Champaign Park District is pleased to announce that Sholem Aquatic Center has received recognition for its outstanding lifeguard staff. Ellis & Associates has conducted 3 audits of the aquatic center’s lifeguarding in the 2025 season. All audits received the highest score levels, with audits 2 and 3 receiving perfect scores. The audits show a proven track record of Sholem Aquatic Center lifeguards going above and beyond to prioritize the safety of patrons.
After the most recent Ellis & Associates audit at Sholem Aquatic Center, lifeguard Emily Pitcher received the prestigious Golden Guard Award. A Golden Guard is an individual who was observed by an auditor consistently exceeding the 10/20 Protection® scanning standards and exemplifying professionalism, rescue readiness, environmental protection, and overall role model of on-duty expectations. This award is given to a small percentage of the tens of thousands of lifeguards audited by Ellis & Associates annually.
Pitcher grew up swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center. At age 4, she began swimming with the Sholem Sharks. She has worked for Sholem Aquatic Center for the last 3 summers and has consistently displayed an impressive work ethic and dedication to the safety of guests.
“Emily works extremely hard and has been a pleasure to have on the team,” said Ryan Hays, Aquatics and Tennis Manager at Champaign Park District. “Her dedication to safety at the aquatic center has directly contributed to our audit scores.”
Sholem Aquatic Center is open on weekends only from 12-5pm until September 1. Learn more: https://champaignparks.org/places/sholem-aquatic-center/
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chelsea Norton
Director of Marketing & Development
Champaign Park District
217-819-3934
chelsea.norton@champaignparks.org
