Lifeguard Packet

7/29/2019 Lifeguard Packet

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LieguardingManual


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American Red Cross

LifeguardingManual

T ollowin oranizations provi rviw o t matrials an/or support Amrican R Cross Liuarin:


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This manual is part o the American Red Cross Lieguarding program. By itsel, it does not constitute

complete and comprehensive training. Visit redcross.org to learn more about this program.The emergency care procedures outlined in this book refect the standard o knowledge and acceptedemergency practices in the United States at the time this book was published. It is the readers responsibilityto stay inormed o changes in emergency care procedures.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE AGREEING TO ACCESS

AND DOWNLOAD THE AMERICAN RED CROSS MATERIALS. BY DOWNLOADING THE

MATERIALS, YOU HEREBY AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

The downloadable electronic materials, including all content, graphics, images, and logos, are copyrightedby and the exclusive property o The American National Red Cross (Red Cross). Unless otherwiseindicated in writing by the Red Cross, the Red Cross grants you (recipient) the limited right to download,print, photocopy and use the electronic materials, subject to the ollowing restrictions:

The recipient is prohibited rom selling electronic versions o the materials.

The recipient is prohibited rom revising, altering, adapting, or modiying the materials.

The recipient is prohibited rom creating any derivative works incorporating, in part or in whole, the

content o the materials.

The recipient is prohibited rom downloading the materials and putting them on their own website

without Red Cross permission.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved by the Red Cross. The Red Cross does not permitits materials to be reproduced or published without advance written permission rom the Red Cross.To request permission to reproduce or publish Red Cross materials, please submit your written request toThe American National Red Cross.

2012 American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.

The Red Cross emblem, American Red Cross and the American Red Cross logo are trademarks oThe American National Red Cross and protected by various national statutes.

The Boy Scouts o America Corporate Trademark and "PREPARED . FOR LIFE." are trademarks or registered trademarks

o the Boy Scouts o America in the United States and/or other countries.All rights reserved. Used with Permission.

Published by Krames StayWell Strategic Partnerships Division

Printed in the United States o America

ISBN: 978-1-58480-487-1

Scan this code with yoursmartphone to accessree skill rereshers, or visitredcross.org/LGrefresher.


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acwedmets

Tis manual is icat to t tousans o mploys an voluntrs o t Amrican

R Cross wo contribut tir tim an talnt to supportin an tacin lisavinskills worlwi an to t tousans o cours participants an otr rars wo avci to b prpar to tak action wn an mrncy striks.

Tis manual rcts t 2010 Consnsus on Scinc or CPR an emrncyCariovascular Car an t guilins 2010 or First Ai. Ts tratmntrcommnations an rlat trainin uilins av bn rviw by t AmricanR Cross Scintifc Avisory Council, a panl o nationally rconiz xprts in flstat inclu mrncy micin, occupational alt, sports micin, scool an publicalt, mrncy mical srvics (eMS), aquatics, mrncy prparnss anisastr mobilization. Tis manual also rcts t Unit Stats Liuarin Stanars:A Rviw an Rport o t Unit Stats Liuar Stanars Coalition, a collaborativort o t Amrican R Cross, t Unit Stats Lisavin Association an t

YMCA o t USA.Many iniviuals sar in t vlopmnt an rvision procss in various supportiv,tcnical an crativ ways. T American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manualwasvlop trou t ication o bot mploys an voluntrs. Tir commitmnt toxcllnc ma tis manual possibl.

