Annual Report 2014 United States Lifesaving Association Celebrating 50 Years of Saving Lives
Contents President s Message..3 Public Education......4 National Competition. 8 Lifeguard Agency Certification.... 11 Statistical Data...14 2014 Financials......18 Strategic Plan.20 Heroic Acts and Awards..21 National Structure. 23 United States Lifesaving Foundation 26 The United States Lifesaving Association is America's nonprofit professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. The USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other means. 2
Message From the President 2014 was our 50th anniversary year and what a year it was. Our affiliated agencies reported record numbers of preventive actions and rescues from drowning throughout the USA. We celebrated our anniversary on both coasts and in between. Our message is getting out to more people than ever. Our revenues have grown continually to our highest point in history. As we open the door to the next 50 years of promoting drowning prevention and lifeguard professionalism we are meticulously assembling a strategic plan to ensure that the success of the past is exceeded in the future. Our success is owed to volunteers who oversee the Lifeguard Agency Certification Program, public education, lifesaving sport, heroic acts recognition, junior lifeguard support, membership, public information, statistics gathering, sponsorship development, professional development, and our website, as well as many other programs. Without them and those who came before them, the USLA would not exist as we know it. Thanks! Here s to safer beaches and waterways in the year to come. B. Chris Brewster President 3
4 Public Education Rip Current Education Program It takes dedication and passion from many to educate the public about rip currents. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and Sea Grant are working with the USLA to promote rip current awareness throughout the country by teaching the public how to identify and survive rip currents. Select USLA affiliated agencies are providing the NWS with daily feedback to assist them in their marine forecasts and updates. The USLA is pleased to partner with NOAA and its agencies to enhance public education in ways that are sure to reduce injury and prevent loss of life. More than 80% of surf rescues are caused by rip currents.
Regional Public Education Projects Water Safety USA Participating Organizations American Academy of Pediatrics American Red Cross Boy Scouts of America Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Consumer Product Safety Commission National Park Service National Safe Boating Council National Swimming Pool Foundation Safe Kids Worldwide United States Coast Guard United States Lifesaving Association USA Swimming Foundation YMCA of the USA In February 2014, the USLA, American Red Cross, and YMCA of the USA hosted representatives of the leading national US governmental and nongovernmental drowning prevention and water safety organizations at a meeting in Washington, DC. The goal was to create a national alliance to work collaboratively toward efforts to reduce drowning and aquatic injury. The 13 organizations listed to the left endorsed this concept and formed an alliance now named Water Safety USA. The mission of Water Safety USA is to empower people with resources, information, and tools to safely enjoy and benefit from our nation's aquatic environments. The overarching approach of Water Safety USA is to engage in ongoing dialogue aimed at improving our delivery of water safety information, tools, and resources to be used as effectively as possible. We are presently working on a project to align water safety messaging among all of our organizations. While each of our organizations provides excellent water safety and drowning prevention education, we are convinced that aligning our messaging more closely will have a greater impact. This alliance is yet another example of the USLA working at the national level to leverage our expertise and align with other leading organizations. USLA President B. Chris Brewster serves as moderator of Water Safety USA. 5
Public Education Projects Each year USLA chapters and affiliated agencies provide safety lectures to schools and civic groups throughout the United States. The reach of these programs is incredible. In 2014, the USLA received reports of over 18,000 presentations reaching more than 270,000 people. Gulf Coast Region This year beach patrols in the Gulf Coast region presented safety talks to over 16,000 school children. They shared safety tips about the flag warning system and educated children to never swim alone and to always swim near a lifeguard. Lifeguards demonstrated a mock rescue, showed a video, and passed out USLA coloring books and wristbands. The Galveston Island Beach Patrol put water safety brochures in area hotels and posted miniature flag warning system signs in hotel lobbies. Northwest Region The Sonoma County Regional Parks, a USLA certified agency, created the Russian River Water Safety Patrol program. The River Team dove the Russian River, charting water depths and hazards at each of the four County parks. They