Molly Pitcher Hotel Red Bank, NJ

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1 MINUTES Board of Directors Meeting and Educational Conference Novemberh 6-8, 2003 Molly Pitcher Hotel Red Bank, NJ The Boat House The Molly Pitcher Ashes Steakhouse & Raw Bar MEETING SPONSORS Lead Sponsor Medtronic AEDs Presenting Sponsor Philips Heartstart AEDs Meeting Sponsors H2O Velocity Jobbeedu Marine Rescue Products Uniserv Advertising

2 UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE Molly Pitcher Hotel Red Bank, NJ November 6-8, 2003 MINUTES Thursday, November 6, 2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: - 9:00 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER - Mr. Rohrer A. Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Gavin B. Welcome and Introductions - Mr. Rohrer Mr. Rohrer welcomed delegates to the Board of Directors Meeting. Officers and delegates were introduced. C. Roll Call of Delegates - Mr. Shotwell DELEGATE VOTES BASED ON MEMBERSHIP OCTOBER 4, 2003 MEMBERS VOTES PRESENT PROXY TOTAL JUNIORS NEW ENGLAND MID ATLANTIC SOUTH ATLANTIC SOUTH EAST GREAT LAKES GULF COAST NORTHWEST SOUTHWEST SUB TOTALS NATIONAL (AT LARGE) 19 2/3 = 23 VOTES MAJORITY =18 VOTES 2 TOTALS II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve Agenda by Mr. Zebrowski, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro; motion passed unanimously III. IV. Order of the Day Donna Stein, Executive Director, The Skin Cancer Foundation. Introduced by Mr. Daly. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, Spring Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii Motion to approve minutes as distributed by Mr. Kiziukiewicz, seconded by Mr. Foxwell; motion passed unanimously. 1

3 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 2 V. MEMORIALIZATION of Executive Committee Actions since previous meeting. A. evote 1, June 10, Shall the USLA Executive Committee approve the certification of Bethany Beach Patrol (Bethany Beach, Delaware) at the advanced level for a three year period commencing May 10, 2003? : 9 to adopt, 3 no, passed. B. evote 2 - August 5, 2003 ALM Official Photographer - Shall the American Lifeguard Magazine be authorized to spend no more than $300 for accommodations for an official photographer at the 2003 Cape May Games and furthermore be authorized to designate full press access credentials for said photographer?. 8 to adopt, 1 no, passed. C. evote 3 - August 28, 2003 on USLA-SHP Contract: Shall the Independent Contractor Consulting Agreement between the USLA and Scott Hubbell Productions dated August 24, 2003 as negotiated by the Resource Development Committee be approved? 12 yes, 0 no, passed. VI. D. evote 4- September 7, 2003 on South Atlantic Region hosting 2004 National Competition: Shall the South Atlantic Region be awarded the 2004 National Competition previously scheduled for the Northwest Region? 8 yes, 0 no, passed. E. evote 5 - September 18, 2003: Negotiate or Suspend Scott Hubbell Productions agreement negotiations : Respond NEGOTIATE or SUSPEND as to whether the Resource Development Committee should continue to negotiate or suspend negotiations until we can all talk at the national meeting 4 Negotiate hi, 3 Suspend, no majority.(as of October 4, 2003) Motion to memorialize Executive Committee actions since previous Board of Directors meetings made by Mr. Zebrowski, seconded by Mr. Kiziukiewicz; motion passed unanim ously. OFFICERS ACTIVITY REPORTS A. President - Mr. Rohrer gave highlights of his written report:: thanked Southwest Region for excellent Hawaii meeting.,... Written report attached B. Vice President - Mr. Gavin highlighted Los Angeles Jr Lifeguard membership. Applause heard for Bob Moore s efforts to get this membership. Applause for Mr. Richardson s work on administrative disk... Written report attached C. Secretary - Mr. Shotwell expressed appreciation for cooperation on several evotes and other internet communication. Emphasized need for Bylaw as well as Policy and Procedure amendments to better authenticate use of electronic voting between Board meetings.... Written report attached D. Treasurer - Mr. Farry highlighted Los Angeles Jr Lifeguard membership check, applause again for Bob Moore s efforts to enroll this membership... Written report attached E. Recurrent Representative - (Mr. Brown)... Written report attached F. Liaison - Mr. Brewster emphasized coalition with ARC and YMCA, non-profit expert agencies with an interest in lifesaving and aquatic safety. Duty breaks and scanning mentioned as exam ples of future interest. He pointed out the many possibilities inherent in National Weather Service coalition... Written report attached G. Development - Mr. Colosi invited delegates to visit and support meeting sponsors,... Written report attached H. Medical Advisor - Dr. Wernicki highlighted, spinal injury seminar with SNJ Chiefs, thank you Cape May for safe competition, continuing with ILS Medical Board. Tom Daly read letter of commendation he had sent to Dr. Wernicki regarding his leadership on the ILS Med Commission... Written report attached 2

4 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 3 VII. REGIONAL COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORTS A. New England - (no report) B. Mid-Atlantic - Mr. Gallagher indicated his report was included in the meeting booklet. He thanked Mr. Hartl for his efforts in preparing the meeting site and Educational Conference itinerary... Written report attached C. South-Atlantic - Mr. Hensler highlighted plans for the 2004 National Gam es to be held in Daytona Beach.... Written report attached D. Southeast - Mr. McCrady added comments to his written report: South East region has maintained a strong presence in the Florida Panhandle; City of Destin establishing a lifeguard service; South East Training Academy continues with success; Mr. McCarthy is working on Life Guard Hall of Fame; Ft. Lauderdale experiencing budget cuts which may affect lifeguard staff; Ellis Associates signed to provide contract lifeguard service with a South East agency.... Written report attached E. Great Lakes - Mr. Pecoraro reported that a difficult time with membership recruitment experienced at present in Chicago as they were not allowed to promote or mention USLA in work place. They successfully mobilized alumni to energize membership drive and enlisted lifeguard and junior guard parents to respond to lack of city administrative support.... Written report attached F. Gulf Coast - Mr. Maceo highlighted continued efforts to improve training of lifeguard staff in Vera Cruz and Boca Del Rio Mexico and success at placing a water safety message for showing before previews in local movie theaters.... Written report attached G. Northwest - Ms Wiederhold reported on success in establishing a two day format for regional championships hosted by their Redwood Chapter and generally increased activity at several major agencies.... Written report attached H. Southwest - Mr. Moore (for Mr. McGowan) reported that the southwest Board of Directors had authorized a minimal delegation to this meeting; the area experienced lifeguard agency budget cuts; the 2003 summer had brought record crowds to the beaches and with that record rescue activity.... Written report attached VIII. COMMITTEE CHAIR ACTIVITY REPORTS A. Public Education - Mr. McKenna as co-chair provided verbal report. Highlighted Sea Grant involvem ent, need for USLA organizational promotional tool, website enhancem ent, downloadable teacher aids. B. Certification - Mr. Brewster reported on certification activity which at this time includes 99 agencies plus 5 ARRT agencies. Committee agenda items will include consideration of adopting an International flag system, the Dr. Beach program modification; and recent com munications with the Clean Beaches Council.... Written report attached C. Textbook - Mr. Brewster announced the publication of the revised manual and thanked committee members by name. highlighted new things in book: extra 100 pages, new photos, updated historical, website references, learn more boxes, chapter discussion points intended for classroom discussion, updated medical content, OSHA regulations, expanded report coverages, Jr Lifeguards chapter.... Written report attached D. Website - Mr. Brewster indicated the revised website was near completion. It would be on line in perhaps one more week. Improvements would be noticeable in the online membership application area, realtime updating, updated home page and a requirement for registration of bulletin board participants.... Written report attached E. American Lifeguard Magazine - Mr. Bartlett current issue distributed. He reviewed expenses including significant cost reduction due to slightly reduced weight paper and reduced postage.... Written report attached 3

5 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 4 F. Statistics (Mr. Gould not present) Mr. Rohrer urged agencies to get statistics in - use fax num ber until internet site is updated. G. Curriculum Accreditation Committee - (Mr. Martinez not present)... Written report attached H. Competition - (Mr. McGowan not present) No report. Mr Rogers volunteered to chair committee meeting] I. Heroic Acts - (Chair position vacant) Mr. Gill volunteered to chair committee meeting J. Junior Guards - Ms Boyer had conducted informal guess how many Junior Lifeguard memberships contest during meeting registration. Applause for winners including for Tom Daly as highest wrong guess, Peter Wernicki lowest; Micky Hutto and Erin Joyce announced as winners. Applause for Charlie Hartl for assistance with Junior Guard membership; She asked for more m agazine content for Junior Lifeguards.... Written report attached K. Membership - (Mr. Pecoraro) reviewed agenda for committee meeting... Written report attached L. Ways and Means - (Mr. Farry) Credit Card income and magazine is helping revenue. Reviewed committee agenda. 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: lunch: Included presentation of Virtual Junior Lifeguard Program. by Noel Gould (and others) of the Virtual Trade Mission, Washington, DC. 1:30 pm Committee W orkshops (locations as announced by President) 5:00 pm Meeting recessed until 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2003 Friday, November 7, 2003 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE New York Harbor Tour: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island; World Trade Center Ground Zero; Times Square. Saturday, November 8, :00 am Call to Order - Mr. Rohrer IX. ORDER OF THE DAY: USLA - National Weather Service Collaborative Rip Current Forecast Project.. Chris Brewster, Liaison Officer and Dr. Peter Hartsock, provided background on the development of the USLA relationship with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Weather Service (NWS). Two representatives of the National Weather Services made presentations regarding rip current predictive models and proposed collaboration with USLA. The presenters were: Tim Schott, National Weather Service Marine Branch, 1325 East West Highway Room 13124, Silver Spring MD 20910, x 122 timothyschott@noaa.gov Jim Eberwine, National Weather Service, Hurricane and Marine Weather Program Leader, Mt Holly, NJ, ext 238, fax , X. (Committee Workshops continue) Meeting reconvened at 11:30 am. XI. COMMITTEE ACTION REPORTS A. Public Education - Mr. McKenna reviewed agenda for committee meeting, referenced National Weather Service/Sea Grant presentation,, support for skin cancer foundation presentation directed toward children, web downloads, printing cost deferred to website work, rip current education and other matters. 4

6 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 5 Motion to accept the report: Mr. Lombardi; second: Mr. Gallagher, Motion passed unanimously. B. Certification - Mr. Brewster proposed ILS Flag system for beach warning flags with two small corrections approved (see report); committee agenda to include agency reviews, action on complaints received (Mr. McKenna reported on availability of flags).... Written report attached Motion to accept the report excluding reference to California State Parks and Recreation: Mr. Pecoraro; second Mr. Foxwell. Motion passed unanim ously. Mr. Gallagher moved to support the Certification Committee s recommended rejection of the application of California State Parks and Recreation based on the swim standard, but strongly encouraging the agency to amend its practices and reapply. Mr. Hartl seconded; motion passed with one dissenting vote cast by Mr. Moore. C. Textbook - Mr. Brewster reported on publication of the 2 nd edition of the manual. D. Competition - Mr Rogers provided written report (with attachments to follow), expressed appreciation for Mr. Moore s assistance in the absence of Mr. McGowan. Under Old Business several Championship rule changes were recommended for adoption by the Board of Directors (see details in attached Competition Committee Action Report): involving: adjusting age groups to conform to ILS policies including 5 year age increments; requirement that all competitors be required to wear colored wrist bands; stipulation that no event shall be delayed due to equipment problems subject to discretion of head official; a protest procedure change requiring timely submission of $25 fee, appointment of protest committee of uninvolved personnel, and authorization to use any available resources in their deliberations; authorizing a separate page each year as a preface to the body of rules summarizing new rule changes; historical listing each year in the national competition program book of the first three teams in each division and recipients of the several special awards.... Written report attached Comments from the floor included a request that the committee was asked to address matter of foreign competitors and to research the status of the replacement of Sheridan Byerly Award Motion to accept report by Mr. Healy, seconded by Ms. Joyce, Motion passed unanim ously. E. Heroic Acts - Mr. Gill reported on approval of several awards (see details in written report). Applause was heard for recipients who were present. An Award of Merit was approved for Chris Brewster in recognition of his outstanding work on the second edition of the textbook. Applause was again heard. A previously utilized National Lifesaving Award to give due recognition to an agency or group for exemplary actions involving multiple rescuers responding to a rescue in extremely difficult, dangerous and/or hazardous situation was reactivated. All regions are urged to submit award nom inations as this provides positive press coverage and directs the attention of the educating public to appropriate water safety actions.... Written report attached Motion to accept report by Mr. Bartlett, seconded by Ms. Joyce; Motion passed unanimously. F. Junior Lifeguards - Ms Boyer indicated 2004 Nationals were scheduled for August 5 in Daytona, FL. The committee discussed alternate plans for conditions that prevent water events, a policy proposing m edals for places 1-5 and ribbons for places 6-10, m em bership issues, emphasis on rash guards for skin protection, kit contents the importance of Junior Guard content in the American Lifeguard Magazine, the Virtual Junior Guard Program, and roundtable ideas. Motion to accept report by Mr. Hartl, seconded by Mr. Hutto; Motion passed unanimously. 5

7 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 6 G. Magazine - Mr. Bartlett indicated Fall issue was in the mail and outlined ideas for improving content and circulation... Written report attached Motion to accept report by Mr. McCray, seconded by Mr. Pecoraro; Motion passed unanimously. XII. H. Membership - Mr. Pecoraro reviewed the committee discussions and actions which included a proposed Associate Junior Lifeguard membership with a $25 fee as a means of attracting more attention to the Junior Lifeguard program; new membership kit ideas - card design competition for patch, luggage tag; problems with returned kits; issues concerning proprietary copyright of word lifeguard.... Written report attached Motion to accept report by Mr. Moore; seconded by Mr. Mogck; Motion passed unanimously. I. Recurrent Representative - Mr. Brown reported on committee discussions of salary comparisons, training expectations, agency staff reductions, waterpark lifeguarding, revised textbook as an asset, national lifeguard survey. Motion to accept the report by Mr. Braudy; seconded by Mr. Gallagher; Motion passed unanimously. J. Ways and Means - Mr. Farry reviewed meeting discussions. He indicated that the most recent quote to raise level of audit required to participate in planned giving as proposed by the Development Coordinator had been $5,500 - that he would seek an update; insurance costs have increased approximately 25%. The chair commended Mr. Farry s excellent work on behalf of the USLA.... Written report attached Motion to accept the report by Mr. Hutto; seconded by Mr. McCrady; Motion passed unanimously. M. Resource Development Committee - Ms Wiederhold provided an update on RDC efforts in negotiating contract with SHP in that a contract was drafted which was rejected by SHP. The committee had explored alternatives with SHP which were all rejected. Discussion: Mr. Gallagher: does acceptance of report bar further negotiation? Mr. More interprets as no. Amend report to indicate that negotiations are suspended but could be reopened. Motion by Mr. Watson to accept the report as amended; seconded by Mr. Rogers; Motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS A. [from Minutes of previous meeting] Southeast suggested that spring meeting be set permanently as 2 nd week in May. Considerable discussion followed proposal vs moving to last week in April. President suggested discuss in Regions and make proposals at next (Fall 2003) meeting. This would require changes in both Policies and Procedures and Bylaws. The chair indicated that meeting dates should be discussed again under old business at the next meeting. McCrady: suggest consider as recommendation and indicated that. Southeast withdrew proposal. B. [from Minutes of previous meeting] A written report on a meeting involving Jim Shoemaker (Chair - USLA Lifesaving Hall of Fame Committee), Jim McCarthy (committee member), and Sam Freas (President - International Swimming Hall of Fame) was circulated. The report called for certain actions on the part of USLA. USLA President Don Rohrer asked the Board of Directors for input. B. Chris Brewster remarked that although a member of the Lifesaving Hall of Fame Committee, he had been unaware of the meeting or the report until the present time and was unsure whether other members of the committee were aware. He recommended tabling the issue until the committee could be brought up to date on the 6

