Feb 19, 2018 Updated 21 hrs ago

The Illinois Valley YMCA received the Gold standard from Ellis and Associates, a high standard that exceeds industry standards.Ellis and Associates is a private industry leader in Aquatic Safety that monitors the Y on a year-round basis. “The Illinois Valley YMCA is committed to water safety and ensuring that our members can feel confident in our staff while enjoying our facilities and programs,” said Dave Potthoff, Illinois Valley YMCA CEO. “The Y is proud of the extensive training and commitment of our Aquatic Staff, the honor of being in the Gold standards means our local Y is in the top 20 percent of all Ellis pools.”The Y receives random unannounced Aquatic Facility Operational Safety Audits each year from Ellis and Associates. These audits include undercover video surveillance of individual lifeguards while they protect their Zone of Protection areas, in order to accurately evaluate their professional diligence. Additionally, individual and team basic life support and rescue skills are evaluated, along with simulated emergencies that measure the effectiveness of established Emergency Action Plans.  Read more…

Source: Illinois Valley YMCA Lifeguards take home the gold | Free | newstrib.com