then created safety maps showing depths and hazards and used the maps to help educate the public. While on patrol, the team handed out water safety educational materials, properly fitted loaner lifejackets, disseminated safety information, and made over 8,000 safety contacts. Southeast Region The Miami Beach Fire Department, Ocean Rescue Division held truck day demonstrations at local schools and community centers as an educational program. The purpose of the demonstrations is to have the rescue vehicles and lifeguards recognized as an arm of public safety by the community, specifically children, and to teach children what lifeguards do to protect them at the beach. Southwest Region The Southwest Region raised funds and received matching grants from the NOAA California Sea Grant and the California State Park Foundation to develop artwork and print 100,000 table tents to distribute to coastal hotels and businesses within close proximity of the beach. The table tents are written in both English and Spanish, educating visitors about rip currents and open water safety. 6
Public Education Projects Continued Mid-Atlantic Region The first week in June is National Beach Safety Week. This year officers of the Monmouth County Chapter of the USLA conducted beach safety workshops at local schools during Beach Safety Week. Workshops covered various hazards such as tide changes, rip currents, and wave dynamics. The workshops were conducted at Asbury Park High School, Long Branch High School, and the Shore Regional High School in New Jersey. South Atlantic Region The City of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Department started a public safety program that was accredited for use in the local school districts, while the Regional Prevention and Training officer also taught beach and ocean safety to a variety of community groups. The Region partnered with Project Wipeout of Hoag Hospital in California, sharing safety handouts, coloring books, and stickers for distribution to hospitalized children. Pacific Islands Region The City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Division successfully developed, deployed, and field-tested a new electronic data collection system at Hanauma Bay, Oahu. The system is designed to allow lifeguards to input data electronically directly from lifeguard towers, vehicles, and ATV s. Lifeguards use tablets to quickly enter data with the touch of an icon. Information gathered ranges from medical incidents to beach and ocean conditions. Ocean rescue data includes number of rescues, equipment used at each rescue, photos, videos, and geo-mapping to indicate location of the rescue. The data can be immediately integrated with the Hawaii Beach Safety Know Before You Go website, assisting beach goers with mobile access to real-time local beach conditions. 7
Nautica USLA National Lifeguard Championships Monmouth County Wins A Division Championships Smith Point Wins B Division Championships Each year professional lifeguards from across the US compete for individual and team honors in beach and course events. The 2014 Nautica USLA National Lifeguard Championships were held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Monmouth County Chapter, comprised of beach lifeguard agencies from Monmouth County, New Jersey, captured this year s Division A title. Monmouth County defeated the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association, which had previously held the national title for 27 consecutive years. Click to watch a short video of 2014 Nationals Monmouth County finished with 1,217 points, earning the Howard Lee Trophy. Second place LA County finished with 1,001 points, and California State Lifeguard Association took third place with 378 points in the A division. In the B division, for chapters with 100 or fewer lifeguards, Smith Point has earned the title of National Champion in 8 of the last 10 years. Smith Point won again this year for the fourth consecutive year, winning with 371 points. Destin placed second with 326 points and Wrightsville Beach placed third with 172 points. 8 Monmouth County Chapter Wins Division A Championships Smith Point Chapter Wins Division B Championships
Nautica USLA National Junior Lifeguard Championships The 2014 Nautica USLA National Junior Lifeguard Championships were held in Virginia Beach. The event featured more than 300 young participants from USLA affiliated lifeguard programs across the country. Junior lifeguards competed for individual titles in eight events in four age categories: AA Division A Division B Division C Division 16-17 years 14-15 years 12-13 years 9-11 years Junior lifeguard programs are an extremely popular extension of the services provided by USLA affiliated lifeguard agencies. With professional lifeguards as instructors, these spring and summer programs teach water safety, first aid techniques, build self-confidence, and help prepare interested youth for work as lifeguards. Girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 17 learn about beach safety in a fun and challenging atmosphere. 9