8 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 7 proposal and could make a recommendation to the USLA Board of Directors. The issue was tabled. McCarthy: referenced letters from Sam Freas, ISHOF concerning plans to recognize outstanding lifesavers. Mr. Brewster reviewed perspective of ILS, reviewed letter outlining certain concerns sent from ILS to ISHOF to which no reply was received. President to communicate with Dr. Freas to see if forward motion on involvement of USLA regardless of ILS issues can be achieved. Mr. Brewster moved that ISHOF be informed that we are interested but need to clarify certain issues. Failing a second, the motion was withdrawn. Mr. Gallagher moved, Mr. Maceo seconded, that the President communicate with Dr. Freas to see if forward motion on involvement of USLA regardless of ILS issues can be achieved. Motion passed unanim oyusly C. [from Minutes of previous meeting] Hubbell contract: After considerable discussion, Mr. Hensler moved that When SHP signs a one year contract with the national USLA, there shall be a simultaneous cancellation of the CSLSA contract. Also, the two elected positions of the regional board who signed the CSLSA contract shall be suspended from the National Board of Directors until such time that a national contract is signed or the CSLSA contract status is resolved to the satisfaction of the national board of directors. Ms Wiederhold seconded. Ms. Wiederhold as chair of the Resource Development Committee (RDC) stated that at the last meeting in Hawaii, the RDC was charged with negotiating a contract with Scott Hubbell Productions, Inc (SHP). At the meeting in Hawaii the RDC met with SHP and SHP verbally agreed to the terms (not financial) that the Board had voted to take forward. A contract was drafted and forwarded to SHP. SHP withdrew its prior offer to cancel the contract with CSLSA in favor of a national contract with USLA, which was a key requirement of the USLA Board of Directors. Therefore, the RDC will discontinue negotiations with SHP. The RDC is open to suggestions from the Board on other avenues to pursue in terms of sponsorship and funding options. Mr. Moore spoke indicating that as the lead delegate for the Southwest Region he had a statement to make and then a motion. Mr. Moore stated that it had never been the intention of the Southwest Region to cause any divisiveness within the USLA. The National USLA had hired fund raisers over the years with limited or no success as stated in the Southwest Regional report and so in 2001 the Southwest Region had entered into a contract with SHP, Inc. Their goals were to enhance their membership package and to put on regional competitions at no additional cost. At no time did the Southwest Region intend to hamper the USLA s ability to raise funds on a national level and they would support any national sponsor that is not in conflict. The Southwest Region would do everything within its power to resolve it if there was a conflict. It was also the goal of the Southwest Region to share its success by recommending that the National USLA also enter into a contract with SHP, Inc. Mr. Moore apologized on behalf of the region for the problems created by the contract. he stated that it was not until this Board of Directors meeting that the full ramifications of the CSLSA contract were understood by some members of the CSLSA Executive Board including himself. In discussions with Tim Gallagher Mr. Hubbell made it clear that he would block a national sponsor that conflicted with SHP's business interests. Mr. Moore reported spending 2½ hours in full, frank, honest, and cordial discussions with the Presidents of two regions, Tim Gallagher and Mike Hensler, in a sincere effort to resolve the outstanding issues. He summarized by stating that the Southwest Region and SHP, 7

9 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 8 Inc. have a legal binding contract as an incorporated body in the State of California and without SHP, Inc. agreeing to changes in the contract, the Southwest Region is obligated through Despite the problems that the contract has created for the USLA, the Southwest Region would like to be treated as a full participant with equal respect due each region. The Southwest Region will continue to work for a better and stronger USLA. He then moved that the officers of the Southwest Region suspended by Board of Directors action at the Spring meeting be reinstated. Mr. Maceo seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion continued: Mr. Gallagher queried as to how will the USLA will now conduct business because HPC has certain exclusivities? He proposed options: 1) form separate SW corporation 2) not go after national sponsor 3) something be changed so that regions can continue to seek sponsors. Mr. Maceo suggested two areas available for sponsorship: Public Education, National Championships. Mr. Pecoraro queried as to whether m embership kit could still be National. Additional discussion followed concerning these and other alternate possibilities. McCarthy proposed new committee: [How would this differ from RDC?] Mr More: need drop dead date of Spring meeting before next year for fund raising proposals; suggest Policy and Procedure changes/additions regarding sponsors, don t think bylaws at this time; move to suspend bylaw that creates problem, a temporary fix to create breathing room. Brewster: propose to hold bylaws in abeyance for duration of SHP contract but not sign contract that goes beyond that period. Max date No further action was taken. XIII. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Brewster moved the endorsement of USLA coalition with NOAA with understanding that any formal agreement would be put to Executive Committee or the Board of Directors; second by Mr. Hensler. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Brewster moved the endorsement of USLA coalition with YMCA and American Red Cross in accordance with correspondence attached as part of the Liaison Officer s report; seconded by Mr. Hartl. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gallagher moved the endorsement of the USLA support of the Skin Cancer Foundation presentation with the understanding that any formal agreement would be put to the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors; second by Mr. Zebrowski. Motion passed unanimously. Requests were heard for updating of the current listing of Chapters and Agencies. Mr. Brewster moved the statement regarding the GO JG program that had been presented during the luncheon on Thursday: that "The USLA generally supports efforts to educate youth in water safety. We look forward to receiving more details from the Go JG program regarding USLA's proposed role, the business plan, and any proposed cooperative agreement for eventual consideration by the Public Education Committee and the USLA Board of Director." Second by Mr. Zebrowski. Motion passed unanimously. XIV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 8

10 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 9 A. Nom inating Committee Report (Mr. Shotwell) The Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee Chairman who shall solicit, in writing, nominations from each Regional Council at least 90 days in advance of an election. [USLA Bylaws] Mr. Shotwell reported that solicitation notice was circulated; no nominations were received. B. Nominations Any member in person or in writing may make nominations from the floor at the time of the election. [USLA Bylaws] The chair called for nominations from the floor for the office of President. Mr. McCarthy speaking for the Southeast Region nominated Mr. Brewster for President. Mr. Pecoraro nominated Mr. Maceo for President The chair appointed Mr. Colosi and Ms. Wiederhold as tellers for the election. Delegate voting resulted in Mr. Brewster s election as President. The chair called for the ballots to be destroyed. Mr. Rohrer announced that he would be unable to serve as Advisor and that it would thus be up to Mr. Brewster to appoint an Advisor. The chair called nominations from the floor for the office of Vice President. Mr. Maceo nominated Mr. Gavin. There being no other nominations heard, the chair indicated the nominations were closed and that Mr. Gavin was elected Vice President by acclamation. The chair called nominations from the floor for the office of Secretary. Mr. Healey nom inated Mr. Shotwell. There being no other nominations heard, the chair indicated the nominations were closed and that Mr. Shotwell was elected Secretary by acclamation. The chair called nominations from the floor for the office of Treasurer. Mr. Moore nominated Mr. Farry. There being no other nominations heard, the chair indicated the nominations were closed and that Mr. Farry was elected Treasurer by acclamation. The Recurrent Representative shall be elected by ballot of the Recurrent Representatives of each Regional Council every second year. [USLA Bylaws] The chair called for a five m inute recess so that the Recurrent Representatives could conduct an election for the National Recurrent Representative. When the meeting returned from the recess, the Recurrent Representatives reported that Duke Brown had been elected National Recurrent Representative. Mr. Brewster thanked the Board of Directors for their confidence in electing to the office of President. Mr. Brewster announced the appointment of Mr. Gallagher as Advisor and Mr. Bauer as Liaison Officer. Both appointments were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors. 9

11 USLA Fall Meeting - Red Bank - November, 2003 Page 10 XV. PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Hensler announced that the 2004 Nationals were scheduled for August 5-7 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Additional information would be forthcoming. XVI. FUTURE MEETINGS A. Spring 2004 Northwest Region: San Francisco, CA, April 22-24, 2004 B. Fall 2004 Gulf Coast: Galveston TX, November 4-6, C Spring - SE, Fall - SW D Spring - MA, Fall - NW ` XVII. PRIVILEGE OF THE CHAIR Mr. Rohrer thanked for actions of the day particularly in resolving outstanding issues. Applause was heard for his years of service to the USLA including his tenure as President.. XVIII. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Maceo moved to adjourn the m eeting; seconded by Mr. Foxwell; Motion passed unanim ously. 10

12 PRESIDENT S REPORT FALL 2003 TO: Conference Representatives FROM: Don Rohrer RE: Summary of President Activities DATE: November 2003 Special congratulations are in order to Chris Graham, his committee and volunteers, and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association for the planning and coordination our USLA Spring Meeting. Based upon my attendance at other like meetings, the meeting in Oahu was, without question, one of the best ever! Mahalo from all of us. The virtual junior lifeguard program, known currently as the GOJG program, has moved forward with great speed and much forethought. Its founder, Noel Gould, Esq., a Long Beach lifeguard and practicing attorney, will make a presentation during this Fall meeting on the concept and future plans of GOJG. As you will see, he has included in his prototype junior lifeguard programs from South Carolina, New York, Chicago, San Clemente, Long Beach and Los Angeles County..and this is only the beginning! Noel has been assisted in large part by the City of Long Beach Fire Department s Lifeguard Division and, in particular, by the work of Captain Louis Martinet. This concept has the potential to eclipse all of our combined past public education efforts. I know that you will find the proposed program visionary and a possible contributing resource to allow greater numbers of young people the exposure needed for safe recreational use of open waters. We congratulate Noel and Louis for their efforts and the many volunteered hours they have dedicated to advance this program. Congratulations go to two New Jersey lifeguard lieutenants who collaborated in writing and illustrating The Beach Patrol. This children s book explains the operation of a typical New Jersey lifeguard service. It should be in every elementary and junior high classroom in the state. This is an excellent effort in telling our story to young people. John O Brien and Max Bilkins deserve to be recognized by our organization for their efforts. The Beach Patrol can serve as a model for other services to follow. Four lifeguards from the San Louis Obispo County area rescued a woman who had been attacked by a 15 to 18 foot great white shark. They had no rescue equipment available at the time of the incident. However, without hesitation, all four of the guards went for the rescue and brought the victim to shore where she succumbed due to the extensive loss of blood. I will be submitting the names of these four lifeguards to the Heroic Acts Committee for Medal of Valor consideration. President Activities and Communication. As usual, I have handled communication and other USLA related tasks with members of the public, governmental departments, agencies within our region, and the National level.

13 USLA President s Report Fall 2003 Dedication of Fall Meeting. I would ask for consideration to dedicate this meeting in memory of Dick Fitzgerald. Fitz, as he was better known in our profession, not only was able to remove the Los Angeles County Lifeguards from the County Recreation Department, but also lead the movement to merge the Santa Monica and Los Angeles City lifeguard crews with the County. This was a giant step forward in the advancement of our profession and for the lifeguards of Los Angeles County and throughout the country. He was a lifeguard to the end. Finally, I would like to extend sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the members of the Board and the many others who continue to work tirelessly to move USLA forward. These dedicated individuals make up an honor roll of distinguished professional lifeguards as well as others who support our vision and goals. What is particularly impressive is that LIFEGUARD drives their efforts whether they come from east or west, south or north, large or small agencies, lakes or open waters, rookie or experienced veteran it is the profession it is our approach and commitment to the professional lifeguard in the interest of the public who we serve that bonds us together as members of this organization. Four members who stand tall among the many are Bill Richardson, Dave Shotwell and Greg Farry. Their extraordinary accomplishments over these past years have gone way beyond the call of duty. I would be remiss without also extending special gratitude to Jerry Gavin. Jerry has provided me with steady support and council throughout my past two terms. I could not have asked for better, and I thank Jerry for his role.

