Improving sun safety among lifeguards at outdoor pools: A targeted, peer-driven approach

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, and lifeguards working at outdoor pools are at particularly high-risk group because of regular sun exposure on the job. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a targeted, peer-driven intervention for skin cancer prevention among lifeguards at outdoor swimming pools. The Pool Cool program was conducted at 14 outdoor pool sites in three regions: Atlanta, GA, Henderson, NV, and Wichita, KS. All pools in each region received the same version of the program: the basic Pool Cool program or Pool Cool Plus, an enhanced version of the program with additional components specifically targeting sun-safety behaviors of lifeguards. Additional components included motivational appeals, policy and environmental supports, and peer-led planning for improved sun-safety at the pools. Surveys were completed by lifeguards at the beginning (N = 260) and end (N = 187) of the summer. Chi-square, t-tests, and regression models were used to test for differences in outcome variables (sun protection habits and rates of sunburn among lifeguards) between groups. Staff at pools receiving Pool Cool Plus experienced fewer sunburns during the summer (p = 0.01) and spent fewer hours in the sun on weekdays (p = 0.04) and weekends (p = 0.04) compared to staff at pools with the basic Pool Cool program. The Pool Cool Plus program had significant positive effects on lifeguards' sunburn rates and amount of time spent in the sun.