USLA High Performance Squad USLA Youth and Adult Athletes Compete at the World Lifesaving Championships in France 10 2014 Adult National Team The USLA High Performance Squad is a group of elite US lifesaver athletes recognized for their performance in regional, national, or international competition. The High Performance Squad was developed to identify talented individuals and provide consistent training in both pool and surf lifesaving environments. The goal is to develop a cohesive team to better compete in international lifesaving events such as the World Lifesaving Championships. USLA was proudly represented at the 2014 Lifesaving World Championships in the south of 2014 Youth National Team France. The pool events were held in Montpellier and the ocean events in La Grande Motte. The group of six men and six women represented the U S in the National Teams Open Competition in September. The US team competed against lifeguards from 40 countries. The USLA also sent a Youth National Team to the 2014 championships. The 12 outstanding young men and women lifesavers that made the team illustrate the high standards for readiness and fitness set by the USLA. The USLA could not be more proud of the team and their performance. Click to watch the Rescue 2014 video
Lifeguard Agency Certification The USLA Maintains the Standards for Lifeguards on America s Beaches Lifeguard Agency Certification Program Since 1979, the USLA has published national standards for American beach lifeguard training, equipment, and lifeguard agency operations. These standards have brought consistency and professionalism to the lifeguard profession and improved public safety. Agencies wishing to be certified apply and are reviewed nationally. Advanced Lifeguard Agency Certification Program Agencies may be certified at the regular or advanced level. Over 30% of applying agencies have earned advanced status, which requires additional experience for trainers, additional training, and a higher level of medical skills. Aquatic Rescue Response Team (ARRT) Certification The USLA offers a separate certification program for public safety agencies that are not providers of beach lifeguards, but that respond to aquatic emergencies in the open water environment, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and flooded areas. Public safety agencies throughout the Untied States may apply for certification as an Aquatic Rescue Response Team. 11
USLA Certified Lifeguard Agencies Alliance Beach Patrol, NJ Aloha Surf Lifesaving, HI American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps (ARCVLSC), FL Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ Boca Raton Ocean Rescue, FL Boynton Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Brick, NJ California State Parks, CA Cape May Beach Patrol, NJ Cape May Point Beach Patrol, NJ Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue, NC Charleston County Park & Rec Commission, SC Clark County Public Works, WA Clearwater Beach Patrol, FL Coastal Ocean Surf Rescue, NJ Craigville Beach Association, MA Dania Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Dewey Beach Patrol, DE East Bay Regional Park District, CA Fenwick Island Beach Patrol, DE Fernandina Beach Lifeguard Program, FL Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue, FL Gulf Shores Beach Patrol, AL Hallandale Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Hawaii Fire Department Ocean Safety Division, HI Hempstead, NY Honolulu Ocean Safety & Lifeguard Services, HI Jacksonville Fire Rescue - Ocean Rescue Division, FL Kanalu Water Safety, HI Kure Beach, NC Lake Mission Viejo Lifeguard Department, CA Maui County Ocean Safety, HI Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, HI MCCS Water Safety Kanoehe Marine Corps Base, HI Miami Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Miami Dade County Fire Dept. Ocean Rescue, FL Monarch Bay Lifeguards, CA Monmouth Beach Bath & Tennis Club, NJ Mount Gilead, MD Morro Bay Harbor District, CA New Hampshire State Beach Patrol, NH Hampton Beach Lifeguards, NH New Jersey State Park Service Beaches, NJ New Jersey State Park Service Lakes, NJ North Myrtle Beach, SC Ocean Beach Lifeguards, NY Okaloosa County - Beach Safety Division, FL Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue, FL Town of Palm Beach, FL Panama City Beach Safety Division, FL Pinellas County Beach Patrol - Parks & Conservation Resources, FL Pismo Beach Lifeguards, CA Pompano Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, FL Port Huemene, CA Port San Luis Harbor District (Avila Beach), CA Rehoboth Beach Patrol, DE Sandpoint Parks & Recreation, ID Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation Division, Aquatic Section, CA Santa Barbara County Lifeguards, CA Santa Monica Harbor Patrol, CA Sarasota County Beach Patrol, FL Scarborough Beach State Park, ME Sea Bright Beach Patrol, NJ Sea Girt Beach Patrol, NJ Shore Beach Service Inc., SC Sonoma County Regional Parks, CA South Padre Island Beach Patrol, TX South Walton Fire District, FL Surf City Beach Patrol, NJ The Breakers Resort, FL Ventura County Harbor Department, CA Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service Inc., VA Virginia Beach Department of EMS, Lifeguard Services Division, VA Westerly Town Beach, RI Wildwood Beach Patrol, NJ YMCA Camp Surf, CA 12