14 REPORT OF NATIONAL SECRETARY to the USLA National Board of Directors Red Bank NJ/Manhattan NY - November 6, 2003: Organizational correspondence and files have been kept up to date since the last meeting in Hawaii. Activity files of the various committees are maintained with the copies of correspondence and reports that Committee Chairs forward from time to time. messages are retained in a condensed chronological file so as to be available for reference purposes. I appreciate the cooperative response I have continued to receive from USLA members throughout the organization as I have attempted to have these contacts handled by appropriate representatives. Often such contacts request same or next day response. I am not aware that any have gone unanswered. Archival records continue to be kept in a fireproof, security monitored location. Access to postage meter, high speed copier and related mechanical office equipment continues due to my current employment situation. A significant portion of national telephone, fax and internet costs continues to be absorbed by my office and by the New Jersey Certification Office budget. The 866-FOR USLA answering machine receives very few calls - less then one a week. It is evident that the web site and provide most of the communication needed for the organization. Bill Richardson has provided a CD with administrative materials (Bylaws, Policy and Procedure compilation, Competition Manuals, Chapter Application form, etc., which available for National Officers and Regional Presidents. Thank you, Bill, for the dedication this project represents. Efforts to accomplish resolution of contract issues by discussion and evote during recent months have shown the need for national and regional officers to respond in a timely manner if these processes are to be effective. Additionally, the USLA must adopt a bylaw amendment to authorize an electronic decision process. I received expressions of dissatisfaction with the recent electronic experience from Executive Committee members. Effective access and experience with internet communication should be added to the prerequisites for regional and national office. I trust this meeting will see the organization back on a positive track with a proper balance among regional and national interests. Much has been accomplished in recent years toward the USLA purpose to establish and maintain high standards of professional surf and open water lifesaving for the maximizing of public safety. Undue recent emphasis on obtaining lucrative sponsorships has distracted the USLA from this and the other objectives. The USLA came this far on the strength of extraordinary membership dedication and service; the USLA can go on to far greater accomplishments in the same manner if priorities are kept in order. David M. Shotwell, Sr., National Secretary C:\MyFiles\USLA\National\03-Fall Red Bank NJ\Reports Activity\Secretary Fall 03.wpd

15 USLA NATIONAL RECURRENT REPORT FALL 2003 Recurrent representatives will discuss the previous summer successes and problems with seasonal lifeguards. While visiting the seasonal issues, old concerns faced by agencies will be highlighted to determine if those problems are corrected or continued to be issues. A survey will be presented to each recurrent rep to help track those regional problems. The National Exam Survey will continue to be discussed and a comparison of those submitted will be reviewed. Limited information from the links on the USLA web site has been gathered to provide additional information for comparison. Blank survey forms are available at the meeting to be filled out by any agency wishing to provide their information. Since the next textbook package will have an instructor guide, CD Rom, and a test bank, the information being taught will reach a larger population. This will allow students more of a chance to gain lifesaving knowledge prior to entering agency training. Should a candidate receive credit for having completed an open water lifesaving course? What can be done in your area to incorporate this program package at an educational setting? Seasonal lifeguards will always create challenges for agencies. The Governmental cutbacks and stiff competition from other employers will cause agencies to be creative when recruiting. I have enjoyed working with this committee during the last several years. Submitted By J.K. Duke Brown

16 Liaison Officer s Activity Report Fall 2003 Board of Directors Meeting National Weather Service Collaboration At the spring 2003 Board of Directors meeting, I reported (see Liaison Officer activity report) that the National Weather Service had voiced strong interest in collaborating with both USLA and Sea Grant to produce rip current posters and brochures. My view was that if NWS, USLA, and Sea Grant could collaborate on a single product, including the logo of all of our organizations, national standardization and a higher resulting public comprehension might result. This collaboration also promised the possibility of broader funding sources for the materials and resources for artwork development. This concept was discussed in the Public Education Committee and it was decided that a team involving Committee Chair Dave Williams, Dr. Peter Hartsock, and I should meet with NWS. The Board of Directors approved this approach. Although Dave Williams has been unable to participate, Peter Hartsock and I have worked throughout the past six months to forge a tentative alliance. This appears to be paying great dividends for USLA and for drowning prevention. We will propose, at this meeting, a formal approval of this plan by the Board of Directors. We have met with NWS and Sea Grant (in Peter s case several times), both of which are part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Among representatives of our three organizations, we have developed an agreed message about rip currents to be included in educational material, including brochures and on our respective websites. The tentative plan is to kick off a formal announcement of this collaboration and to roll out a national rip current awareness program in the spring of 2004, during USLA s National Beach Safety Week, with each of the three organizations involved. Both Peter Hartsock and I believe strongly that this collaborative proposal offers tremendous benefits to USLA as an organization and to our goal of drowning reduction. We have recently been advised that the National Ocean Service (also part of NOAA), which has among its responsibilities natural hazards assessment, is also desirous of being involved in the collaborative plan. A letter agreement is being drafted and will be presented for USLA consideration in coming months. Benefits to USLA and lifesaving: Consistent rip current educational messages nationwide Simultaneous dissemination of the messages by National Weather Service, Sea Grant, USLA, and possibly the National Ocean Service Government funding of brochures, posters, etc. for use nationwide by regions, chapters, and lifeguard agencies National recognition of the importance of rip currents National recognition of the importance of lifeguards to prevent drowning National recognition of the leadership of USLA Improved communication between lifeguards and the Weather Service nationwide Development and refinement of a rip current predictive model to be used by NWS nationwide USLA participation in rip current research Improved profile of USLA, with logos of each organization on all materials No cost Alliances with NWS and Sea Grant which may lead to future benefits Page 1 of 3

17 American Red Cross and YMCA Collaboration At the spring 2003 Board of Directors meeting, USLA Advisor Bill Richardson reported on an initiative by the YMCA to call a meeting involving the American Red Cross, USLA, and YMCA to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. He suggested that as Liaison Officer and due to my oversight of the Americas Region of the International Life Saving Federation, I should attend the meeting as a representative of USLA. That recommendation was approved. As previously reported to you by memorandum (attached), the meeting took place in St. Louis, Missouri in June It was an extremely positive step toward cementing existing relationships and identifying areas where we could work together in the interest of drowning prevention. A specific result of the meeting was identification of key issues for further attention and research. The broader result however, was an agreement to work on these and other issues as an informal coalition. No commitment of funds or resources is involved, but they may later be deemed appropriate by our respective boards of directors. Meeting participants reached agreement on an overarching area of weakness in lifeguard training and standards the lack of a scientific, research based approach to development of many commonly accepted lifeguarding methods in wide use. While theories have been advanced over the years, many of which have been commonly accepted, few have been scientifically validated. There was agreement to initiate steps to rectify this gap. Areas of common interest in objective research included lifeguard vigilance, victim recognition, minimum training standards, and in-service training needs. We are presently aiming toward garnering grant funds to conduct this research. In my view, this is an extremely valuable alliance. I propose that the Board of Directors approve continued work in this area, with an understanding that any significant costs (i.e. beyond occasional meetings), would need to be approved by the Board of Directors. Bolivia In May 2003, the International Life Saving Federation Americas Region, the San Diego Lifeguard Service, and several lifeguards (including Southeast Region President Jim McCrady) received the Higgins and Langley Award for Swiftwater Rescue in recognition of work conducted in Bolivia to train local teams in flood rescue. Twenty people from teams throughout Bolivia were trained. Over US $8,000 in equipment was donated to Bolivia for flood rescue training. I represented ILS at this ceremony in Reno, Nevada. Sonoma County Signs In September, at the request of the Northwest Region, I sent a letter of support to the California Coastal Conservancy for funds to, enable the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department (Regional Parks) to design, produce and place watershed and hazardous river condition signs for the Russian River watershed, and hazardous surf condition signs for the Sonoma coast. A report on the project referencing drowning deaths of 15 people in three years noted that, surf and wave conditions have swept thirteen (13) people away during the last three years, and that, signs are needed to increase the public s awareness of ocean safety, thereby assisting public agencies with providing safe coastal access. A copy of my letter is attached. Germany In October I represented USLA and the International Life Saving Federation at the 90 th anniversary celebration of the German Lifesaving Federation. I made a presentation at the event on beach lifesaving in America. My costs in Germany were paid by the German federation. I covered my own transportation costs. Page 2 of 3

18 Greece In May 2003, I represented USLA and ILS at a lifesaving conference in Athens. All costs were paid by the organizers. The ultimate benefits should include improvement in drowning prevention in Greece. Mexico Work continues in an effort to organize the various lifesaving efforts in Mexico into a single national federation, similar to USLA and other national lifesaving organizations. This is being led by Victor Zavala of Ensenada, with the strong support of Bob Burnside and others. I lend support wherever possible. Lifesaving Hall of Fame No further communications have been received from Hall of Fame President Dr. Sam Freas PhD since my letter of October 2002, previously copied to the USLA Board of Directors. International Life Saving Federation The next meeting of the ILS Board of Directors will take place in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt in February At that meeting, the international flag warning standards proposed by ILS will be considered a final time and a final standard is expected to be issued. The National Certification Committee is slated to consider the proposed standard at this meeting. Rescue 2004 will take place in Viareggio, Italy, in the province of Tuscany, in September of next year. It will include a sanctioned ILS international competition, as well as the quadrennial ILS General Assembly. Information is available on the website of the event: International Aid and Correspondence Extensive correspondence with representatives of lifesaving organizations nationally and internationally has continued. This has focused, in particular, on lifesaving development in the Americas. Respectfully submitted, B. Chris Brewster Liaison Officer c: National Weather Service collaboration memo July 29, 2003 American Red Cross, YMCA, USLA collaboration memo August 2, 2003 Coastal Conservancy letter September 30, 2003 Telephone: (858) Fax: (720) brewster@lifesaver1.com Page 3 of 3

19 M E M O R A N D U M DATE: July 29, 2003 TO: USLA Board of Directors FROM: B. Chris Brewster, Liaison Officer SUBJ: National Weather Service Collaboration At the spring 2003 Board of Directors meeting, I reported (see Liaison Officer activity report) that the National Weather Service had voiced strong interest in collaborating with both USLA and Sea Grant to produce rip current posters and brochures. My expressed view was that if NWS, USLA, and Sea Grant could collaborate on a single product, including the logo of all of our organizations, national standardization and a higher resulting public comprehension might result. This collaboration also promised the possibility of broader funding sources for the materials and resources for artwork development. A meeting was proposed by NWS to discuss this further. This concept was discussed in the Public Education Committee and it was decided that a team involving Committee Chair Dave Williams, Dr. Peter Hartsock, and I should meet with NWS. The Board of Directors approved this approach. A meeting was scheduled by NWS in Silver Spring, Maryland on July 9, Dr. Hartsock and I were in attendance, along with several representatives of NWS and Sea Grant. Dave Williams was unable to attend. This meet was extremely positive. Representatives of each organization explained their organization s interest in the issue. NWS explained its desire to provide better predictive models for rip currents and to improve public education efforts, both to reduce the incidence of drowning. They explained that they have come to recognize that rip currents are a greater threat to public safety than lightning, tornados, and hurricanes combined, from the perspective of attributable deaths. Sea Grant representatives explained their funding mechanisms, research efforts (some of which involved rip currents), and rip current education strategies. It was generally agreed by all three organizations that pooling resources in future to coordinate rip current education efforts would be of tremendous value to all three organizations. The concept of co-branding a wide variety of educational materials was discussed (with the logos of all three organizations to appear on the materials). USLA brings several values to the proposed collaboration. Our members are on-site observers who can help report actual conditions to NWS offices and thus assist in helping NWS refine their predictive models (as well as current reports). Our distribution channels, including our website, lifeguards on the beach, and chapter communications

20 with local schools and community groups, were seen as ideal ways to disseminate information. Sea Grant is conducting research on rip currents (with assistance of USLA members) that might be further enhanced by further participation of USLA members. They have produced rip current education materials on a regional basis, but would benefit by a single approach nationally. Sea Grant has financial resources. As an example, a concept was discussed whereby Sea Grant might help design a study of NWS rip current predictive models based on reports from USLA members that would be fed into a computer to compare actual conditions to NWS predictions. Ideally, at some point in future, NWS predictive models might be extremely accurate. USLA would benefit in several ways. These include raising the USLA profile, further solidifying the image of USLA as the expert in open water safety, and improving liaison with NWS and Sea Grant for this and other projects. Most importantly, this collaboration may present a way for USLA (with its partners) to provided far more extensive public education materials at limited or no cost to USLA or our chapters. In this regard, we discussed everything from brochures, to posters, to coloring books, to website enhancements. The goal of NWS is to kick off a formal announcement of this collaboration and to roll out a national rip current awareness program in the spring of 2004, during USLA s National Beach Safety Week, with each of the three organizations involved. Both Peter Hartsock and I were left with a view that this collaborative proposal offers tremendous benefits to USLA as an organization and to our goal of drowning reduction. It was agreed that a memorandum of agreement would be assembled, formalizing the responsibilities of the parties. That agreement has already been developed in draft form by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), of which NWS and Sea Grant are a part. I am presently helping refine the MOA and am keeping Chip More (who is busy with several other USLA projects) fully informed. Ultimately, the MOA would need to be approved by Chip and the USLA Board of Directors, and signed by the USLA President. As this concept develops further, I shall do my best to keep you informed. Comments are welcome.

21 M E M O R A N D U M DATE: August 2, 2003 TO: USLA Board of Directors FROM: B. Chris Brewster, Liaison Officer SUBJ: American Red Cross YMCA USLA Collaboration At the spring 2003 Board of Directors meeting, USLA Advisor Bill Richardson reported on an initiative by the YMCA to call a meeting involving the American Red Cross, USLA, and YMCA to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. He suggested that as Liaison Officer and due to my oversight of the Americas Region of the International Life Saving Federation, I should attend the meeting as a representative of USLA. That recommendation was approved. The meeting took place in St. Louis, Missouri in June I had meant to report on it much sooner, but have been delayed by other responsibilities. In my view, it was an extremely positive step toward cementing existing relationships and identifying areas where we could work together in the interest of drowning prevention. The primary representatives of the groups involved were Terri Pagano, the YMCA s newly appointed Specialty Consultant for Aquatics/Scuba, Mike Espino, Manager of Aquatics Technical Development at the Red Cross, and me. Additional representatives of ARC and YMCA were also present, including Terri s predecessor, Laura Slane, who facilitated the meeting. A specific result of the meeting was identification of key issues for further attention and research. The broader result however, was an agreement to work on these and other issues as an informal coalition. No commitment of funds or resources is involved, but they may later be deemed appropriate by our respective boards of directors. As you know, of the three organizations, the American Red Cross and the YMCA lifeguard training programs are the most similar in nature. Each is aimed at training lifeguards who will work at pools, waterparks, or non-surf beaches. Those who successfully complete the training receive course completion cards widely accepted for lifeguard employment in these environments throughout the USA. (The YMCA includes some surf skills and knowledge in their program, but encourages area specific knowledge and obtaining USLA training for surf lifeguarding.) USLA s lifeguard training programs are, of course, aimed at open water areas, both surf and non-surf, with certification of training programs rather than lifeguards. Despite differences in the programs, all three organizations share key similarities. Each can point to a long history of leadership in lifeguard training which significantly predates that of all other existing programs, except perhaps that of the Boy Scouts. While all

22 three organizations aim to at least break even from a financial perspective, income is not the driving motivation. Instead, each is dedicated to the importance of drowning prevention through public education and the provision of properly trained lifeguards at areas where people gather to swim. It is this similarity which seems both a guiding light for future collaboration and potentially the most important outcome that might be expected from a successful collaboration drowning prevention. USLA, the American Red Cross, and the YMCA are the United States members of the International Life Saving Federation. ILS, which maintains the motto world water safety, has brought about a global collaboration with respect to lifesaving practices and standards. It has done so, in large part, by acting as a forum of exchange of information on lifesaving. It was concluded that a coalition of the US members of ILS might be expected to have a similar impact nationally. Meeting participants quickly reached agreement on an overarching area of weakness in lifeguard training and standards the lack of a scientific, research based approach to development of many commonly accepted lifeguarding methods in wide use. While theories have been advanced over the years, many of which have been commonly accepted, few have been scientifically validated. There was agreement to initiate steps to rectify this gap. One area identified for study is lifeguard vigilance and attention. How long should lifeguards be assigned to watch the water without a break? How long should the break be and what activities might it include? What can lifeguards do to minimize boredom? These and related questions, which could presumably be determined through objective research, would be of obvious value to lifeguards in all environments. Victim recognition is a related, but separately identified issue of concern. Theories abound regarding this essential lifeguard skill, but none appear to have been thoroughly, objectively researched. What is the most effective way to scan the water? How high should a lifeguard ideally be positioned? How does the size of the zone under observation impact victim recognition? These are but a few examples of questions the organizational representatives agreed need answers. USLA has long maintained a nationwide system of statistics gathering based on reporting by affiliated beach lifeguard agencies and administrated by Rick Gould. The Red Cross and YMCA do not currently collect or maintain statistics on accidents, rescues and other incidents, but agreed on the value of gathering this information. An up-to-date database of this nature could help determine training needs and focus training needed to improve the efficacy of lifeguards. Developing minimum training standards is another area in which there was agreement that work is needed. How should minimum competencies, including swimming skills, best be set and assessed? Is there need for timed testing? If so, what should the testing include? How should testing vary in accordance with the environment where the

23 lifeguard will work? Effective research could be expected to yield answers to these and related questions. A fifth area of potential collaboration is in-service training. At what frequency should such training be scheduled? Of what elements should it be composed? What methods should be developed to enhance lifeguards independent and abstract thinking to help them determine the best course of action relating to the situational analysis of events? Armed with answers, all three organizations could be expected to improve and standardize lifeguard training. The details of how these collaborative efforts will be undertaken are yet to be determined. In some cases, costs of research might be substantial. In others, existing resources may be available to jump-start the process. For example, meeting participant Roy Fielding, Director of Aquatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, offered assistance of his institution in designing and administering the statistics gathering process for YMCA and Red Cross. Meanwhile, grants, donations, and related sources of funding could be sought for the other areas of need. I would like to emphasize that no absolute commitments were made on my behalf on the part of USLA, but I expressed the view to the group that this collaboration would seem to offer nothing but benefits to all three groups. Side benefits include a mutual respect for each other s programs and public recognition of each other for our areas of expertise. There were times when USLA had concerns over potential intrusion of other organizations into the areas we oversee. In my view, the chances of that occurring are further minimized by a coalition of these three organizations. This coalition might also be expected to help highlight the altruistic nature of our programs, as compared to others which are primarily motivated by different goals and whose pronouncements about lifeguard standards should rightly be considered in that light. I was asked by the group to write an article on our meeting for Aquatics International magazine, which I have done. If you have a subscription (they are free), you ll likely be able to read it in the next edition. As this concept develops further, I shall do my best to keep you informed. I m sure there will be a chance to discuss this formally in November and it will be my pleasure to follow any further direction the Board of Directors cares to give. Meantime, your comments are welcome.