The wi members the americ Red Crss

Scietifc advisry Cci s prvided idce

d review:

Dvid Mres, MD, FaaP, EMT-P

Cair, Amrican R Cross Scintifc Avisory CouncilCi, Piatric emrncy MicinMaria Farri Cilrns hospitalWstcstr Mical CntrValalla, Nw York

Peter Werici, MD

Aquatics Cair, Amrican R Cross ScintifcAvisory Council

Sports Micin Ortopic SuronIntrnational Lisavin Fration Mical Committ

Past CairU.S. Lisavin AssociationMical Avisor

Vro Bac, Floria

Ry R. Fiedi

Mmbr, Amrican R Cross Scintifc Avisory CouncilUnivrsity o Nort CarolinaCarlott, dpartmnt

o KinsioloyCoorinator, exrcis Scinc/dirctor o AquaticsCarlott, Nort Carolina

Terri lees

Mmbr, Amrican R Cross Scintifc Avisory CouncilAquatic SuprvisorNort Kansas City Community CntrNort Kansas City, Missouri

Frcesc a. Pi, PhD

Mmbr, Amrican R Cross Scintifc Avisory CouncilWatr Saty Films, Inc.Prsint, Pia Consultin SrvicsLarcmont, Nw York

S. Rbert Seitz, M.Ed., Rn, nREMT-P

Mmbr, Amrican R Cross Scintifc Avisory CouncilUnivrsity o PittsburCntr or emrncy MicinPittsbur, Pnnsylvania

The Sdi Brd r this editi icded:

Jyce a. Bthe

Ci Aministrativ OfcrAmrican R Cross St. Louis Ara CaptrSt. Louis, Missouri

Dvid W. Be, PhD

National Aquatic CommittNational halt an Saty CommittBoy Scouts o AmricaPonca City, Oklaoma

Pete DeQicy

Aquatic Suprvisoreast Bay Rional Park districtOaklan, Caliornia

aCknoWlEDgMEnTS


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Lifeguarding Manualv

Shw DeRs, JD, EMT-BManr o Aquatic Facilitis an Saty Ofcr or

Intrcolliat AtlticsT Pnnsylvania Stat UnivrsityUnivrsity Park, Pnnsylvania

Sctt E. gerdiSals ManarMi-east divisionAmrican R CrossColumbus, Oio

Jiee R. Heterdputy dirctorWisconsin Park & Rcration AssociationOwnr, Saty First Aquatics, LLCgrnal, Wisconsin

Cry HiswrthPdirctor o Rcration an evnts

Millcrk MtroParksCanfl, Oio

Wiim a.J. kirer, JDAquatics dirctorJCC o gratr BaltimorRistrstown, Marylan

Jett R. JeseAssistant Prossor an dirctor o Aquaticshampton Univrsityhampton, Virinia

Rhd Mices

dirctor o StanarsAmrican Camp Associationests Park, Colorao

Edwi PdsAquatics ManarCity o ParlanParlan, Txas

Cyt D. Shcdputy Manar o RcrationSout Suburban Parks an RcrationCntnnial, Colorao

Thms C. WertsPrsintAquatics Saty ConsultinKissimm, Floria

The wi idivids prticipted s Wterrtd Wterpr Wri grp members:

adm abjiRcration Proram Manar/Lakront OprationsCity o evanstonevanston, Illinois

Drwi Delppdirctor o Watr SatyNw York Stat Parks an RcrationQunsbury, Nw York

liz a. Mrizt-leite

Captain, Ocan Rscu Liuar, Miami-daFir Rscu dpartmntMiami-da County, Floria

Rbert E. orecAssistant ProssorSlippry Rock UnivrsitySlippry Rock, Pnnsylvania

Wiim J. FrzierAquatic Oprations ManarMassanuttn RsortMcgaysvill, Virinia

lee Hvisdirctor o Rcration OprationsNocat Watrpark RcrationPont Vra Bac, Floria

Di lsdirctor o Support SrvicsBusc entrtainmnt CorporationSan Antonio, Txas

Sctt MersierAquatics dirctorLost Rios WatrparkWisconsin dlls, Wisconsin

The wi idivids prvided exter review:

aex atidirctor o eucational ProramsNational Swimmin Pool FounationColorao Sprins, Colorao

Jerme H. Mde, MD., D Sc (H.)emritus Prossor o AnstsioloyCourtsy Prossor o PsyciatryCourtsy Prossor o Lar Animal Clinical ScincsColls o Micin & Vtrinary Micin, Univrsity

o Floria

gainsvill, Floria

T Amrican R Cross tanks Jor L. Olavs h., e S,Floria A&M Univrsity, or is contributions to tis manual.