USLA Certified Lifeguard Agencies Lifeguard Agencies Certified at the Advanced Level American Medical Response, OR Atlantic Beach Patrol, FL Bethany Beach Patrol, DE Brevard County Fire Ocean Rescue, FL Camp Pendleton Lifeguard Service, CA Coeur d'alene, ID Corolla Ocean Rescue, NC Coronado Beach Lifeguards, CA Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol, DE Delray Beach Ocean Rescue, FL Destin Fire Control District, FL Encinitas Marine Safety Department, CA Galveston Island Beach Patrol, TX Hollywood Florida Beach Safety Division, FL Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division, CA Imperial Beach Lifeguard Service, CA Indian River County, FL Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue, NC Kitty Hawk Ocean Rescue, NC Laguna Beach Department of Marine Safety, CA Lantana Marine Safety, FL Long Beach Lifeguards, CA Los Angeles County Lake Lifeguards Department of Parks & Recreation, CA Los Angeles City Department of Recreation & Parks, Aquatic Division, CA Los Angeles County Fire Department Beaches, CA Martin County Ocean Rescue, FL Neptune Beach Lifeguards, FL Newport Beach Fire Department, CA Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Beach Patrol, NJ Oceanside Fire Department Lifeguard Division, CA Orange County Lifeguards, CA San Clemente Marine Safety Division, CA San Diego Lifeguard Service, CA Santa Cruz Fire Marine Safety, CA Sea Colony, DE Seal Beach Marine Safety Department, CA Solana Beach Marine Safety, CA St. Johns County Fire Rescue, FL Volusia County Beach Patrol, FL USLA Certified Aquatic Rescue Response Teams Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District, CA T Berkeley Fire ARRT Department, C tifi CA ti Emerald Coast Lifesaving Association, FL Humboldt Bay Fire Department, CA Kauai Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau, HI Oxnard City Fire Department, CA Santa Barbara City Fire Department, CA Ventura Fire Department, CA Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services, Marine Rescue Team, VA 13
National Lifesaving Statistics The USLA continues to gather and present annual statistics from beach lifesaving organizations throughout the United States in a free, online database that allows a variety of search methods. We collect data to track: Preventive Actions Rescues from Drowning Medical Aid Fatalities Public Safety Lectures Number of Lost & Found Persons Beach Demographics Over 91,000 rescues from drowning by USLA affiliated rescue agencies were reported in calendar year 2014. The USLA has calculated the chance that a person will die by drowning while attending a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million (.0000055%). * * Based on the last ten years of reports from USLA affiliated lifeguard agencies, comparing estimated beach attendance to the number of drowning deaths in areas under lifeguard protection. Details available at: www.usla.org/stats 14
Collection of Statistical Data Lifeguard program administrators use statistical data to identify patterns of activities and ways to address safety needs. 2010 2014 National Lifesaving Statistics 15 3
Statistical Data for 2014 16 5
50-Year Comparison Collection of Statistical Data Two agencies reported in 1964, compared to 130 agencies in 2014. 4 17
2014 Financial Report Financial Summary The United States Lifesaving Association demonstrated sound fiscal management and accountability in 2014 as shown by the audit completed in August 2015 by an independent CPA firm. The following consolidated financial statements represent the United States Lifesaving Association, operating under section 501(c)(3). Revenue 2013 2014 Membership $222,196 $193,994 Lifesaving Events $90,224 $183,149 Marketing Agreements $31,147 $28,895 Contributions $14,109 $17,827 Advertising & Subscriptions $20,444 $16,406 Royalties $2,623 $1,050 Miscellaneous Income $522 $74 Total Program Services $381,265 $441,395 Expenses 2013 2014 Program Services $303,965 $398,868 Management & General $54,316 $55,956 Total Expenses $358,316 $454,824 Net Assets, Beginning $266,528 $289,477 Net Assets, Ending $289,477 $276,048 18 6
2014 Financial Report 7 19
Strategic Plan Since 1964, the USLA has been committed to reducing the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment. Every day dedicated members and volunteers work to achieve this lofty goal. Throughout this fiscal year, USLA volunteers have been working to develop a strategic plan to define the future of the United States Lifesaving Association. The strategic plan has identified five main priorities. We like to think of these as a promise to our members, waterfront communities, and the beach-going public. USLA Strategic Priorities Communication Improve internal and external communications Advocacy Create model legislation aimed at reducing drowning and maintaining consistent lifeguard standards Resources Expand organizational capacity, financial resources, and public awareness to more effectively achieve the USLA mission Brand Promote, protect, and expand the USLA brand Training Expand the multi-dimensional training program to meet the needs of USLA members, agencies, and chapters 20 8