24 United States Lifesaving Association PO Box 366 Huntington Beach, California Tel: 866-FOR-USLA September 30, 2003 Don Rohrer President Jerry Gavin Vice-President David Shotwell Secretary Greg Farry Treasurer Duke Brown Recurrent Representative B. Chris Brewster Liaison Officer Willia m Richardson Advisor Dr. Peter Wernicki Medical Advisor John Chip More Legal Advisor California Coastal Conservancy 11th Floor 1330 Broadway Oakland, CA RE: WATERSHED AND HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS SIGNS - File No The nonprofit United States Lifesaving Association exists, in part, to educate the public regarding water safety in the natural aquatic environment through a program of preventive awareness. We are committed to actively support the general improvement of lifesaving and humanitarian causes. Your project discussion notes that in Sonoma County, surf and wave conditions have swept thirteen (13) people away during the last three years, and that, signs are needed to increase the public s awareness of ocean safety, thereby assisting public agencies with providing safe coastal access. You also note that, Similar to the Sonoma coast, the Russian River has areas that are not safe for those who cannot swim or are poor swimmers. Some of the hazardous conditions are: deep holes, eddies, quick sharp drop-offs, hidden debris, and steep river-banks. You cite the deaths of 15 people in three years. Your project includes plans to, enable the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department (Regional Parks) to design, produce and place watershed and hazardous river condition signs for the Russian River watershed, and hazardous surf condition signs for the Sonoma coast. On behalf of USLA, I laud your efforts in helping bring this project to fruition. The ideal method of reducing drowning deaths is the provision of lifeguards, as the chance of drowning in an area under protection of lifeguards is 1 in 18 million. Nevertheless, public education is a key element of a comprehensive drowning prevention strategy and this project addresses a clear need. Sincerely, B. Chris Brewster, Liaison Officer BCB Liaison Officer s Address: 3850 Sequoia Street San Diego, CA Tel: Fax: Internet: brewster@lifesaver1.com

25 To: USLA Board Of Directors and Delegates From: Dick Colosi, USLA Development Date: October 30, 2003 Re: Development Report 1. Board of Directors Meeting Sponsors a. After a late start, there has been a decent sponsor response with underwriting of this Falls Board of Directors Meeting as follows. i. Lead Sponsor ii. Medtronic Physio-Control AEDs b. Presenting Sponsor i. Philips Heartstart AEDs c. Meeting Sponsors i. Uni-Serv ii. Marine Rescue Products iii. Jobbeedu iv. H2O Velocity Physio-Control and Philips Heartstart are entitled to address the USLA Board Meeting. 2. Membership Incentives a. Speedo has expressed an interest in becoming the official swim gear of the USLA. Supplying members product as a membership premium is part of the negotiations with Speedo. b was the third and final year of the Panama Jack/ USLA Sponsorship Agreement that provided the USLA $485,000 in product. Panama Jack was very happy with our relationship. Trademark restrictions recently imposed on Panama Jack regarding use of the word LIFEGUARD now prevents them from continuing that line of Panama Jack products. Consequently, the agreement will not be renewed. Discussions have been initiated with Coppertone regarding there involvement as the USLA official suncare products. The following letter was sent to Chip More regarding the issue of the word Lifeguard as a trademark. Hi Chip, 2003 was the third and final year of the Panama Jack/ USLA Sponsorship Agreement that provided the USLA $485,000 in product. Panama Jack was very happy with our relationship. There was every expectation that the agreement would be renewed, until recently, when Panama Jack was

26 Development Activity Report, Spring 2003 notified of trademark restrictions regarding use of the word Lifeguard that now prevents them from continuing sale of their line of "Lifeguard Formula" products. Consequently, the agreement will not be renewed. Someone owns trademark rights to the word Lifeguard and is now actively protecting those rights. This causes significant problems for the USLA itself and with acquiring USLA sponsors. 1. Regarding the USLA itself, as you know, there are many important examples of the USLA using the word Lifeguard such as American Lifeguard Magazine, Lifeguards for Life (our motto), the National and Regional Lifeguard Championships. If we are prohibited from using the word Lifeguard at some point in the future, we are basically being stripped of our identity. 2. As regards sponsors, use of the word Lifeguard (and what it stands for) is seen as the key benefit for USLA sponsors. Common sense dictates that use of the term Lifeguard by a sponsor will always be an integral element of that sponsor marketing their association with the USLA. You may recall me mentioning that Ingram ran into this problem in using the term Lifeguard when they attempted to market their association with us in the US. Ingram received a cease and desist letter. As a result, Ingram essentially ended their USLA marketing efforts in the US. Now that this trademark problem has killed the Panama Jack deal, I feel compelled to seek your legal advice in determining the use the term Lifeguard by the USLA as well as those sponsoring the USLA. It seems to me that the word Lifeguard is a generic term used in common language the same as the word Firefighter. In any case, since the USLA is by definition an association of Lifeguards, it would seem to me that the word Lifeguard should be ours and our sponsors to use. If those holding the Lifeguard trademark contend otherwise, I think it is important for the USLA to determine the extent of their restrictions. Perhaps, more importantly, we should test the validity of trademarking the word Lifeguard. Kind Regards, Dick USLA National and Regional Lifeguard Championships. Every effort is being made to acquire sponsors for the 2004 USLA Regional and National Lifeguard competition series. In consideration for National Sponsorship of the regional and national competitions, prospects have been asked to provide the 2004 USLA National and Regional Championships $110,000 in cash as Title sponsor and $90,000 in cash as Presenting sponsor. There are several initiatives for securing national and regional sponsors including, Fosters,

27 Development Activity Report, Spring 2003 Honda, Chevy Trucks, Lamisil, Nautica, Wachovia Securities, Nextel, Timex, Speedo, Kawasaki, Old Navy, Redken, G-Shock, Oakley, Pizza Hut, Verizon, Skyy Blue, Pepsi, Smirnoff Ice, Old Spice, Toyota, UPS, Teva, Nature Valley, Edge Shaving Gel, Red Bull, Johnson & Johnson, Tommy Bahama, Kodak, Gillette, KFC and Ingram. Discussions have been initiated with Fine Designs and H2O Velocity regarding event apparel sales at the 2004 National Lifeguard Championships in Daytona Beach, FL Early decisions on the dates and sites of the various regional championships are needed from each of the regional councils. For 2004, you may recall Miller/Fosters regional distributors continued their sponsorship of USLA competitions in the Mid-Atlantic region. Indications are they may wish to expand the relationship. 4. Choice Hotels USLA Member Discounts Our agreement continues with Choice Hotels to provide USLA members a 20% discount from rack rates at the following hotel chains; Comfort Clarion Quality Sleep Econo Lodge Rodeway Mainstay 5. Place of Employment Giving Place of employment giving is the first and best step in building a direct donor base of contributors that will lead to more significant support. From such a donor base can be built a Planned Giving Program that includes tax advantaged gifts as well as bequests. United Way. If an employer is part of the United Way Campaign, any employee thereof may give a designated gift to the USLA via the United Way through payroll deduction or other means. In addition, the local USLA chapter may apply to become a member agency of that local United Way. However, the Untied Way of America does not offer a single national application process for the USLA to be listed wherever USLA chapters may exist. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC is a national place of employment giving federation of the OBM. The CFC concentrates its efforts on federal governmental organizations place of employment giving campaigns. To join the CFC and be listed throughout the nation, the USLA must be designated by the IRS as a 501 ) (3) agency have an unqualified full audit be a national umbrella organization also having a local presence spend less then 25% of its income on fund raising The USLA could qualify for CFC listing if it had a full audit. This has been a recommendation to the Board for the past several years.

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31 UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION 2003 Fall Board of Directors Meeting Red Bank, New Jersey South Atlantic Region Report The South Atlantic is fortunate to be able to host the USLA 2004 National Games in Daytona Beach. The date currently scheduled is August 5,6,and 7 th. We hope all who attend have a wonderful time. Please feel free to contact any of our members while you are attending the meeting for any logistical or event questions you may have. We hope that as many of you as possible can attend the competition. SOUTH-ATLANTIC REGIONAL COUNCIL President: Mike Hensler, 2052 S Peninsula Ave., Daytona Beach FL 32118, (W) , (H) , Fax , mhensler@co.volusia.fl.us Vice President: Tom Gill, 815 Virginia Ct., Virginia Beach VA 23451, (W) , Fax , tomgill@excite.com Secretary: Nikki Bowie, W 861 Riverland Dr., Charleston SC 29412, (H) , (W) , (W) Fax , Voice x3563, ngbowie@comcast.net. Treasurer: Mickey Hutto, rd Ave. N, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250, (W) , (H) , Fax , mch33@juno.com Advisor: Paul Pivec, 4206 Oriole Ave., Daytona Beach FL 32127, (W) , (H) , Fax National Recurrent Representative: Duke Brown, 537 Forestbrook Dr., Myrtle Beach SC 29579, (H) , (W) , (W) Fax , bchfrntdir@aol.com We have set our 2004 regional games to be held in Daytona Beach, on July 14 th and 15 th.we look forward to the tightly contested competition we have all come to expect. Our junior competition will be in Daytona Beach on July 17 th. Membership seems to be steadily growing and the Panama Jack bags, T-shirts, and product definitely enhance the enticement to join. Of course we miss the sponsorship money offered by Fosters as a national sponsor but we are glad to hear that they continue to support the USLA with some continued funding in some regions and chapters. We, in the South Atlantic, just want to echo the philosophy, again, that we must support our sponsors and give them sponsorship loyalty. It is our fervent wish that this meeting is conducted on a positive plane and that we can resolve some of the ongoing dissension we have been plagued with. To be successful as an organization we must respect all regions and personalities. Keeping in mind that no one region is greater than the whole and no sponsor is acceptable if they threaten to divide the membership or control our internal administrative actions. Respectfully submitted, Mike Hensler, President

32 Southeast Region UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION SOUTHEAST REGION 2003 FALL PRESIDENT S REPORT President: James H. McCrady V Vice President: Clint Tracy Advisor Gerry Falconer Public Education Director Patrick McGlamery Treasurer: Phil Wotton Acting Secretary: James P. Mac McCarthy Competition Chair: Todd Rapp Beach Safety Director James P. Mac McCarthy We here at the United States Lifesaving Association Southeast Region have continued our proactive approach to the issue of rip current drownings in the region. Some of our targeted areas of concern have shown progress, but there is still much to be done. Last year we had issued beach safety evaluations and lists of recommendations for improving public safety at the beaches of Santa Rosa Island on the Florida Panhandle, an area including but not limited to Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Island National Seashore, and the Destin area of Okaloosa County. Although some of the recommendations were adopted, unfortunately the vast majority of them were not and there have been at least 40 since those reports were first issued. We are hopeful that Bob West, Escambia County s new Public Safety Director, will be a new ally with respect to the prevention of rip current drownings. In early June of this year, Patrick Squid McGlamery, our Public Education Director, traveled to Pensacola to train a group from Escambia County Fire- Rescue in USLA ARRT. A core group of ten personnel are now trained to the standards of this program, and Escambia County will be submitting an application to the National Certification Committee for certification as a recognized Aquatic Rescue Response Team (only the second in the Nation to my knowledge.) This team will be responsible for virtually every aquatic rescue and/or intervention in the area until the early spring when the beach patrol returns to duty. Do to his initial success, he has again been requested to return to the region in the spring of 2004 to train a new group from Escambia County Fire Rescue, as well as others in the area. Destin Florida has also expressed interest in pursuing a training program. Details should be finalized in the upcoming months. Our region s Public Safety Director and interim Secretary, James P. Mac McCarthy has continued his strong presence in the Panhandle area. In Mac s three trips up to the area since May, he has met with many local activists and tried to coordinate their efforts at making their beaches safer. Those working with Mac most notably are Bill Soltz, the area s new interim USLA SER District Representative, Jack Moran, who is developing a Surf Lifeguard curriculum for Pensacola Junior College, and Sandra Sheets of Baptist Hospital, who has created and distributed a rip current awareness and safety video. He has also been very outspoken in regards to the apparent hypocritical message that the Blue Wave award gives the public in regards to certifying beaches safe, when in fact, drownings are occurring with regularity at some of those beaches. Mac will also be traveling back up to the Panhandle to finish research for his forthcoming follow-up report that will assess any and all deficiencies in the areas of beach safety. The region would also like to thank the Pensacola News Journal and the Independent Florida Sun for their extensive coverage of the drowning epidemic in the region. Lauderdale-by-the Sea, the town immediately north of Fort Lauderdale has still unfortunately done nothing in the way of providing lifeguard protection for its bathing public and has had many needless drowning deaths to date because of this. Our letter-writing campaign, to both bring attention to this matter and offer our support if they should decide to take steps toward forming a beach patrol, has proved fruitless. Squid McGlamery has made several attempts to speak at their town council meetings to no avail. He has been told that as a non-resident the allotment of time for his presentation may be quite difficult to come-by. We are working to recruit a resident who shares our concerns to be our voice. The USLA Southeast Region is currently in the process of planning its 3 rd Annual Surf Lifesaving Academy. This year it will target surf lifeguards and fire rescue personnel in the Panhandle area of Florida. We are looking at Escambia and Okaloosa Counties in early-to-mid March for the academy to do both USLA Surf Lifeguard and AART training. Paul Drucker s efforts at having the state of Florida Senate accept surf lifeguards into their retirement system in the High or Special Risk category, making them eligible for better retirement benefits has been stalled, but is by no means over. Paul and Mac McCarthy are

