Determining the presence of lifeguards during competitive swimming events at Mid-American Conference universities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of lifeguards at men's and women's varsity competitive swimming events, including practices and competitions, at Mid-American Conference universities. Subjects were aquatic directors and both men's and women's competitive swimming coaches from nine out of the 13 Division I member institutions within the Mid-American Conference. Eighteen of 22 self-constructed surveys mailed were returned, for a return rate of 81.8%. At least one survey from each of the nine universities being surveyed was returned, for 100% representation of all the Mid-American Conference universities that currently have competitive swimming programs. The results of the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and indicated what type and level of safety is currently being provided by the universities within the Mid-American Conference. The results also proved that a current standard of care regarding competitive swimming safety has been set by six out of the nine universities surveyed.