Lifeguards are some of the most essential employees at any aquatic venue. Drowning is the major cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4 and the second leading cause for children 5-14 years old. According to the International Lifesaving Federation, certified lifeguards rescue more than 1 million victims each year worldwide, and the USLA reported a total of 69,774 saves in the US for 2021 (most recent data available). While the primary responsibility of a lifeguard is ensuring safety, this entails more than sitting on-stand and waiting for an emergency. Take a look below at many of the ways lifeguards keep swimmers safe at aquatic facilities, and see if you can think of any more!
First Aid and Emergency Response
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- Lifeguards are trained to recognize a wide range of emergencies and follow the facility’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to coordinate with other staff and first responders appropriately.
- Scenarios are practiced regularly via in-service trainings, in which staff practice simulated emergencies and responses.
Preventative Measures
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- Lifeguards help enforce pool rules and regulations to prevent accidents and keep patrons safe.
- They also provide feedback on rules and regulations; working with coaches, instructors, and management to update rules to better serve patrons.
- 99% of the actions lifeguards take are verbal warnings to prevent behavior that could compromise safety.
Water Quality
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- Lifeguards take chemical readings several times each day and are trained to correct or close pool when readings are out of range.
- They also ensure water balance, which is essential for keeping pool equipment operational and pools open.
Equipment & Pool Maintenance
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- Lifeguards ensure that safety equipment is in proper working order and ready to use in an emergency. This includes but is not limited to: AEDs, backboards, rescue tubes, hip packs, whistles, and air horns.
- Regularly inspect items like pool ladders and gym equipment for wear and tear to prevent injuries.
- Help apply ice melt to keep sidewalks clear and prevent slip & falls during winter months
Cleaning
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- Lifeguards perform regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces like bleachers and bathrooms.
- They empty trash and clean surfaces that could otherwise harbor bacteria and viruses.
Public Relations
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- Lifeguards must develop trust among patrons to create an environment where rules and procedures are followed.
Andrey Trinidad | Facility Operations Manager