Major cruise line introduces lifeguards

Royal Caribbean have announced that they will be introducing lifeguards across their fleet.
Oasis of the Seas was the first to have lifeguards and mid by April every ship will have them.
This is part of a wider safety programme which will also have a 15 minute water safety presentation during Adventure Open House on embarkation day for parents and children and youth staff will also go over all water safety rules at the Adventure Ocean Youth Evacuation Plan safety drill and the teens 411 info session on the first night.
Child water safety leaflets will be available at guest services and water safety signs will be visible.
The Captain will make an announcement regarding water safety during the mandatory lifeboat drill and the cruise director will also mention water safety daily and there will be advice given on the kids daily cruise compass.
The cruise line will still provide swim vests for children age 4-12 and will encourage all children to use them.
They have also stressed that this does not replace the watchful eye of a parent or guardian as this is as an extra safety measure so parents are still required to supervise their children in water.
This is great news for families and I hope more cruise lines follow suit. Royal Caribbean are the biggest family cruise line so in my opinion lifeguards are essential.
I have children who are very good swimmers but I still feel more relaxed with lifeguards on duty. I would never leave them in water unattended anyway but it is very reassuring to know there is an extra pair of eyes watching them.
There have been too many fatalities and terrible accidents with children on cruise ships and I am pleased that a major cruise line has taken action and finally made child safety a priority.