Emergency action plans should be updated annually or after any significant incident to ensure that they are current and effective. This practice provides a structured approach to maintaining safety protocols that can adapt to new challenges or insights gained from real-life situations. Regular reviews allow lifeguards to assess the effectiveness of their plans, identify any gaps, and make necessary adjustments based on recent experiences or changes in the facility. Incidents can reveal critical information that can be used to refine responses and ensure a rapid, coordinated effort in future emergencies.
Updating only when a new lifeguard joins the team does not consider the continual evolution of safety practices and the potential for environmental or situational changes. Updating every two years may not suffice, as it could leave gaps in preparedness if more frequent revisions are needed. While monthly updates could ensure detail-oriented precision, they may unnecessarily complicate the plan without significant changes to warrant such frequency. Therefore, annual updates or reviews after significant incidents strike the right balance needed for effective emergency preparedness.