PARENTS CORNER

Introduction to GHPM

The Parent Handbook is intended to help you, the parent, have a better understanding of the responsibilities of a lifeguard and avoid any misunderstandings.

Greater Houston Pool Management was founded upon three guiding principles: safety, customer satisfaction, and cleanliness. Our mission is to provide the highest level of safety in the swimming pool industry. To achieve this objective, we create a rewarding work experience for our employees. Our customers, in turn, receive first-class service from courteous employees who take pride in the safety and appearance of the facility where they work.

As an employee of GHPM, your child will be a part of a team that consists of Regional Directors, Regional Supervisors, Area Supervisors, Area Managers, Pool Managers, Assistant Managers, Head Lifeguards, Lifeguards and a full-time office staff. We incorporate an open-door policy and are always available to assist the employee in any situation.

Lifeguard Responsibilities

Lifeguarding is a demanding job that requires many responsibilities. Your child will be responsible for the safety of the patrons at their facility. Additionally, he/she will be expected to clean the pool, bathrooms, and pool area. Customer service skills will be needed in enforcing the rules and communicating effectively with pool users. Our lifeguards play a significant role in the overall operations of the facility. It is imperative that each shift is filled with the appropriate number of guards. Each facility is staffed based on strict safety standards.

Holidays & Schedules

Greater Houston Pool Management is open on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. All employees are required to work these holidays. If an employee is unable to work any of these holidays due to family obligations, a thirty-day written vacation request must be submitted to the Director of Employee and Management Development for approval. The Company has the right to refuse any and all vacation requests for these holidays.

All GHPM pools are open on or before Memorial Day. Please understand that all employees may be required to work weekends in May even if their assigned pool has not officially opened. After school has resumed in the fall, all employees are required to work weekends until September 30 and in some cases, weekdays after school during August and September. Even if your child’s pool closes, employees are still required to fill in as needed at facilities nearby. Every effort is made to accommodate extra curricular activities, but employees are expected to honor their employment contract with GHPM.

Schedules are posted at least one week in advance. Employees must sign the schedule to verify their shifts. If an employee is unable to work a shift, it is the employee’s responsibility to find a sub. A sub list is posted at each facility.
To find a sub:

• Call guards from same pool
• Call guards from sub list
• Call guards in the area
• Talk to Manager
• Talk to Area Manager
• Contact Supervisor

Training

All employees must be American Red Cross certified in Lifeguarding/ First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Bloodborne Pathogens. We offer many training classes throughout the winter, spring and summer. The Lifeguard certification course is 32 hours and includes lifeguarding with First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Bloodborne Pathogen training. Lifeguarding/First Aid certifications are valid for three years, and the CPR/AED and BBP certifications are valid for one year. Second and third year guards will need to take CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and BBP training each year before they start working.

It is the employee’s responsibility to keep current on their certifications. Classes are cheaper earlier in the season, so make sure you register early. For a list of training courses and fees, please visit 2009 Training Schedule.

Company Training

GHPM employees must complete and pass (passing is 90%) all Company Trainings. This includes Company Orientation, On-site training, and weekly in-service trainings.

AUDITS
Our certified Lifeguard Instructors (LGI’s) will randomly audit all GHPM employees. The purpose of the audits is to ensure that our employees can perform basic rescue and lifesaving skills at any moment. If an employee does not pass their audit, they will be removed from the schedule until they can demonstrate the proper knowledge and skills.

In-Service Training
The Texas Department of Health Standards for Swimming Pools and Spas require that all lifeguards comply with continual in-service training programs totaling a minimum of 60 minutes per week. This can be performed by either on-line training or on-site facility training. GHPM has an on-line training in-service program. Every lifeguard is required to perform one hour of on-line training per week. A new on-line in-service training will be posted every Monday. Each lifeguard has one week (Monday through Sunday) to finish their on-line training. In addition to the on-line training, one hour of on-site facility training is required every month. This schedule will be posted at your facility as well as on our website. All trainings will be monitored by GHPMI management. Please make sure you are performing your state mandated training.

Payroll
The payroll period begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. Paychecks are distributed every other Wednesday at their facility. If your child is a sub, their paycheck will be mailed to the address we have on file. It is the employee's responsibility to clock in and out for each shift worked.

In the event of a discrepancy with the number of hours paid or with the pay rate, please fill out the Payroll Discrepancy Form.

Depending on the date the form is received, the discrepancy and pay rate adjustments may be handled during the next payroll cycle. Please do not call the office regarding payroll problems as this slows down the process.

Lost/Stolen Paychecks
In the event of a lost/stolen paycheck, please follow these guidelines:
1) You must notify the Human Resource Department (in writing – phone calls will not be accepted) information regarding the lost/stolen paycheck. (i.e. check number and/or pay period) Failure to provide this information will delay your request for a replacement check.
2) After receiving the above information, GHPM must issue a stop payment on the original check. “Stop Payment” takes at least 24 hours to process.
3) A $30 replacement fee is charged. This will automatically be deducted from the replacement check unless prior arrangements are made with the Human Resource Department.
4) After the 24 hour processing stop payment period and the $30 replacement fee is deducted, a new payroll check will be issued.
5) The replacement check will be mailed to the last known address. If you would prefer to pick up the replacement check at the GHPM office, you must notify the Human Resource Department within 24 hours from the original stop payment request.
In the event the lost/stolen paycheck is recovered and the Company identifies the endorsement as that of the employee, the employee must remit the amount of the replacement check to the Company within 24 hours of the time it is demanded.

Uniforms

All employees must be in complete uniform at all times. This includes, GHPM suit, GHPM shirt (if worn), safety pack and whistle. Uniforms can be purchased online or at the GHPM office. Uniforms are available at the GHPM office on specified Uniform Pick Up Days. Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times if not in the guard stand. We recommend that for the lifeguard's protection, they wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and have water on hand at all times.