Written by Lifeguard Chief Ed Castillo The tragic drowning of 38 year old Brazilian triathlete Mara Flávia Souza Araujo during the swim portion of Ironman Texas on April 18, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the endurance sports community. Araujo was no novice; she was an accomplished athlete who had completed… Continue reading
– Written by Lifeguard Chief Ed Castillo The modern aquatics industry is currently grappling with a dangerous paradox. We see headlines across the country of the American Red Cross bestowing high-profile accolades and “Lifesaving Awards” upon young lifeguards who have successfully resuscitated a swimmer. On the surface, these ceremonies are… Continue reading
The aquatic safety industry is currently facing a “perfect storm” that threatens to dismantle the very foundation of professional lifeguard provision. What was once a field defined by rigorous standards and operational excellence is being squeezed between two powerful forces: the American Red Cross’s (ARC) systemic oversight failures and the… Continue reading
In a world of one-click apps, it’s tempting to treat every service like a food delivery. Need a ride? Open an app. Need dinner? Open an app. Need a lifeguard for your child’s birthday party or a high-stakes film production? There are now several national “brokerage” platforms—essentially the “Uber for… Continue reading
