest ships this summer.
In addition to the lifeguards, who will appear on the rest of the fleet by next year, NCL is providing swim vests for children, to be available at towel stations. There were previously staffers acting as pool monitors, but they were not trained lifesavers. The new staffers will be Red Cross certified and have no other duties.
Disney, in 2013, was the first line to add lifeguards; Royal Caribbean began adding them earlier this year. As ships continue to be fitted with more pools, slides and even waterparks, it’s likely that lifeguards will become more common, and may even be a selling point for families choosing a cruise line.
