We interviewed Andrew Barranco, the regional operations and aquatics manager for Merritt Athletic Clubs, to discover his secrets on summer pool management.
Q: With summer well underway, has Merritt seen an influx of members utilizing the pool area to escape the heat? If so, how have you accommodated for more members using your pool amenities?
A: Yes we have seen a really great influx at our three locations with outdoor pools. By far this year has been the busiest. We have seen more members and their visits seem to be longer in length this year. It has been a hot summer — that helps. As for accommodating the record members and guests we have seen, we are using every square foot of our deck. On the 4th of July we had to have a line of guest wait before we could let them into the club. There was no room for them to go on the pool deck — it was packed with close to 300 people.
Q: How many lifeguards does Merritt have on duty during pool hours? What requirements do your lifeguards have to have?
A: We have 1-5 lifeguards on duty at our outdoor pools — depends on the location and volume we see. At our family club it is five guards on duty at a time. Our lifeguards are required to have a national certification — most have American Red Cross lifeguarding.
Q: How has having a pool benefited Merritt — does it bring in members or help with retention?
A: The outdoor aquatic centers have helped drive members in on the weekends, it gives them an extra reason to come to the club, and cool off. It also gives them a reason to bring a guest to hangout by the pool with. Yes, there is positive retention from the pools.
Q: How does Merritt limit liability in the pool area?
A: The best way we can limit liability in the pools is to have lifeguards that do a great job and are proactive. Take care of things before they become a liability.
Interview by Rachel Zabonick
