Lifeguards at pools, beaches, lakes, and other aquatic facilities must be trained to respond to injuries, potential drowning, and other medical emergencies. They must also maintain order and enforce safety rules, and may also be responsible for assisting and instructing customers regarding these rules. Lifeguard training focuses on water rescue techniques. Most employers also require lifeguards to learn CPR and first aid, which are part of lifeguard training programs approved by the United States Lifesaving Standards Commission.
Physical Requirements
Anyone turning 15 years old by completing a lifeguard training course could qualify for training if they show they can swim 50 yards (45.72 m) without stopping to be a lifeguard in shallow water or 300 yards (274.32 m) without stopping to be a lifeguard in deeper water. Very deep water training candidates must also swim 10 yards (9.14 m) with a 20 pound (9.07 kg) weight attached to their bodies, while shallow water lifeguard candidates may walk the distance. While holding the same weight. The complete 300-yard (274.32 m) swim event includes both breaststroke and front crawl and shallow diving. Lifesaving courses in coastal areas require non-stop swimming 550 yards (502.92 m), plus shallow water diving,
Water Rescue Training
Water rescue training consists of instruction in methods of entering the water and rescuing a swimmer in distress. These methods prevent harm to lifeguards as well as protect the person being rescued from further harm. Some of the methods lifeguards learn during their training are side entry, which is used to enter the water when a victim is in shallow or crowded water near the shore, front or rear rescue for victims who are drowning and using kickboards to pull out an injured swimmer.
Injury Stabilization
Basic lifeguard training includes instruction in caring for neck and back injuries. These injuries must be supported before a victim can move, and techniques taught in an approved lifeguard training course include the use of a kickboard and head and chin supports for victims who are on their backs. And upside down. Deep-water spinal stabilization techniques are included in deep-water or oceanfront lifeguard training courses.
First aid and CPR
The first aid and CPR training that accompanies a lifeguard course consists of training them in one-person and two-person CPR for adults and children, as well as learning how to use a cardiac defibrillator. The use of a breathing valve, the application of splints and slings, and the control of bleeding are also included in lifeguard first aid training.
Also Read About: How long is the ALA lifeguard training, CPR, and First aid certification valid?
Lifeguard Profession: Requirements And Qualifications
“Lifeguard” is a real job in many countries around the world, which can be practiced with training and various qualifications. In almost all Western countries, it is the law to have swimming pools, bathing lakes and beaches guarded by qualified lifeguards. A prerequisite for the exercise of the activity is various courses that must be attended. The qualifications that need to be learned vary from country to country. However, physical fitness, water rescue and first aid measures are the main criteria for the training. If a test is not passed, the training cannot be continued.
Depending on the facility, guards may be required to man the cash register, clean the grounds, clean restrooms, teach swimming lessons, handle customer complaints, and perform other customer service duties as they arise. While these are great roles for young people to learn about, they often come naturally to adults who have worked for a number of years. In fact, as someone who was in charge of lifeguards for almost six years, I loved hiring adult guards because they were better at staying focused, they weren’t afraid to follow the rules, and they got more respect from a growing population of adult clients.The American Lifeguard Association is offering lifeguard training near me program. To register with them for a suitable program according to your age and swimming capabilities visit their website and start lifeguard training to become a lifesaver.
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