A lifeguard is an expert swimmer, who supervises the activities that take place around and ensures the safety of swimmers. A lifeguard can be employed in various sectors consisting of different types of bodies of water. In short, they are present in all areas of the private or public body of water, where people are allowed to swim. The main objective of a lifeguard is to patrol the area of the body of water and rescue swimmers who are in danger. Before moving on to the lifeguard job description, we must first know what the basic requirements are to become a lifeguard.
As one of the best lifeguard training companies The American Lifeguard Association has been a reference for years in the preparation of professionals, we would like to talk to you in this post about the characteristics that a good lifeguard should have.
Let’s start by saying that the lifeguard must not only be a safety specialist in the aquatic environment but must also have certain humanistic qualities. Among these, we must highlight the will to help other people, self-confidence, responsibility, and the authority to enforce the rules… Likewise, he must be respectful both with his colleagues and with the users of the pool.
A good lifeguard, obviously, must have a great command of the aquatic environment. And, of course, he has to be in excellent physical shape to be able to perform his profession well. They are also required to have the knowledge, both practical and theoretical, related to lifeguarding.
As one of the best and most complete lifeguard training companies, The American Lifeguard Association would like to emphasize the obligation to have adequate training for this job. The lifeguard has to pass a series of tests to be competent in the performance of this job.
The basic obligation of a lifeguard in ensuring the safety of swimmers. A lifeguard must wear the uniform provided to him/her and arrive at work sites 10 minutes before the assigned time. Typically, lifeguards position themselves in such a way that the general pool area or beach area can be easily seen.
They are equipped with high-intensity binoculars to see the activities that take place around the beach or the pool. Lifeguards must know all the practical knowledge and theory of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Lifeguards working for swimming pools may have a number of other tasks to perform, such as maintaining the cleanliness and quality of the pool water. They should be patrolling the area of the body of water and warning bathers if they are not following the rules and regulations established by the committee, which owns the body of water. A lifeguard must keep an eye on the services offered to swimmers in the pool. If any unsafe condition in the pool is noticed, it should be reported to the supervisor or aquatics manager as soon as possible. A lifeguard should also consult the aquatics manager when he/she finds himself in short supply of any important equipment, necessary for the rescue of a victim. notify the supervisor or aquatic manager as soon as possible. A lifeguard should also consult the aquatics manager when he/she finds himself in short supply of any important equipment, necessary for the rescue of a victim. notify the supervisor or aquatic manager as soon as possible. A lifeguard should also consult the aquatics manager when he/she finds himself in short supply of any important equipment, necessary for the rescue of a victim.
The job is serious that requires the ability to observe many people of all ages and swimming abilities at the same time. These people may be confined to a pool area in hotels, municipal recreation areas, privately owned swimming clubs, or schools, or spread out along the beach of a river, lake, or sea. A lifeguard must also supervise and control the behaviour of swimmers out of the water to ensure public safety and maintain a pleasant recreational environment.
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Finally, it must be stressed that the lifeguard must update their knowledge and be trained. A good professional in this field must also remain constantly in the workplace and not neglect the facilities.
For more information about the lifeguard training programs near you ask us about any specific training, do not hesitate to contact The American Lifeguard Association.