33 Southeast Region President: James H. McCrady V Vice President: Clint Tracy Advisor Gerry Falconer Public Education Director Patrick McGlamery Treasurer: Phil Wotton Acting Secretary: James P. Mac McCarthy Competition Chair: Todd Rapp Beach Safety Director James P. Mac McCarthy UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION SOUTHEAST REGION 2003 FALL PRESIDENT S REPORT working on the formulation of a political action committee dedicated to this very important issue. The PAC will be called Florida s Career Ocean Lifesavers or FCOL, and we will keep everyone posted on its progress. In its third year, the Southeast Region s districting plan has been highly effective in addressing the needs of some of the more remote areas of our region. The USLA Southeast Region is broken into eight districts, with each district assigned a representative. District assignments are as follows: Alabama and Florida Panhandles (Bill Soltz - soltz@bellsouth.net ), West Coast of Florida (Clint Tracy - clinttracy@bellsouth.net), Florida Keys (Gerry Falconer - GJCottage@aol.com), Dade & Broward Counties (Jim McCrady - JamesM@cityfort.com), Palm Beach County (Phil Wotton - wottonp@bellsouth.net), Northeastern Counties (Squid McGlamery - squidmcg@bellsouth.net), Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands (Gio Serrano - msogio@bellsouth.net). Unfortunately, due to severe computer problems, the Southeast Region Website has been left inactive for the last couple of months. The Web-site s administrator, Squid McGlamery, hopes to at least have an interim solution worked out soon, and hopefully the site can return to the ability to disseminate information on Regional activities. The USLA Southeast Region s Web-site is: Clearwater Beach Patrol, Florida, last year s USLA Southeast Region Lifeguard Championships winning competition team, hosted this year s regional competition. By moving the event out of South Florida this year, we made the competition more accessible to the patrols in the northern and western part of the region and had a record number of competitors from 17 different agencies. Clearwater s Aquatics Chief Bev Buysse and Beach Patrol Captain Joe Lain were commended for making this year s event one of the best in recent memory. Todd Rapp, the region s Competition Director initiated our first USLA Southeast Region Basic Life Support E.M.S. Competition series. The series boasted 5 events including the William H. Shearer CLINCON International Basic Life Support EMS World Championship. This year there were 3 South Florida ocean rescue teams in the top 5 at CLINCON and this marks the 5 th year in a row that a USLA SER lifeguard agency has won the award. The event is open to fire departments, ambulance services, police departments, EMS colleges and any organization involved in first responder basic life support. The City of Fort Lauderdale is being hit hard by a severe series of budget cuts. Unfortunately, Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue will undoubtedly feel its effects. There are plans being presented that may cut our staff by nearly 50%, from 62 staff members down to 31, and the 2.6 mile guarded area down to 2.1 miles with the number of towers going from15 down to 12. At the same time, the City is planning for its 10 th Annual McDonalds Air and Sea Show in May. Last year s event had a reported 4.2 million people in attendance. We believe that this event is the largest, most well-attended, lifeguarded ocean event in the world. We look forward to working with all the dedicated ocean rescue professionals who give their time and expertise each year to make sure every single person leaves our beach safely. This event cannot be successful (and safe) without the collaboration and support of lifeguards and lifesaving agencies from all around the country. Thank you for your time and dedication to lifesaving, Lieutenant James Hamilton McCrady V Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue United States Lifesaving Association Southeast Region President Work (954) Home (954) Cell (954) FAX (954) Work JamesM@cityfort.com Home JMcCrady5@aol.com

34 Great Lakes Regional Report Fall Board of Directors Meeting Red Bank, NJ/Manhattan, NY November 2003 It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that the Great Lakes chapter in Chicago has to almost go underground because of threatening tactics by local officials. We had to do all our recruiting by mail or of park property. Any personal found reported talking about the USLA was threatened with suspension or termination. Despite this the chapter was able to meet regularly with many showing up out of loyalty for past years. We were able to sent a few people to the games in Cape May. With the help of many angry parents the junior guard representation was out standing. After years of positive progression in Lifesaving it appears Chicago has gone backwards. We are all working hard to change this by making the administration see how important it is to have a professional Lifesaving Association help educate and represent it`s lifeguards. A few members have worked very hard to keep things going and with the help of the other chapters we expect to do great things next year. Joe Pecoraro President

35 Gulf Coast Regional Report Submitted by Peter Davis, VP Gulf Coast Region Once again, in December we will be representing the Gulf Coast Region and Club Tortuga in Vera Cruz and Boca Del Rio, Mexico to help with training. This time we will be doing a bit more advanced level training for the lifeguards instead of a catch all class for police, firemen, soldiers, EMS, and firemen. Partnering with us will be a couple of representatives from the Galveston Police Department who will be leading classes in self defense and SWAT. This program continues to be a source of good publicity for us and USLA and an inspiration on both sides. Our partnership with Anheuser-Busch for a series of water safety billboards in Spanish has resulted in several prominent notices carrying a message about drinking responsibly and swimming. It has been very well received in the Houston/Galveston area by the press and we have gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community. There are plans to expand this program in English as well as Spanish throughout the state next year. There has also been talk of expanding the program to the national level in the near future. Also along the lines of public education, we have been able to get a water safety message to be shown before the previews in our local movie theatre. It roughly follows the same theme as the new USLA poster design.

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39 California Surf Lifesaving Association Southwest Region - United States Lifesaving Association PO Box Huntington Beach, California World Wide Web: Robert McGowan President Don Rohrer Vice President Michael Beuerlein Secretary Robert A. Moore Treasurer William J. Richardson Past President/Advisor Vincent Lombardi III Recurrent Representative Michael Bartlet Executive Delegate Chris Graham Executive Delegate Robert Williams Alternate Executive Delegate SOUTHWEST REGION REPORT November 2003 The Southwest Region of the USLA had its hottest and busiest summer in memory. The air and water temperatures exceeded seventy degrees throughout July and August. Records were set for attendance, rescues, and medical assists. In Los Angeles County alone, over 4000 rescues were made in the month of July. On top of that, in the last two weeks, Southern California has endured our most ravaging fire season ever. Wild fires burned over three quarters of a million acres (more than the state of Rhode Island), over 3600 homes were lost, 22 people lost their lives, and more than 12,000 fire fighters were involved in fighting the fires. Some of the fires are still not totally contained, and many people have not yet been allowed to return to their homes. Our Regional Championships were a great success thanks to SHP's sponsorship. Our Junior Lifeguard Regionals were held at Dockweiler Beach in Los Angeles County, and hosted by the L.A. County Junior Lifeguard Program. By all accounts, the event was a huge success, with close to 1500 competitors. The West Coast Lifeguard Championships were held at Zuma Beach with more than 150 competitors. Thanks to SHP, Inc. for providing sponsorship, staging, T-shirts, food and awards. LACOLA took first place in the team points, followed by San Diego, and Cal State Parks. The CSLSA would like to thank Cape May for organizing and running the 2003 USLA National Lifeguard Championships. Based on reports from the competitors, the competition was a success, in spite of some inclement weather. At our California Surf Lifesaving Association Board of Directors Meeting, held October 16 and 17, 2003 in Imperial Beach, we held elections for the term. The following are our elected officers for the term: President: Rob McGowan Vice President: Vince Lombardi Secretary: Mike Beuerlein Treasurer: Rob Williams Advisor: Bob Moore Recurrent Rep: Chris Graham Executive Delegate: Don Rohrer Executive Delegate: Mike Bartlett Executive Delegate: Charlotte Graham (Alternate)

40 We recently lost two very important and influential members of our lifeguard family; Dick Fitzgerald passed away last month and Ed Perry last week. Dick, "Fitz" as his friends called him, was the man responsible for removing the Los Angeles County beach lifeguards from the Department of Parks and Recreation, and starting the Department of Beaches in I would like to share the following tribute to Ed Perry, written by retired L.A. County lifeguard Don Rosenthal. Ed Perry...a one of a kind, a man among men... Ed was a kind man, friendly and I felt gentle. When a beach lifeguard over the last 50 years hears that name, most of us flash on only one guy. Since I heard the sad news of Ed's leaving us, I could only flash on our knowing each other since I won't go into long dissertation, but just a mental "slide show" if you will. Never saw Ed in a suit and tie that I can remember, always at functions in khaki slacks, and white sportshirt, not buttoned at the neck, or at the bottom. I still have some Wild Turkey that was only drunk by Ed when he visited. Maybe that's why his shirt was always buttoned wrong. As Venice Lieutenant, and Ed had retired, we always found space for his Dory, and trailer. Here came Ed on his bicycle, to putter around with his Dory. Greasing the oar locks, or touch up paint. Most of us only saw Ed, at Venice in the morning, pulling his Dory from the water, with our truck. Then, a quick dip in the Ave 23 water, few body surfing runs, a shower and then off to "Boys Market" for coffee with The Boys... Oh yes, there was also breakfast at Maxwells. I could go on, and on...group pictures with Ed in them, surrounded by the Venice crew, and he was always a part of us, even after he retired. I always enjoyed Ed's jokes, and stories from before We shared some rides to and from Lifeguard functions, and would pick up old timers from the 30's and 40's who watched our beaches. Seeing Ed & Dorothy at the breakwater, relaxing with the regulars. Fresh water conservation with Ed was important. I found this out many times when I would wash the lifeguard truck, put the hose down, with water running, only to pick up with water NOT running...guess who turned it off...yep...ed If there is a Venice Beach in heaven, Ed will have a place for his dory, bicycle, and friends. Ed Perry, to all who knew him, will always remember the times spent together. Sorry I can't be there in person, but my thoughts are with this man among men. Rosie 2

41 In spite of the disrespect shown our region at the Hawaii meeting, our membership in the USLA was still considerable. For the 2003 year we have at least 1095 members, which is consistent with our previous years membership, and more than 4700 Junior Lifeguard members, far more than any other region. We continue to support the USLA, and will continue to do so, unless the USLA Board of Directors no longer desires our membership in the organization. Our 2004 Regional Championships will be hosted by Long Beach on July 23 for Junior Lifeguards and July 24 for Lifeguards. Our competitors are eager to compete in the 2004 World Championships in Italy, and are awaiting details from the USLA Competition Committee. We are hoping to increase participation in the Judge Irvin Taplin Relay, the longest running Lifeguard competition on the West Coast, and all USLA Chapters are invited to compete. Following the USLA Board of Directors action on the final day of the Spring USLA Board Meeting in Hawaii, that suspended two of our members, the CSLSA Executive Board met in early June to discuss our options. At that meeting, Bill Richardson, one of the most influential, insightful, and prolific members of the USLA informed us of his resignation from all aspects of the USLA due to his frustration over the divisive regionalism of the USLA. Bill's insight and leadership will truly be missed. At that meeting the motives and loyalties of one of the members of the CSLSA Executive Board was questioned by some of the other board members. Subsequently, a resignation was tendered from the CSLSA Executive Board by one of our elected delegates, with hopes of earning our trust in the future. A motion was made that Mr. Rob Williams be appointed to replace the resigned delegate on the Executive Board (Mr. Williams received the next most votes at the last CSLSA election), and the motion passed unanimously. At the October 16, 2003 CSLSA Board of Directors Meeting, the CSLSA Board of Directors ratified this decision. The decision of the USLA Board of Directors to suspend two of our members was not well received by our membership. The general consensus was "they what?" or "what gives them the right to do that?" At the very least, the members of the Southwest Region thought it was inappropriate treatment for the hosts of a USLA National Meeting. Attached to this report is the letter sent to the USLA Secretary, for distribution to the USLA Executive Committee, in response to that USLA BOD action. Perhaps a little history might put things into perspective. In the late 1990's the CSLSA had a contract with SHP, Inc. to provide sponsorship to the region. That contract was terminated by a CSLSA Executive Board vote to sign with Barrett Tester. Mr. Tester terminated that contract via to the President of the region at that time after taking advantage of the position for his personal gains. When Barrett Tester chose to terminate the contract with CSLSA, we paid the airfare for Dick Colosi to attend the Huntington Beach meeting of the CSLSA Board of Directors to make a presentation, and then hired him as our sponsorship contractor. Dick Colosi was also the National Sponsorship person at the time. Dick was unable to bring any substantial sponsorship to our region above and beyond what we received as a region of the USLA, so we amicably agreed to discontinue the contract in The Southwest Region then entered into an agreement with PES, the company that had successfully promoted the 2000 San Diego Nationals, in December of In June of 2001, PES informed us 3

42 that they could not help us with sponsorship, so we mutually terminated the contract. It was at that time that the CSLSA entered into an almost identical (word-for-word same as PES) contract with SHP, Inc. We find it strange indeed that there was never a problem in the USLA with any of our sponsorship contracts until we entered into our most recent contract with SHP, Inc., the first contractor that ever actually produced. The CSLSA has never caused the termination or rejection of a National Sponsor while under contract with SHP Inc., contrary to rumors and innuendoes. The CSLSA has always tried to work with the USLA to avoid any conflicts, but unfortunately the "what ifs" seem to rule the dissention. We have gone on record as saying that we would do everything possible to avoid any conflicts, yet that has seemed to fall on deaf ears. We were even accused of causing the potential deal with Nautica to fall out due to our involvement with Bud Light. Don't know if any of you follow professional volleyball, but if you take a look at the AVP, you'll see that Bud Light and Nautica coexist as sponsors of that sport quite well. SHP, Inc. attempted, in vain, to provide sponsorship to the 2002 Nationals in San Diego, including television coverage at no cost to the USLA. For reasons unknown, the USLA National, the San Diego Organizers, and SHP were never able to come to terms. When it became apparent early in 2003 that the USLA did not have a National sponsor, the CSLSA came forward, since we had a successful sponsorship agreement, to the Spring 2003 USLA Meeting eager to share our sponsorship success with the National. Scott Hubbell, proprietor of SHP, Inc. was in attendance at the meeting, willing to address the Board of Directors. In fact, SHP, Inc. had raised more than $ in sponsorship to insure the meeting would be a success. Yet, the USLA Board of Directors, because of its arrogance, did not even have the common courtesy to allow Mr. Hubbell to address the board and answer its questions. We chose to share our sponsorship success with the rest of the USLA, and we got two of our members suspended. Sounds fair to us! As we see it, the only mistake we made was our attempt to share our success with the other regions, and to be up front in our disclosures. It would be nice if the other regions would play by the same rules... don't recall seeing anything about sponsors run by the Executive Committee for the Cape May Nationals, or any of the Regional competitions. So, where do we go from here? The CSLSA would like to thank the members of the RDC in their attempts to come to terms with SHP. The CSLSA has had nothing but positive interactions with SHP, and would like the other USLA regions to share in our success, but the decision is up to you, the USLA Board of Directors. All we ask is that the Southwest Region be extended the respect due all regions of the USLA. We believe that we are stronger as a whole, but the CSLSA is ready to go on our own if that is the choice of the USLA. We voted to start the USLA, from our beginnings as the NSLSA, and if pressed, are willing to start again, if directed by the USLA not accepting us as equals. The decision is ultimately up to you, are you better with, or without the CSLSA? Yours in Lifesaving, The Southwest Region 4

