The Features Of Qualified Lifeguard
As a lifeguard, you’ll not just need to be a good swimmer and rescuer, you also need to get the right mindset and reprimand in order to survive and keep this job successful. While you can find given problems that go behind this accountability, lifeguard training demonstrates lifeguards the ability on how to keep themselves qualified to manage water security to the public or the community. Let’s review the characteristics you should invariably portray to take on emergency rescues and regulations on water areas.
3Ps – lifeguards ought to always be Positive, Qualified, and Physically strong; by showing positive outlook while carrying out tasks, it can clear away the negative behavior that the victim is having as well as others; being proficient, they are able to carry out all duties needed available especially on patron surveillance; lastly being physically healthful, all rescues can be taken on time and as they’re more mindful. Reliable – must be devoted to work and constantly suitable to patrons and other staff. Courteous – must be professional and polite to keep the regularity of enforcing rules. Mature – act responsibly and mature enough to handle cases anytime and lead others.
Responsibilities: Primary accountability of lifeguards is to assure security by avoiding incidents and minimizing problems to guard lives that’s why termed lifeguard. Lifeguards should recognize and respond appropriately and immediately in emergency conditions. They need to execute first aid (including CPR) when needed. Enforce facility rules, and report any risks along the facility. Regularly participate in in-service training. Training models: F.I.N.D Model – resembles F (Figure out the situation), 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 associated with duties e.g. speaking with 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 wounds, 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 comprehensive 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 remember comprise of: Duty to act (lifeguard must react in emergency), Good Samaritan laws (protect rescuers from legal action), Consent (authorization to give care granted by victim or if incapacitated granted by guardian), Standard of Care (providing information in order to avoid injuries, recognizing emergency scenarios, rescuing those needing assistance, giving care up to yet never over 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.
Being a lifeguard isn’t enough if you haven’t got the right lifeguard training. Start applying for a certified program per state at Lifeguard Training University and land on a job you wanted.