Lifeguards are Essential!
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lifeguards must develop trust among patrons to create an environment where rules and procedures are followed.
Andrey Trinidad | Facility Operations Manager