by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:30 AM ET, Thu April 20, 2017
Norwegian Cruise Line announced Wednesday that it would begin employing certified lifeguards at onboard family pools on every ship in its fleet.
The American Red Cross-trained and certified lifeguards will be tasked with monitoring family pools during scheduled hours. Passengers will begin seeing the new staff on Norwegian's four largest ships-the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic-this summer.
As for the rest of the cruise line's fleet, the lifeguards will be hired and in position by early 2018.
"Norwegian has stationed pool monitors on our largest ships since 2015 and we are now taking further steps to ensure the safety of our youngest guests with the addition of certified lifeguards across our fleet," Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Andy Stuart said in a statement.
"While parents are always the first line of supervision when it comes to water safety, we felt it was important to provide this added measure across our fleet."
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The cruise line will also offer complimentary swim vests for both adults and children on the company's four largest ships. Passengers will be able to obtain the safety vests at towel stations on each ship's pool deck during daytime hours.
In February, Royal Caribbean also announced that it would be adding licensed lifeguards on every ship in its fleet, starting with Oasis of the Seas. The process is expected to be completed by the end of June.
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