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v

Prece

Tis manual is or liuars, wom t Amrican R Cross proounly tanks or tir

commitmnt to sauarin t livs o cilrn an aults wo njoy aquatic acilitis. Ast numbr o community pools an watrparks rows nationwi, participation in aquaticactivitis is also rowin. Wit tis rowt coms t n or vn mor liuars.

To protct tis rowin numbr o participants, liuars must rciv propr anctiv trainin. Liuars also n to maintain tir skills to nsur tir ability towork ctivly wit otrs as a part o a liuar tam. Participation in rqunt anonoin trainin is ssntial.

Liuars must b abl to rconiz azarous situations to prvnt injury. Ty mustb abl to suprvis swimmrs, minimiz anrs, ucat acility usrs about saty,norc ruls an rulations, provi assistanc an prorm rscus.

Bin a liuar carris a sinifcant prossional rsponsibility, but liuarin also

ors opportunitis or prsonal rowt. exprinc as a liuar can lp on vlopprossional an larsip skills tat will last a litimtrou coll, carr an amily.

Tr ar a al million Amrican R Cross-train liuars workin at swimminpools, watrparks an watrronts across our country. evry ay on t job, tsliuars ar part o a critical orc or oonsurin t saty o patrons anprotctin livs.

PREFaCE


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C h A p t e R 1

The Professional Lifeguard

Introuction ________________________________________ 2

Rsponsibilitis o a Prossional Liuar ______________ 2

Caractristics o a Prossional Liuar ______________ 3

dcision Makin ____________________________________ 6

Lal Consirations ________________________________ 6

Continuin Your Trainin ______________________________ 8

Bin Part o t Tam _______________________________ 9

Wrap-Up __________________________________________ 10

ConTEnTS

Injury Prevention

how Injuris happn________________________________ 53

Injury-Prvntion Stratis __________________________ 53

ectiv guarinInjury Prvntion Callns ________ 56

Wrap-Up __________________________________________ 70

Emergency Action Plans

Typs o emrncy Action Plans _____________________ 72

Implmntin an emrncy Action Plan _______________ 76emrncis Outsi o Your Zon ___________________ 85

Wrap-Up __________________________________________ 86

Before Providing Careand Victim Assessment

Blooborn Patons _____________________________ 132how Patons Spra ____________________________ 133

Prvntin t Spra o Blooborn Patons _______ 135

I You Ar expos ________________________________ 140

gnral Procurs or Injury or Sun Illnss on Lan ___140

Wrap-Up _________________________________________ 147

Breathing Emergencies

Rconizin an Carin or Bratin emrncis _____ 160

givin Vntilations _________________________________ 163Airway Obstruction ________________________________ 169

emrncy Oxyn ________________________________ 172

Oxyn dlivry dvics ___________________________ 175

Suctionin _______________________________________ 180

Wrap-Up _________________________________________ 180

Water Rescue Skills

gnral Procurs or a Watr emrncy ____________ 88

Train to t Stanar, Mt t Objctiv ______________ 90Rscu Skills ______________________________________ 90

