Royal Caribbean staffing pools with lifeguards

Royal Caribbean International has become the second major cruise line to staff lifeguards at its pools, a significant change in the cruise industry. Starting this week with the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is rolling out a water-safety program that includes a lifeguard stationed at each pool during its hours of operation. In a statement, Royal Caribbean said all lifeguards have been trained and certified by StarGuard Elite, "an industry-leading International Aquatic Risk Prevention and Lifeguard program." To date, only Disney Cruise Line has hired shipboard lifeguards. Other cruise lines say they follow the policy seen at many land resorts where no lifeguards are provided and guests swim at their own risk. Royal Caribbean said its program is a comprehensive one "to raise awareness amongst our guests about the importance of vigilance while enjoying water features on our ships." In addition to lifeguards, swim vests will be offered to children ages 4-12 and a water safety presentation will be made in the Adventure Ocean kids program as well as a separate session on water safety for teens.
Royal Caribbean said its water-safety program will be implemented fleet wide by June.
For more information and to make reservations on a Royal Caribbean vessel, contact The Cruise Professionals at theCRUISEOUTLET.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com .