The Characteristics Of Gifted Lifeguard

By Pete Andrew


To become lifeguard, you'll not merely have to be a fantastic swimmer and rescuer, you will have to have the right perspective and discipline in order to survive and keep this job effective. While you can get given dangers that go behind this obligation, lifeguard training educates lifeguards the skills on how to retain themselves proficient to manage water security to the public or the community. Let's review the characteristics you should invariably show to take on emergency rescues and rules and regulations on water areas.

3Ps - lifeguards ought to always be Positive, Qualified, and Physically strong; by showing positive attitude while executing tasks, it can eliminate the negative behavior that the victim is having as well as others; being proficient, they are all set to perform all duties needed available especially on patron surveillance; lastly being physically balanced, all rescues can be taken timely and as they're more mindful. Reliable - must be focused on work and always ready to accept patrons and other staff. Courteous - has to be polite to retain the structure of enforcing rules. Mature - act responsibly and mature enough to handle cases anytime and lead others.

Responsibilities: Primary accountability of lifeguards is to ensure safety by preventing wounds and minimizing dangers to protect lives that's why termed lifeguard. Lifeguards should recognize and respond proficiently and fast in emergency scenarios. They should administer first aid (including CPR) when needed. Impose facility rules, and review any risks along the facility. Regularly participate in in-service training. Training models: F.I.N.D Model - resembles F (Figure out the condition), I (Identify solutions), N (Name pros and cons for each solution), and D (Decide which solution is best).

R.I.D. Factor - R (failure to Recognize drowning signs), I (secondary tasks Intruding with surveillance), D (Distracted by actions not related to assignments e.g. talking to patrons, cellular phone). Patron Education - teaching patrons/consumers/swimmers about inappropriate behavior in water e.g. problems, possible wounds; placing emphasis on head, neck and spine injuries, and also explaining strategies to eliminating injury. E.A.P - Emergency Action Plan - this details how workers should act during emergencies and should follow what's in the procedure manual following the lifeguard training measures. This step by step procedure includes: lifeguard recognizing the victim, activating EAP (predetermined signal), following rescue procedure, chain of command notified, witness interviewed, reports completed, equipment checked, corrective action taken, and follow-up staff discussion.

More legal terms to reconsider consist of: Duty to act (lifeguard must interact in emergency), Good Samaritan laws (protect rescuers from legal action), Consent (permission to give care granted by victim or if incapacitated granted by guardian), Standard of Care (providing information to stop accidents, recognizing emergency conditions, rescuing those needing assistance, giving care up to yet never above the degree of training), Negligence (failure to follow the above standard of care), Refusal of Care (victim refuses care; it's needed to persist and explain the necessity of care), Abandonment (beginning care done then leaving the scene before higher authority arrives), Confidentiality (keeping victim's information private). That's it and hopefully this has been a helpful "study guide" for you if you're an aspiring lifeguard.




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