2014 Heroic Acts and Awards USLA Medal of Valor The highest lifeguard award presented by the USLA is the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor was created to recognize any individual lifeguard or lifeguard team that performs a heroic act. Often these people voluntarily risk their lives, to an extraordinary degree, to save or attempt to save a life. Some even sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. When lives were in danger, Volusia County s Beach Safety Ocean Rescue officers raced to the scene without thought for their own safety. A South Carolina woman drove her van with three children into the ocean. Captain Scott Wise, Officer Rick Urquhart, and Officer Jordan Chrisley responded, rescuing all just moments before the van was washed out to sea. Beach Safety Director Mark Swanson (left) with Medal Valor recipients Captain Scott Wise, Officer Rick Urquhart, Officer Jordon Chrisley, and USLA President B. Chris Brewster on the far right. 21
2014 Heroic Acts and Awards Fallen Newport Beach Lifeguard honored with the USLA Medal of Valor Ben Carlson, a 32-year-old, 15-year veteran Newport Beach lifeguard, was overcome by a massive wave in July during a rescue attempt in 10-12 foot surf. Although the swimmer in distress made it back safely, Ben was not as fortunate. Ben is the first to be posthumously awarded the USLA Medal of Valor, the highest honor for professional lifeguards. 22 Thousands gather to honor lifeguard Ben Carlson at a paddle-out and memorial service Photo by Susan Cooper
USLA National Structure USLA Chapters The USLA has 130 chapters across the country. USLA members affiliate locally in chapters, composed of open water rescuers who work for a designated employer or employers, or who work within a designated geographic area. USLA Regions The USLA is comprised of nine regions. Each region provides leadership and support to local chapters and appoints regional delegates to the USLA Board of Directors. Regional contacts can be found at www.usla.org/structure. 24 23
USLA National Structure Leadership The USLA has helped reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment for over 50 years. Our volunteer leadership team makes this possible. The following dedicated individuals work together to make the United States beaches and open water safe. Executive Board B. Chris Brewster President Peter Davis Vice President Nikki Bowie Secretary Rob Williams Treasurer Charles Hartl Executive Delegate Bert Whitaker Liaison Officer Reenie Boyer Advisor Regional Presidents Bob Bertrand Mike Beuerlein Gerry Falconer Tom Gill Ralph Goto Joe Pecoraro Tony Pryor Cathy VonWald Ed Zebrowski Advisors Peter Wernicki, M.D. John Chip More Kay Smiley New England Southwest Southeast South Atlantic Pacific Islands Great Lakes Gulf Coast Northwest Mid-Atlantic Medical Advisor Legal Advisor Executive Director 24
USLA National Structure Special Assignments Mike Bartlett American Lifeguard Magazine Editor Denise Blair Public Education Committee Chair Michael Bradley Professional Development Committee Chair Charlotte Graham Membership Committee Chair Tom Gill Public Information & Media Relations Rick Gould Statistics Collection & Reporting Adrienne Groh Heroic Acts Awards Committee Chair Karissa Ickes Website Tony Pryor Certification Committee Chair David Robinson Junior Lifeguard Committee Chair Dave Shotwell, Sr. Heritage Committee Chair Ed Zebrowski Lifesaving Sport Committee Chair Ed Zebrowski Sponsorship Development Ed Zebrowski III Bylaws and Policies Committee Chair All members of the leadership team serve without compensation except for the Executive Director and Magazine Editor Photo by Susan Cooper 25
United States Lifesaving Foundation Your contribution to the United States Lifesaving Foundation is a gift that keeps on giving. The United States Lifesaving Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to the USLA. All donations are conservatively invested, and the USLA receives a portion of the investment returns annually. The United Stated Lifesaving Foundation began in 2006 and has grown each year. The Foundation received donations totaling $3,272 as of the close of 2014, and has $65,217 in total assets. A gift to the United States Lifesaving Foundation supports the USLA vision beyond the needs of today. The Foundation is a permanent fund whose principal is never used, but financial returns support programs and the USLA mission. It is the permanency of the Foundation that makes it so vital. United States Lifesaving Foundation 2014 End of the Year Asset Allocations 26
Make A Difference! Donate Today! Swim near a lifeguard Every day about ten people die by drowning in the United States. The vast majority of those deaths occur in unguarded areas, while the chance of a drowning death at a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is just 1 in 18 million. We need your help! The USLA mission is to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment. Make a difference by supporting the USLA Foundation. Make an online donation today! Click here to donate. 27
United States Lifesaving Association 866-FOR-USLA (866-367-8752) usla.org