43 California Surf Lifesaving Association Southwest Region - United States Lifesaving Association PO Box Huntington Beach, California World Wide Web: Robert McGowan President Don Rohrer Vice President Michael A. Beuerlein Secretary Robert A. Moore Treasurer William J. Richardson Past President/Advisor Vincent Lombardi III Recurrent Representative Michael S. Bartlett First Executive Delegate Christopher Graham Second Executive Delegate Robert Williams Alternate Executive Delegate ProTem August 27, 2003 Secretary, United States Lifesaving Association For Distribution to the USLA Executive Committee Ladies and Gentlemen: This letter is written in regard to the action taken by the Board of Directors of the United States Lifesaving Association on May 10, 2003, which suspended Robert McGowan and Michael Beuerlein from the USLA Board of Directors. The sending of this letter has been authorized by unanimous vote of the CSLSA Executive Board. The suspension of Messrs. McGowan and Beuerlein showed that CSLSA is not being accorded the respect and dignity due all regions. They have been suspended without any due process or real debate. At the very minimum, the due process procedures were needed to insure fairness and an open and honest debate over the merits of the suspension. The lack of a fair hearing not only prejudiced the rights of the suspended members, but shut off all reasoned debate on the subject issue of CSLSA s promotional contract. As a result, the CSLSA Executive Board voted, unanimously, for the CSLSA to interpret the suspension of its two officers, as one affecting the entire Executive Board. In order to cure this situation, CSLSA hereby requests the USLA Board of Directors to rescind the suspension action retroactively to May 10, CSLSA will continue to promote membership in USLA and encourage support of its goals and objectives. However, CSLSA will sanction only limited participation at the national level until the suspensions are rescinded. Furthermore, no individual member of the CSLSA may characterize himself or herself as representing the views or authority of the CSLSA, including USLA Board of Director or USLA Executive Committee voting privileges, without specific action taken by either the CSLSA Executive Board or CSLSA Board of Directors. Any CSLSA Executive Board or CSLSA Board of Directors action or change will be forwarded in writing to the USLA Secretary prior to or at the 2003 Fall USLA Board of Directors meeting. CSLSA is taking this action because the events of May 10 th have left it with no realistic alternative. The suspension of Messrs. McGowan and Beuerlein was wholly unjustified and not in keeping with the professional relationship which should exist between USLA and one of its most active regional bodies. CSLSA urges USLA to re-evaluate its action of May 10 th in light of its implications for the well being of both USLA and CSLSA and their shared mission of lifesaving. CSLSA s desire is, and has always been, to make USLA what it should and can be, a leader in open water lifesaving. If USLA rescinds its action retroactively, CSLSA for its part, will work diligently to rebuild the relationship of professional collegiality which until recently existed between the two organizations. Yours in Lifesaving, The California Surf Lifesaving Association Executive Board 5

44 National Certification Committee Activity Report Fall 2003 Board of Directors Meeting Application Status There are now 99 lifeguard agencies and 5 ARRT agencies certified or under review. Please see attached list for details. Flag System The International Life Saving Federation has agreed upon a draft international warning flag standard and has circulated it to all ILS member federations for comment. Final action is scheduled for February The Committee Chair wrote the final draft, at the request of the ILS Rescue and Education Chair, after discussion in May USLA should review and comment on this standard. Lifesaving Development Some notable progress has been made with regard to lifesaving issues in the Panhandle of Florida, although drowning deaths continued apace over the last summer. The Santa Rosa Island Authority (Pensacola) has hired a public safety director (largely to oversee the lifeguard operation). This may have positive benefits, but that remains to be seen. In Destin, Florida, there is an effort underway to develop a lifeguard agency, trained to USLA standards. If this were to take place, it would be a significant step forward for lifesaving in the Panhandle. These successes aside, there continue to be serious gaps in lifesaving coverage in the Panhandle which, in the opinion of the Chair, require continued monitoring and encouragement. Americas Best Beaches Dr. Stephen Leatherman Dr. Beach continues to stonewall USLA with respect to modifications to his selection of beaches that would more meaningfully take into account their safety records. Representatives of the Southeast Region have met independently with Dr. Leatherman in regard to this issue. Separately, Dr. Leatherman has written a book on beach safety. Please see the Textbook Committee activity report for further details. Clean Beaches Council After input from USLA (see letters attached to prior National Certification Committee reports), the Clean Beaches Council made modifications to its website and written materials which appear to significantly reduce the appearance that their Blue Wave award implies any element of safety. Unfortunately, it was learned last summer that signs placed at beaches awarded the blue wave include an element related to safety. At one of these beaches in the Panhandle of Florida, Larry LaMotte, a retired CNN producer, drowned in an effort to save his five year old son. The Chair wrote a letter to the Clean Beaches Council in regard to this issue (attached). The president of the Clean Beaches Council replied by letter (attached). The Clean Beaches Council president is clearly very concerned over any implication that its reference to safety at blue wave beaches has any relationship to drownings which may occur there. As well, he expresses great concern over the fact that the Southeast Region Beach Safety Director marked a sign at the beach where Mr. LaMotte drowned. Holdover Reviews 1. California State Dept. of Parks & Rec., CA Representatives of this agency indicate that it will likely be some time until they are able to adjust their swim test in accordance with USLA standards. Page 1 of 2

45 2. Bethany Beach, DE This application was not considered in May due to an error on the part of the Chair. The application was thus brought to the USLA Executive Committee for a vote after the May Board of Directors meeting and approved. 3. Cape Canaveral, FL This application is being considered by Certification Officer Jim McCrady. 4. Cape May Point (Town of), NJ Information was requested from the agency to address shortcomings in the May certification application, but has not been received. 5. Kauai Lifeguards (County of), HI In May 2003, we decided to extend certification, notify of problems regarding numerous unchecked boxes throughout application, require response within 60 days to maintain certification, and review in November A thorough reply was received within the required time period and the agency is ready for review. 6. Maui (County of), HI In May 2003, we decided to provide 60 days to adjust swim test to comply with USLA standards and certify upon receipt of adequate documentation thereof. We received this documentation and the agency has been certified. 7. Mauna Kea Beach Resort, HI In May 2003, we decided to provide 60 days to address shortcomings in application and, if adequately addressed, to extend certification and review in November. A thorough reply was received within the required time period and the agency is ready for review. 8. Pompano Beach, FL In May 2003, it was decided that this agency did not meet USLA minimum standards for medical aid training. The Board of Directors suspended certification until the minimum standards were met and to review in November After significant correspondence and modifications, this agency now appears to be in compliance and is ready to be reviewed. 9. San Diego Lifeguard Service, CA Lapsed due to no application received. An application has been received and is ready for review. 10. Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, VA In May 2003, it was decided that this agency should be certified once it provided evidence that the YMCA/Red Cross offset of training had been eliminated and the agency submitted a checklist covering the mentoring time. This was accomplished and the agency was certified. 11. Wrightsville Beach (Town of), NC In May 2003, it was decided to approve this agency at the regular level upon receipt of letter confirming that swim test is 500 meters in 10 minutes or less and that minimum first aid standard is DOT First Responder. This letter was received and the agency was certified. Complaints Written complaints have been received with respect to two agencies. These complaints and follow-ups will be discussed in detail at the National Certification Committee meeting. Certification Officers The tenure of most Certification Officers has expired. Regions will be invited to submit new nominations. These nominations are made by the regions and decided on by the USLA President. Lifesaving Aye, B. Chris Brewster, Chair c: USLA Lifeguard Agency Certification Status Report International Standards for Beach Safety and Information Signs (ILS Draft) Letter to Walter McLeod (Clean Beaches Council) September 2, 2003 Letter from Walter McLeod October 10, 2003 Telephone: (858) Fax: (720) brewster@lifesaver1.com Page 2 of 2

46 UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM STATUS rev:10/30/2003) Total Lifeguard and ARRT Agencies: 104 Region Lifeguard Agencies Approved: 90 ARRT Applications Approved: 3 8 Northwest Regular: Southwest Advanced: 41 1 Gulf Coast First Time Applications in Progress: 9 First Time Applications in Progress: 2 19 Southeast 16 South Atlantic Subtotal: 99 Subtotal: 5 19 Mid-Atlantic 1 New England 2 Great Lakes First Next Certification Certification Lifeguard Agency Approved Status Expires Level Officer Region Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Div, FL* May-94 Pending Board May-03 Advanced Wotton, Phil Southeast Cape Canaveral, FL * May-98 Pending CO May-03 Advanced McCrady, Jim Southeast Ocean Beach (Village of), NY Nov-98 Pending Board Nov-01 Advanced Healey, Andy Mid-Atlantic Cape May Point, NJ (Town of) May-98 Pending Agency May-03 Regular Kiziukiewicz, Ed Mid-Atlantic Kauai Lifeguards (County of), HI May-98 Pending Board May-03 Regular Goto, Ralph Southwest Pompano Beach, FL (SUSPENDED) May-96 Pending Board May-03 Regular Wotton, Phil Southeast Coeur d'alene, ID (City of) Nov-98 Pending CO Nov-03 Regular McCormick, Dan Northwest Coronado, CA (City of) Nov-00 Pending Board Nov-03 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA Nov-00 Pending CO Nov-03 Regular Fennell, Bob Northwest Hempstead, NY (Town of) Nov-00 Pending Agency Nov-03 Regular Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Oceanside, CA Nov-00 Pending Agency Nov-03 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest Santa Barbara (City of), CA Nov-00 Pending Board Nov-03 Regular Bauer, Eric Southwest American Medical Services May-01 Certified May-04 Regular Dan McCormick Northwest Boardwalk Beach Service, Myrtle Beach, NC May-01 Certified May-04 Regular Hensler, Mike South-Atlantic Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL May-01 Certified May-04 Advanced Shoemaker, Jim Southeast Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue (Town of), NC May-01 Certified May-04 Advanced Mike Hensler South Atlantic Sonoma County Parks and Recreation, CA May-01 Certified May-04 Regular Dan McCormick Northwest Ventura County Harbor Department, CA May-01 Certified May-04 Regular Richardson, Bill Southwest Norfolk, VA (City of) May-01 Certified May-04 Regular Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Post Falls, ID (City of) May-01 Certified May-04 Regular McCray, Jim Northwest Atlantic Beach Patrol Division, FL Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Hensler, Mike South Atlantic Chicago Park District, IL Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Waszak, Gary Great Lakes Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Regular Jim Shoemaker Southeast Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation Nov-98 Certified Nov-04 Regular Mogck, Buzz Mid-Atlantic East Bay Regional Park Dist., CA Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Regular McCray, Jim Northwest Honolulu Ocean Safety (City & County of), HI Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Regular Richardson, Bill Southwest Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division, CA Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest John's Beach Service - Myrtle Beach, SC* Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Regular Brown, Duke South Atlantic Lake Mission Viejo Patrol & Rescue Dept., CA Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Gould, Rick Southwest Lantana Marine Safety, FL Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Shoemaker, Jim Southeast Los Angeles County Lifeguard Operations Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Richardson, Bill Southwest Martin County (Emergency Services), FL Nov-01 Certified Nov-01 Advanced Shoemaker, Jim Southeast Neptune Beach (City of), FL Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Brown, Duke South Atlantic Newport Beach Fire Department, CA Nov-94 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Richardson, Bill Southwest Sarasota County Lifeguards, FL Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Regular Shoemaker, Jim Southeast St. Johns County - Division of Beach Safety, FL Nov-96 Certified Nov-04 Advanced Brown, Duke South Atlantic Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ May-95 Certified May-05 Advanced Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Citrus County Parks & Recreation, FL May-02 Certified May-05 Regular Shoemaker, Jim Southeast Dewey Beach Patrol May-99 Certified May-05 Advanced Simmons, Bill Mid-Atlantic Fernandina Beach (City of), FL* May-95 Certified Jun-05 Regular Hensler, Mike South Atlantic Jacksonville (City of), FL May-95 Certified May-05 Advanced Hensler, Mike South Atlantic Kitty Hawk Ocean Rescue, NC May-02 Certified May-05 Advanced Brown, Duke South Atlantic Laguna Beach, CA May-95 Certified May-05 Advanced Bowman, Max Southwest Pismo Beach, CA May-95 Certified May-05 Regular Richardson, Bill Southwest Ocean City Beach Patrol, NJ May-02 Certified May-05 Regular Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Ocean Grove, NJ May-95 Certified May-05 Advanced Mogck, Buzz Mid-Atlantic San Clemente Marine Safety, CA May-97 Certified May-05 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest Sandpoint, ID (City of) May-99 Certified May-05 Regular McCormick, Dan Northwest Sea Bright (Borough of), NJ May-02 Certified May-05 Regular Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Sea Girt May-97 Certified May-05 Regular Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Shore Beach Service (Hilton Head), SC May-95 Certified May-05 Regular Brown, Duke South Atlantic Solana Beach (City of) May-97 Certified May-05 Advanced Gould, Rick Southwest US Ocean Safety May-97 Certified May-05 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest Volusia County Beach Patrol, FL May-95 Certified May-05 Advanced Brown, Duke South Atlantic ARCVLSC/Jax Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Nov-02 Certified Nov-05 Regular Hensler, Mike South Atlantic 1 of 2

