The Characteristics Of A Capable Lifeguard
As a lifeguard, you’ll not just end up being an excellent swimmer and rescuer, you should also try to keep the right outlook and self-control for you to survive and keep this job productive. While there is given challenges which go behind this responsibility, lifeguard training educates lifeguards the ability on how to always keep themselves qualified to administer water safety to the public or the community. Let’s review the characteristics you should invariably show to consider emergency rescues and policies on water areas.
3Ps – lifeguards ought to always be Positive, Specialized, and Physically strong; by showing positive attitude while doing tasks, it can take away the negative behavior that the victim is having as well as others; as to be professional, they are in a position to accomplish all duties needed available especially on patron surveillance; lastly being physically strong, all rescues can be applied timely and as they’re more conscious. Reliable – should be devoted to work and constantly available to patrons and other staff. Courteous – has to be polite to keep the structure of enforcing rules. Mature – act responsibly and mature enough to handle scenarios anytime and lead others.
Responsibilities: Primary responsibility of lifeguards is to establish protection by reducing accidents and minimizing risks to protect lives that’s why known as lifeguard. Lifeguards should recognize and respond effectively and instantly in emergency situations. They need to provide first aid (including CPR) when required. Enforce facility rules, and record any risks across the facility. Regularly engage in in-service training. Training models: F.I.N.D Model – resembles F (Figure out the situation), I (Identify solutions), N (Name positives and negatives for each solution), and D (Decide which solution is best).
R.I.D. Factor – R (failure to Recognize drowning signs), I (secondary duties Intruding with surveillance), D (Distracted by actions not relevant to assignments e.g. discussing with patrons, cellular phone). Patron Education – teaching patrons/consumers/swimmers about inappropriate behavior in water e.g. risks, possible traumas; placing emphasis on head, neck and spine traumas, and also explaining types of reducing injury. E.A.P – Emergency Action Plan – this details how personnel 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 check in staff discussion.
More legal terms to consider consist of: Duty to act (lifeguard must react in emergency), Good Samaritan laws (protect rescuers from legal action), Consent (approval to give care granted by victim or if incapacitated granted by guardian), Standard of Care (providing information in order to avoid wounds, recognizing emergency scenarios, rescuing those needing assistance, giving care up to yet never over the degree of training), Negligence (failure to follow along with 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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