Every day, people are making the switch to SAI. Recently, Leslie Donovan spoke with Ray Niecestro from Sarasota YMCA in Sarasota, Florida about his experiences making the switch to SAI.
Leslie Donovan: Why did you switch training agencies and how did you hear about SAI?
Ray Niecestro: I learned about SAI when I visited a water park in Cape Coral, Florida. I saw how professional and prepared the guards were, and I decided that I wanted to bring that level of professionalism to the YMCA. I asked the staff what training agency they used and was told they used SAI. I researched the StarGuard program and only heard positive things about it, so we decided to make the switch. The program has been every bit as good as I thought it would be.
LD: Have you found SAI’s focus on finding solutions that fit within your operational structure helpful? Has SAI been flexible in working with you to maximize safety?
RN: The best part of the StarGuard program is that it is site specific. You can adapt it to meet your operational needs and not sacrifice any safety. Our YMCA facility has a variety of pools, and we were looking for an agency that would work with us rather than dictate operations. The professionals at SAI are wonderful to work with and help us to maximize safety in a way that works for us.
LD: Do you participate in SAI’s risk management (StarReview) program? Why? What are the benefits?
RN: We are part of the StarReview risk management program. The auditors are friendly, helpful and really work with our team. We like the way they present scenarios and although our lifeguards can be nervous at first, they come away from the StarReview thinking that it was a great experience. The StarReviewers give us excellent feedback and make great recommendations. Instead of being rigid, they work with us to find the best way to manage risk at our facility. Their flexibility is very important to us.
LD: What would you tell others who are considering switching to SAI?
RN: The transition to SAI from another agency was easy. Once our management team understood the SAI philosophy of partnership, they were ready to make the switch. Some of the lifeguards were reluctant as well, but now they love the innovative techniques and would never want to switch back. The StarGuard approach is a great common sense approach to proactive lifeguarding.