47 UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM STATUS rev:10/30/2003) Boca Raton, FL Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Regular Shoemaker, James Southeast Cape May Beach Patrol, NJ Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Regular Kiziukiewicz, Ed Mid-Atlantic Camp Pendleton, CA Nov-99 Certified Nov-05 Regular Richardson, Bill Southwest Delray Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Advanced Tracy, Clint Southeast Encinitas (City of), CA Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest Hollywood, FL Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Advanced Tracy, Clint Southeast Lack's Beach Service, Inc., SC Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Regular Hensler, Mike South Atlantic MCCS Water Safety Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Nov-99 Certified Nov-05 Regular Goto, Ralph Southwest Nag's Head Ocean Rescue, NC Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Advanced Putz, Rob South Atlantic Newport News, VA Nov-99 Certified Nov-02 Advanced Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Palm Beach (Town of), FL Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Regular Shoemaker, James Southeast Port San Luis Harbor District (Avila Beach), CA Nov-99 Certified Nov-05 Regular Gould, Rick Southwest St. Lucie County, FL Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Advanced Shoemaker, James Southeast Santa Cruz, CA Nov-95 Certified Nov-05 Regular Richardson, Bill Southwest Scarboro Beach Park, ME Nov-02 Certified Nov-05 Regular Shotwell, Dave New England Seal Beach, CA Nov-99 Certified Nov-05 Advanced Bowman, Max Southwest Bethany Beach Patrol, DL May-96 Certified May-06 Advanced Simmons, Bill Mid-Atlantic Camp Surf (YMCA), San Diego May-98 Certified May-06 Regular Bauer, Eric Southwest Charleston County Park & Recreation, SC May-96 Certified May-06 Regular Putz, Rob South Atlantic Clearwater Beach Patrol, FL (City of) May-98 Certified May-06 Regular Tracy, Clint Southeast Galveston Beach Patrol, TX May-96 Certified May-06 Advanced Gavin, Jerry Gulf Coast Hampton (City of - Buckroe Beach), VA May-00 Certified May-06 Regular Foxwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Hawaii (County of), HI May-96 Certified May-06 Regular Goto, Ralph Southwest Imperial Beach, CA (City of) May-98 Certified May-06 Advanced Richardson, Bill Southwest Indian River County Ocean Rescue, FL May-03 Certified May-06 Advanced Tracy, Clint Southeast Long Beach Marine Safety Division, CA May-94 Certified May-06 Advanced Bauer, Eric Southwest Los Angeles City, Dept of Parks & Rec., CA May-97 Certified May-06 Advanced Bowman, Max Southwest Maui (County of), HI May-96 Certified May-03 Regular Goto, Ralph Southwest Mauna Kea Beach Resort, HI May-96 Certified May-03 Regular Goto, Ralph Southwest New Jersey (State Dept. Env. Protection) May-98 Certified May-06 Regular Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Palm Beach County, FL May-96 Certified May-06 Regular McCrady, Jim Southeast Pinellas County Park Department May-03 Certified May-06 Regular Tracy, Clint Southeast Santa Rosa Island Authority, FL May-03 Certified May-06 Regular Tracy, Clint Southeast Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, VA May-98 Certified May-06 Regular Brown, Duke Southeast Wrightsville Beach (Town of), NC May-03 Certified May-06 Regular Brown, Duke South Atlantic Lifeguard Agency - First Time Applications Bellows Air Force Base, HI Pending CO Goto, Ralph Southwest Boynton Beach, FL Pending Board Wotton, Phil Southeast Hawaii Federal Lifesaving Agency (Dept. of Defense) Pending CO Richardson, Bill Southwest Monmouth County Park System, NJ Pending Agency Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic Nassau County, FL Pending Board Hensler, Mike South Atlantic Port Hueneme, CA Pending Agency Bowman, Max Southwest Rochester Hills, MI Pending CO Regular Gavin, Jerry Great Lakes San Diego Lifeguard Service, CA Pending Board Advanced Richardson, Bill Southwest Virginia Beach Department of EMS Pending Board Simmons, Bill Mid-Atlantic Aquatic Agency Response Team Central Fire Department - Santa Cruz, CA Pending Board Gould, Rick Southwest Kauai (County of) Fire, HI Nov-97 Pending CO Nov-00 Goto, Ralph Southwest Virginia Beach (City of) Fire, VA May-01 Certified May-04 Shotwell, Dave Mid-Atlantic San Francisco Fire Department, CA May-97 Certified May-03 Richardson, Bill Northwest Maui (County of) Fire, HI Pending CO Goto, Ralph Southwest * Six month grace period granted 2 of 2

48 International Lifesaving Federation International Standards for Beach Safety and Information Flags Copyright International Lifesaving Federation July 2003 Page 1 of 7

49 Contents 1 Overview 2 Scope 3 Terms and definitions 4 Procedures for standards development 5 Types of beach safety flags 6 Supplementary text information 7 Guidance for the operation of beach safety flags 8 Design specifications Page 2 of 7

50 1. Overview 1.1. Flags are traditional devices for providing information to beach and water users which, if properly utilised, can be an effective element of a comprehensive safety system. Flags should only be used for waters normally designated for aquatic activity 1.2. These international standards have been developed by the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) by adopting and adapting the best practise exercised by member federations from throughout the world International standardisation of beach safety flags can be expected to greatly improve understanding of water users with respect to beach conditions and rules, particularly when visiting countries other than their own. It will reduce language barriers. This standardisation can therefore be expected to reduce the likelihood of death and injury, furthering the primary goal of ILS: world water safety Development of these standards has involved acknowledgement and acceptance of the most widely used flag systems. This has resulted in a standard likely to cause the least possible disruption to existing systems and to ease the process of international standardisation Flags may help reduce the incidence of injury and drowning, but cannot assist those in distress. Therefore, these flags are only to be used on beaches where lifesavers qualified to ILS standards are on duty. Flags are not an acceptable substitute for properly trained and equipped rescuers, but rather a tool for their use. 2. Scope The primary purpose of the safety flags included in these standards is to provide safety information and related messages to users of aquatic facilities and environs. These standards set out the range of flags that might be used to identify conditions for wind, weather, water, and for a beach, and to identify designated zones for various aquatic activities. These standards include the possible locations for the flags at a coastline and for inland waters. 3. Terms and definitions 3.1. risk combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm 3.2. hazard potential source of harm 3.3. danger signal word used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury 3.4. caution signal word used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury 3.5. safety colour specific colour to which a safety meaning is attributed 3.6. colour code colours used to communicate a particular meaning Page 3 of 7

51 3.7. safety symbol graphical symbol used together with a safety colour and safety shape to form a safety sign 3.8. graphical symbol visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning to transmit information independently of language 3.9. visibility relative possibility of being visually perceived under the conditions of distance, light and atmosphere prevailing at a particular time observation distance greatest distance from which a flag is legible and conspicuous high location installation position at a level not less than 2 metres above ground level ageing change of properties that occurs in materials with time after environmental conditioning beach safety flags an item of coloured fabric or synthetic material, of an oblong or square shape, attached by one edge to a pole or rope and used to give a safety message 4. Procedures for standards development Before the creation of a new beach safety flag is considered by ILS the following procedure shall be carried out: 4.1. A written proposal providing detailed rationale is made to the International Life Saving Federation Rescue and Education Commission by any interested party A review of the proposal is conducted by the Rescue and Education Commission The Rescue and Education Commission shall approve, disapprove, or modify the proposal Any modification to these standards shall first be circulated for comment to all ILS member federations providing at least 180 days for comment The Rescue and Education Commission shall review all comment received and take action it deems appropriate To become effective, any substantive modification to the standards must first be approved by the ILS Board of Directors. 5. Types of beach safety flags 5.1. Green Low hazard. Conditions are calm. Normal care and caution should be exercised Yellow Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. For others, enhanced care and caution should be exercised. Page 4 of 7

52 5.3. Red High hazard. Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Those entering the water should take great care Double red Water is closed to public use Purple Marine pests, such as jellyfish, stingrays, sea snakes or dangerous fish are present in the water. This flag is not intended to indicate the presence of sharks. In this latter case the red flag or double red flag may be hoisted Red/yellow (halved red over yellow) The area is protected by lifeguards. These flags may be used in pairs spaced apart to indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is most closely supervised or patrolled by qualified lifeguards, and where swimming and/or body surfing is permitted. These flags may be used singly to indicate that swimming is permitted in front of the area where the flag is flown and that the area is under the supervision of a qualified person 5.7. Quartered (black/white) These flags may be used in pairs spaced apart to indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is used by those with surfboards and other non-powered watercraft Yellow flag with central black ball Surfboards and other non-powered watercraft are prohibited Orange windsock This cone shaped device is used to indicate the direction of offshore winds and to show that it is unsafe for inflatable objects to be used in the water. 6. Supplementary text information 6.1. To ensure water users and members of the public are aware of the meaning of flags, beach users should be informed through signs, brochures, or similar means. The text may be fixed to the flagpole, or indicated on an information board or facility at the entrance to an aquatic location The text should be as brief as possible and give the prime meaning of the flag when hoisted Consideration should be given to the erection of information boards/notices, particularly at the entry points to aquatic locations. The information contained should included detail of the meaning of flags, locations and times of operation. This information may also be included in tourist leaflets and publicity material. 7. Guidance for the operation of beach safety flags 7.1. Flags should only be selected and utilised by the persons defined in section 1.4 based on their knowledge and expertise 7.2. The flags should be attached by any reasonable means to poles, and erected so that the lowest point of the flag is not less than 2 metres above the Page 5 of 7

53 immediate ground level. They should be positioned so that they can be readily seen by persons in or approaching the aquatic area or location. Flags should not be obstructed by other structures or by natural flora and fauna Except for the double red flag, the green, yellow, and red flags shall not be flown at the same time. They are intended to indicate general conditions for the entire beach area, not for a particular area of beach As circumstances change, flags should be changed accordingly Flags used to zone a section of beach or water activity should be moved to suitable locations as changing conditions dictate Flags flown to provide information and/or instruction about such factors as prohibition of watercraft, offshore winds, or to identify an activity boundary should be removed when not required Because of the need to be present to monitor the conditions, and possibly to change flags, these systems should only operate during a prescribed and well publicised period each day. The presence of these systems may also relate to seasonal activity It is important that flags and particularly flagpoles should not become a hazard. Therefore the responsible location for placing flags should receive careful consideration at any planning stage Flags and flagpoles should be properly maintained. Flags have a limited lifespan, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Flags should be replaced once they become torn or faded. Page 6 of 7

54 8. Design specifications All flags are 750mm by 1000 mm and may be made of polyester or other suitable material. Flag Meaning Pantone (PMS) Shape Green Low hazard PMS 348 Rectangle Yellow Medium hazard PMS 123 Rectangle Red High hazard PMS 186 Rectangle Red over red Water closed to public use PMS 186 Rectangles Purple Marine pests present PMS 266 Rectangle Red over yellow Recommended swimming area with lifeguard supervision PMS 186 PMS 123 Rectangle with equal, parallel halves. Quartered Watercraft area PMS 6 (black) Rectangular flag with four equal rectangular quarters. Black upper left and lower right. White upper right and lower left. Black ball Watercraft use prohibited (e.g. no surfboards) PMS 123 (yellow) PMS- (black) Rectangular yellow flag with central black ball shape, 500mm dia. Orange windsock Offshore winds present, inflatables should not be used PMS 165 Cone shape 500mm at the hoist-tapering to 300mm x 1500mm long Page 7 of 7

55 United States Lifesaving Association National Certification Committee PO Box 366 Huntington Beach, California Tel: 866-FOR-USLA Chair September 2, 2003 B. Chris Brewster Members Eric Bauer Southwest Region Jerry Gavin Great Lakes Region Mike Hensler South Atlantic Region Jim McCrad y Southeast Region Dave Shotwell Mid-Atlantic Region Kim Tyson Gulf Coast Region Cathy Wiederhold Northwest Region Dr. Peter Wernicki Medical Advisor Walter McLeod, President Clean Beaches Council 618 Kenmore Avenue, Suite 2A Fredericksburg, VA Dear Walter, I would like to recognize the Clean Beaches Council for some positive steps taken this year to emphasize that the goals and expertise of your group are oriented toward promoting healthy beaches and clean water. The modifications to your website excising most references to safety will go a long way toward ensuring that your valuable work is not misinterpreted to imply a level of public safety which may or may not exist at beaches awarded the Blue Wave. As you know, the Florida Panhandle has been plagued by drownings over the past several years, as well as in years prior. The problem continues to this day and can be anticipated in the foreseeable future, absent meaningful steps by local officials. Some of the beaches with the most serious drowning problems are Blue Wave beaches, a fact which should trouble you as much as it does us. As a result, it seems all the more critical to ensure that the Blue Wave designation is not misinterpreted or misused to imply the existence of adequate levels of public safety. On June 8, 2003 Larry LaMotte, a retired CNN producer, died in a drowning at Grayton Beach in Walton County, Florida, along with a second would-be rescuer. Mr. LaMotte was attempting to rescue his young son who was caught in a rip current. His son survived. Tragically, that beach featured a sign posted by the Clean Beaches Council which indicated that the beach was responsibly managed for safety. That despite the fact that no lifeguards were posted at the beach then or now, and that the only safety information provided appeared on the front and back of the Blue Wave sign. To be specific, your sign facing beachgoers arriving at the beach stated, You are now entering a Blue Wave Beach. The Blue Wave Campaign is America s first environmental certification for beaches. Qualifying beaches fly the distinctive Blue Wave flag the symbol of clean and well managed beaches. Blue Wave beaches pledge to uphold the following responsible beach Committee Chair's Address: 3850 Sequoia Street San Diego, CA Tel: Fax: Internet: brewster@lifesaver1.com

56 management practices: water quality; beach and intertidal conditions; safety; services; habitat conservation; public information/education; erosion management. On the back of the sign, facing away from people arriving at the beach, local officials had posted information stating, No Lifeguard on Duty; Swim At Own Risk. It explained a flag warning system and stated that absence of a flag does not assure safe water. Whether a flag was flying on June 8, 2003 is unknown to me, but if so, it was clearly ineffective in preventing this tragic double drowning death. In my view, it seems evident that the managers of this beach do little to promote safety and certainly do not provide the lifeguard protection that one might expect at a beach where safety is declared to exist. Suggesting that the beach is well managed seems ripe for misinterpretation. For the average beachgoer, this might imply everything from trash pickup to provision of public safety. As for public education, as noted, to my understanding it is limited at this beach to the aforementioned sign and any flag which may be flown. Services too, is a broad reference likely to be misinterpreted. What services are you implying are being offered? Although I have not conducted a site visit, the USLA Southeast Region Beach Safety Director has done so. It is my understanding that Grayton Beach is often the site of strong rip currents, which can clearly be (and have been) lethal. The existence of your sign, stating that the beach is well managed for safety may well leave visitors with a false sense of complacency and may well have led, in part, to these deaths. Others are likely to follow. It is also my understanding that in 2002 the Clean Beaches Council awarded the Santa Rosa Island Authority in Pensacola with a Blue Wave beach designation this immediately following a record year for drowning deaths in As you must know, the area has since been the site of numerous drownings, many of them this year, with four occurring on Labor Day weekend alone. As I wrote you in my letter of May 23, 2002, Asserting that a beach is safe is a major step toward encouraging use of that beach and reducing apprehension with respect to the chance of drowning. Considering the broad ramifications of this term and the fact that anyone can drown, under the right circumstances, in any body of water, declaring an area safe is fraught with the potential for misinterpretation. That letter was sent over a year prior to the unfortunate death of Mr. LaMotte and many others at Blue Wave beaches. I would strongly encourage the Clean Beaches Council to take immediate steps to adjust all signs and to further limit any future statements to issues such as: Water quality Habitat conservation Erosion management Refuse removal 2

