The Pool Lifeguard

Swimming pools vary enormously both in their size and layout and in the facilities and activities they provide.But whether visiting the smallest hotel pool or the largest multi-featured leisure centre,one thing pool users do expect is adequate lifeguard provision.
They want swimming pools that are safely managed by smartly turned-out,well-trained,
qualified lifeguards who will assist and protect them.

What sort of people choose to train as lifeguards?Well,some will have a background in swimming at various levels.Others will have taken higher education courses in sports and leisure subjects.The candidates will be good communicators who ENJOY HELPING OTHER PEOPLE.They will need to be alert,have good powers of concentration and have a sense of humour.

The key functions of a pool lifeguard are:
to keep a close watch over the pool and the users
to anticipate problems
to identify emergencies quickly and take appropriate action
to supervise diving or other pool activity when required
to carry out rescues and other emergency action when necessary
to give immediate first aid to any casualty and
to communicate with pool users and colleagues when performing these tasks.

LIFESAVERS AND LIFEGUARDS

Members of the public are often assume the terms(lifesaver) and (lifeguard) amount to the same thing.But there are important differences.
Lifesavers are trained bystanders who respond to an emergency after it has occurred.They usually act alone or enlist the help of other bystanders,rather than act as part of a team.
Lifeguards,by contrast,are team members trained in accident prevention,rescue and first aid.They will be on the lookout for potential dangers or accidents and will take action to prevent them developing.Lifeguards are responsible for supervising swimming pools and ensuring the users safety.This brings them into constant contact with the public and they have to deal with a wide range of ages,backgrounds and abilities.So,they are trained to be tolerant,supportive and courteous.And because they must ensure that pool users follow safety rules.Lifeguards are also trained to be authoritative when the need arises.This means Lifeguards are specially trained to deal with incidents at the pool or seaside where they are working.

Some lifeguards are full-time employees, others work part-time and some give their time voluntarily.Whether they are full time,part timers, temporary staff,members or volunteers,.their role and responsibilities as lifeguards is the same.

LIFEGUARDS AND TEAMWORK

Teamwork is an essential feature of lifeguarding.As we have seen,it is one of the things that distinguishes lifeguards from lifesavers.Obviously,the larger the pool,the larger the team but however small the venue,lifeguards should always work with the close support of their colleages.A well-trained team is more effective than its members would be if they were working as individuals.In an emergency,secure in the support of other team members,lifeguards can concentrate on their allotted tasks.This principle applies to all aspects of lifeguards work and not just to dealing with emergencies.It is always possible that lifeguards may themselves get into difficulties or be injured during a rescue.Then the support of the team will be essential.That is why team working is an integral part of lifeguard traning.Sometimes,lifeguards may have to be on duty alone. I, personally,does not believe this to be best practice.However,a Risk Assessment may establish that it is reasonable in certain specific circumstances.
In emergencies,team members can offer support in many ways.These include:

summoning additional assistance from the emergency services(an ambulance,for instance) clearing the public from the pool when recovering a casualty and assisting with CPR cardio pulmonary resuscitation of a casualty( resuscitation is more effective when carried out by two qualified persons.

Teamwork depends on certain qualities.These include:
good communication skills
willingness to support colleagues
readiness to work for others
being flexible and adaptable
keeping other people informed which is very important.

Good team members always remember that their performance affects others and accept that they can’t do everything by themselves.A SUCCESSFUL TEAM is built on a RELATIONSHIP of MUTUAL TRUST and RESPECT.The importance of teamwork cannot be emphasized too strongly.Lifeguards should not wear wrist watches or jewellery (such as ear rings,bracelets or chains)while they are on duty.Watches or jewellery could injure a casualty(or,for that matter,the lifeguard)when dealing with an emergency or performing a rescue.Lifeguards on duty usually carry a few items of personal equipment.The most common is a whistle to attract pool users or beach swimmers attention and give signals.Most lifeguards will carry,or keep close at hand,a throwbag and a torpedo buoy.Sometimes lifeguards also carry items such as sterile dressings in a waterproof pack and a resuscitation mask.Whatever personal equipment lifeguards carry,it must not hinder them or restrict their movements.