57 I cannot imagine that the Clean Beaches Council would wish to see future drowning deaths on Blue Wave beaches, especially if there is even a hint that the Clean Beaches Council designation may have caused complacency that resulted in death. I therefore implore you to take aggressive steps to excise use of the term safety from the lexicon of the Clean Beaches Council, from the signs on the beaches, and from public relations materials. As well, I encourage you to remove other wording that might in any way confuse the public with regards to the issue of public safety. We applaud efforts to promote clean beaches and waterways, but actions which result in public confusion with respect to water safety, especially when they can be expected to contribute to injury and death, must be condemned. Finally, I would ask, somewhat rhetorically, what actions you may intend to take with respect to Grayton Beach? If indeed the overseers pledged to uphold responsible management practices, including safety, but despite the existence of strong rip currents no safety protection or viable response protocols were in place, will the Clean Beaches Council move to revoke the Blue Wave designation from Grayton Beach? In my view, if the parameters of your program (and all associated signs) are more narrowly defined to solely include environmental health issues, that will not be necessary. Conversely, if safety, services, and responsible beach management remain criteria that Blue Wave beaches are obligated to maintain, then the designations of Grayton Beach and probably many others ought to be revoked forthwith. Sincerely, B. Chris Brewster Chair BCB c: USLA President USLA Secretary USLA National Certification Committee President, Southeast Region Beach Safety Director, Southeast Region 3

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60 Local News: Lifeguard speaks with grafitti Wednesday, June 25, 2003 Lifeguard speaks with grafitti By Holbrook Mohr Florida Freedom Newspapers SANTA ROSA BEACH - A beach safety director with the United States Lifesaving Association had defaced signs at Grayton and Blue Mountain beaches that designate the beaches as clean and healthy. Jim McCarthy, beach safety director for the southeast region of the USLA, wrote "Rip current beach. Danger. Get a surf lifeguard here now" on the sign at Grayton Beach. He wrote a similar message at Blue Mountain Beach. The signs designate the beaches as Blue Wave Beaches, which meet a 56-point set of criteria for cleanliness and environmental health, including tough standards for litter. The Blue Wave designation comes from the national Clean Beaches Council, a not-for-profit organization. McCarthy visited South Walton beaches to investigate the drowning of eight visitors on June 8. He said he had made an agreement with Walter McLeod, president of the Clean Beaches Council, that beaches without surf lifeguards would not be awarded the Blue Wave designation. In a telephone interview from his office in Fort Lauderdale on June 16, McCarthy said the need to protect beachgoers with accurate information would outweigh the potential consequences of defacing the signs. McLeod, on behalf of the Clean Beaches Council, was in Walton County for a Blue Wave designation ceremony at the Santa Rosa Beach Club on June 18. "It is unfortunate that a personal agenda would cause someone to vandalize our signs. It trivializes the losses of the families." McLeod said after the ceremony. Kriss Titus, executive director of the Tourist Development Council, said, "You should keep an act of professionalism when you are dealing with tragedy. There aren't enough words to comfort those families" but we are working on programs to educate the public, Titus added.

61 National Textbook Committee Activity Report Fall 2003 Board of Directors Meeting Second Edition Published The second edition of our text, Open Water Lifesaving The United States Lifesaving Association Manual, was published in August It is over 400 pages in length, on better quality paper than the prior book, and includes significantly improved material from the prior edition. An overview is attached. Thanks are once again in order to all members of the National Textbook Committee and ad-hoc members, listed below, as well as all other contributors mentioned in the book. Julian K.''Duke'' Brown, M.Ed. Beach Safety Director, Horry County, South Carolina Jerry Gavin Lifeguard Captain, Chicago Park District Lifeguard Service Nick Lerma Lieutenant, San Diego Lifeguard Service Dan McCormick Aquatics Manager, East Bay Regional Park District, California James H. McCrady V Lieutenant, Ft. Lauderdale Beach Patrol David M. Shotwell, Sr. Beachfront Supervisor (ret.), Ocean Grove, New Jersey Kim W. Tyson Aquatic Coordinator, University of Texas at Austin Peter Wernicki, M.D. Medical Advisor, United States Lifesaving Association Eric Bauer Lifeguard Captain, Newport Beach Fire Department, California Carl Martinez USLA National Curriculum Accreditation Program Dr. Alfred W. (Bud) McKinley, Ph.D. Operations Chief, Ocean City Beach Patrol, New Jersey Robert Ogoreuc Training Officer, Ocean City Beach Patrol, New Jersey The National Curriculum Accreditation Committee continues to work to develop the additional learning elements for which we are responsible under contract with the publisher. Specifically, these will include a Test Manager, a PowerPoint presentation, and an Instructor s Guide. The Chair continues to act as liaison to the publisher and to offer support to these activities. An advance against royalties of $2,500 has been paid by the publisher. Book Sales Through June 2003, a total of 12,956 copies of the first edition had been sold. USLA received a royalty check of $ for the period of January through June. Total earnings to date are $16, Buy Books Remember, one of the best ways agencies can support USLA and educate lifeguards and junior lifeguards is to buy books for your training programs and for the reference of your lifeguards. Please mention this in your newsletters, regional meetings, and in any other way possible. Books are available through the publisher for $23 + tax + shipping. They can be purchased as follows: Publisher s toll free phone: Amazon.com (search on lifesaving ) Publisher s website: (search on lifesaving ) B. Chris Brewster, Chair Telephone: (858) Fax: (720) brewster@lifesaver1.com Page 1 of 2

62 2003 Edition of USLA Manual Now Available Title: Open Water Lifesaving The United States Lifesaving Association Manual ISBN: Available from Pearson Custom Publishing Call for individual sales and for quantity orders Pages: 416 The 2003 edition of the United States Lifesaving Association s official manual, a comprehensive training and reference for open water lifesaving, is now available. It is a required reference for all training programs conducted in accordance with the USLA Lifeguard Agency Certification Program. It has been significantly updated since the 1995 edition, with a variety of new material. Here are some examples: An extra 100 pages in length (416) New photographs and illustrations Historical material updated Web Boxes reference to appropriate websites throughout Learn More boxes reference to additional learning material throughout Discussion Points at the end of each chapter to assist in learning and memory retention Aquatic life and related hazards expanded information Shark bites new information Pathophysiology of drowning and sudden submersion syndrome new information Preventive lifeguarding greatly expanded material Effective water observation new information Maintaining vigilance new information, with research references Rescue board paddling techniques and rescues with rescue boards new how-to photos Shark bite rescue a new section Ice rescue a new section Incident command expanded and updated material In-water resuscitation new information on the (usually) high value of providing it and how to do so Jellyfish stings new treatment guidelines Releasing drowning victims from care guidelines to follow In-water spinal immobilization recommendations new recommendations and photos Cold shock and cold water urticaria an explanation of these phenomena Legal issues new material Scuba illness and treatment new material Lifeguard health and safety new material which recognizes lifeguards as athletes and advises on methods to minimize the possibility of injury Lifeguard eye injuries new information and prevention advice Lifeguard ear injuries new information and prevention advice Infection control methods new information OSHA regulations an overview of how they pertain to lifeguards with respect to communicable disease transmission prevention Post traumatic stress disorder an overview with methods to deal with it Lifesaving equipment guidelines in accordance with the latest USLA recommendations Beach warning flag guidelines in accordance with the latest USLA recommendations Report writing advice greatly expanded in a how-to format Junior lifeguard programs a new chapter on their history, how they are organized, and what they normally include Report forms new and updated Page 2 of 2

63 United States Lifesaving Association National Textbook Committee PO Box 366 Huntington Beach, California Tel: 866-FOR-USLA World Wide Web: USLA.ORG Chair B. Chris Brewster Members Duke Brown South Atlantic Region Jim McCrady Southeast Region Jerry Gavin Great Lakes Region Lt. Nick Lerma Southwest Region Dan McCormick Northwest Region Dave Shotwell Mid-Atlantic Region Kim Tyson Gulf Coast Region Dr. Peter Wernicki Medical Advisor Carl Martinez At-large Bob Ogoreuc At-large Dr. Stephen Leatherman, PhD September 1, 2003 Laboratory for Coastal Research Florida International University University Park Miami, FL Dear Dr. Leatherman: I have recently had the opportunity to read your book, Dr. Beach s Survival Guide What You Need to Know About Sharks, Rip Currents, & More Before Going in the Water. I found it most interesting. On page 44, you utilize a graphic of a rip current under which it which states, Source: Modified from U.S. Lifesaving Association Manual. On page 72, you utilize six graphics under which it is stated, Source: U.S. Lifesaving Association. In Appendix B, entitled Warning Signs on the Beach, you reprint a variety of beach safety sign graphics under which it is stated, Source: U.S. Lifesaving Association. The first graphic is based on copyrighted USLA material. The second is a reprint of copyrighted USLA material. The third is, to the best of my knowledge, material copyrighted by the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association. With respect to the first two, I am unaware of permission granted by USLA to use the material, but wish to provide you with an opportunity to provide information to the contrary. Please advise me within 30 days as to the person or persons who may have provided permission. If none was received, kindly advise as to the rationale under which it was considered legally acceptable by you to use our material without permission. With respect to the third, I am copying Ralph Goto of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association on this letter. Sincerely, B. Chris Brewster, Chair BCB c: USLA Legal Advisor Ralph Goto Committee Chair's Address: 3850 Sequoia Street San Diego, CA Tel: Fax: Internet: brewster@lifesaver1.com

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65 United States Lifesaving Association PO Box 366 Huntington Beach, California World Wide Web: USLA.ORG Don Rohrer President Jerry Gavin Vice-President David Shotwell Secretary Greg Farry Treasurer Duke Brown Recurrent Representative B. Chris Brewster Liaison Officer Vacant Advisor Dr. Peter Wernicki Medical Advisor Michael S. Bartlett ALM Managing Editor AMERICAN LIEGUARD M*A*G*A*Z*I*N*E Cottonwood Circle Huntington Beach, CA Tel: (714) Fax: (978) Internet: ============================================================== Fall 2003 USLA Board Meeting Spring Issue The Spring Issue of the American Lifeguard Magazine was printed and mailed out to our membership in May. Highlights from the last issue include Jimmy Griffin s article A small beach story, Peter Davis s article USLA/Club Tortuga/Red Cross Team Trains the Mexican Navy, and Pete Hartsock s article Carnegie Hero Medal Awarded to USLA Member Garret Cuppels. The Spring 2003 Issue expenses were $13, This shows a significant cost reduction considering the Spring issue was $1,000 less than the Summer 2002 Issue and we mailed an additional 1,000 magazines to new members! However, ad revenue was $2,335.00, off slightly from previous issues. Overall, our cost minus revenue was $11, which equates to roughly $1.16 per magazine, down from the previous two issues of $1.33 and $1.24 per magazine. Even our mailing costs were reduced from $ to $.3123 per issue due to the reduced paper weight (see reverse side for ALM Budget). The paper weight in this issue was the second, consecutive paper weight reduction in the past two ALM printings. Considering this was our first printing of 10,000 magazines (an increase of 1000 copies from our regular 9000), we saved approximately $2500 with the reduced weight. Noteworthy to mention, I didn t receive a single comment regarding the paper weight change which would lead me to believe that our membership didn t notice the change (but our Treasurer did!). Advertising Advertising is finally showing signs of improvement with the economic rebound after a year of diminishing revenue. I m pleased to announce that Marine Rescue Products have signed a two-year advertising contract for the back cover worth $ I highly encourage agencies to do business with the advertisers who support the USLA. As far as past due advertisers, we were able to collect half of the $880 outstanding balance on Jobeedu and one-third of the $1500 outstanding balance on USA Aquatics. I will continue to seek the remaining $1440 of delinquent money. All advertisers for the last issue are paid in full. However, I made a decision to omit one advertiser (Surf Chair) from the next issue because their payment was late. They missed the deadline but are on contract for the next two issues. Next Issue The Fall Issue was completed and mailed out last week. I had a box mailed here for the meeting. The Winter Issue deadline is Nov. 1 so if you would like to submit an article, you are late, but we still have room. Respectfully submitted, Michael S. Bartlett ALM Managing Editor s Address: Cottonwood Circle Huntington Beach, CA Tel: (714) Fax: (978) Internet: mbart4surf@aol.com

66 2003/2004 ALM Projected Per Issue Budget (Revised Printing & Mailing Costs) EXPENSES Per Issue Printing 10,000 issues (32 B&W pages + 4 color) $ 8, $0.82 per Misc. Print Fees (scanning/design) $ magazine $ per magazine $ 3, Bundling/affixing labels/postal delivery $ AOL High Speed ISP (Mike Bartlett) $ Typesetting (Renee Story $30 x 30 hrs.) $ $ 14, ALM Annual Budget Allocation $40,000 $ 42, issues per year REVENUE w/o ads Advertising (estimated not including commissions) $ 3, $ 3, TOTAL PROJECTED COST PER ISSUE $11, $ 1.10 each Actual Per Issue Cost EXPENSES WINTER 02 SUMMER 02 FALL 02 SPRING 03 *Printing 10,000 issues (32 B&W + 4 color) $ 9, $ 9, $ 7, $ 8, Misc. Print Fees (scanning/design) $ $ $ $ ** $ per magazine $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, $ 3, Bundling/affixing labels/postal delivery $ $ $ $ Mail Extras $ $ - $ $ Office (misc. items) $ - $ $ - $ Typesetting $30/hr. (Renee Story) $ $ $ $ $ 13, $ 14, $ 13, $ 13, REVENUE (advertising) $ 3, $ 2, $ 2, $ 2, TOTAL ACTUAL $ 10, $ 11, $ 11, $ 11, $1.13 each $1.33 each $1.24 each $1.16 each * Printing prior to Spring 03 was 9000 magazines (1000 less) ** Mailing prior to Spring 03 was $ per

67 United States Lifesaving Association Junior Lifeguard Pre Committee Report Spring National Competition The JG National competition was on August 7 th in Cape May, NJ. The competition was enjoyed by all even though we had rain and big surf. The Cape May Lifeguards are always wonderful hosts. A few events including the new Iron Guard were cancelled due to safety concerns. The officials did an excellent job and a special thanks to our Head Official, Tom Daly. Junior USLA Membership Thanks for your continued participation in this program. A special thanks to Charlie Hartl for his continued helpful and prompt support. Remember the JG s are your Lifeguards for the future. The final number of JG participants will be announced at this meeting. Does anyone want to take a guess? (See Reenie for details) Remember to put our USLA logo on all 2004 JG information it is our Good House Keeping Seal of Approval. American Lifeguard Magazine During our Committee meeting we will review articles that are due and make new JG assignments. Virtual JG Web Program Don Rohrer is the contact for this project. Reenie Boyer P.O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA Telephone: (949) rboyer@city.newport-beach.ca.us