Aitional Rscu Skills or Watrronts _______________ 94

Spcial Situations or Watrronts _____________________ 95

Wn Tins do Not go as Practic ________________ 100

Wrap-Up _________________________________________ 102

Facility Safety

Rscu equipmnt _________________________________ 12

Facility Saty Ccks _______________________________ 15

Watr Conitions ________________________________ 25

Ruls an Rulations ______________________________ 27

Manamnt an Saty _____________________________ 30

Wrap-Up __________________________________________ 32

Surveillance and Recognition

An Ovrviw o t Procss o drownin _______________ 34

ectiv Survillanc _______________________________ 34

Wrap-Up __________________________________________ 49

C h A p t e R 2

C h A p t e R 4C h A p t e R 3




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ConTEnTS v

First Aid

Rsponin to Injuris an Illnsss __________________ 215

Sconary Assssmnt ____________________________ 216

Sun Illnss ____________________________________ 217

Skin an Sot Tissu Injuris ________________________ 220

Bits an Stins __________________________________ 228

Poisonin ________________________________________ 232

hat-Rlat Illnsss an Col-Rlat emrncis __ 233

Injuris to Muscls, Bons an Joints _________________ 235

emrncy Cilbirt ______________________________ 237

Wrap-Up ________________________________________ 238

Cardiac Emergencies

Cariac Cain o Survival ___________________________ 194

hart Attack ______________________________________ 194

Cariac Arrst ____________________________________ 196

CPR ____________________________________________ 196

Aeds ____________________________________________ 198

Multipl-Rscur Rspons _________________________ 203

Wrap-Up _________________________________________ 206

glossary _________________________________________ 273

Rrncs _______________________________________ 280

Inx ____________________________________________ 285

C h A p t e R 9

C h A pt e R 1 0

C h A p t e R 1 1

Caring for Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries

Causs o ha, Nck an Spinal Injuris _____________ 247

Carin or ha, Nck an Spinal Injuris _____________ 248

Wrap-Up ________________________________________ 257


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Rotationsgroun-Lvl Station ______________________ 50 Rotationselvat Station __________________________ 51 entris

c Sli-In entry __________________________________ 103

c Stri Jump ___________________________________ 103

c Compact Jump ________________________________ 104

c Run-an-Swim entry ____________________________ 105

Assistsc Simpl Assist __________________________________ 106

c Racin Assist rom t dck ___________________ 106

Rscus at or Nar t Surac o t Watrc Activ Victim Front Rscu ______________________ 107

c Activ Victim Rar Rscu _______________________ 108

c Passiv Victim Rar Rscu______________________ 109

Multipl-Victim Rscu _____________________________ 111 Rscuin a Submr Victim

c Submr Victim in Sallow Watr_______________ 112

c Ft-First Surac div __________________________ 113

c ha-First Surac div _________________________ 114

c Submr Victim in dp Watr _________________ 116

Rmoval rom Watrc Two-Prson Rmoval rom t Watr

Usin a Backboar _____________________________ 118

c Walkin Assist _________________________________ 120

c Bac dra ___________________________________ 120

c Front-an-Back Carry ___________________________ 121

Usin a Rscu Boarc Approacin a Victim on a Rscu Boar __________ 122

c Rscuin an Activ Victim wit a Rscu Boar _____ 123

c Rscuin a Passiv Victim wit a Rscu Boar ____ 124

Usin Watrcrat or Rscusc Usin a Squar Strn Rowboat or Rscus ________ 126

c Usin a Motoriz Watrcrat or Rscus _________ 127

c Usin a Kayak or Rscus ______________________ 127

Wn Tins do Not go as Practicc Front ha-hol escap ________________________ 128

c Rar ha-hol escap _________________________ 128

c In-Watr Vntilations ____________________________ 129

c Quick Rmoval rom Sallow Watr or a Small Victim 130

Rmovin disposabl glovs _______________________ 148 Usin a Rsuscitation Maskc ha-Tilt/Cin-Lit ______________________________ 149

c Jaw-Trust (Wit ha extnsion) Manuvr ________ 150

c Jaw-Trust (Witout ha extnsion) Manuvr _____ 150

Primary AssssmntAult _________________________ 151 Primary AssssmntCil an Inant ________________ 152

Rcovry Positions ________________________________ 154 Movin a Victim

c Non-emrncy Movs

Walkin Assist ______________________________ 156

Two-Prson Sat Carry _______________________ 156

c emrncy Movs

Pack-Strap Carry ____________________________ 157

Clots dra _______________________________ 158

Ankl dra _________________________________ 158

givin Vntilations _________________________________ 181 givin Vntilations Usin a Ba-Valv-Mask Rsuscitator

Two Rscurs ____________________________________ 182

Conscious CokinAult an Cil _________________ 184

Conscious CokinInant __________________________ 186 Unconscious Cokin______________________________ 187 Assmblin t Oxyn Systm _____________________ 189 Aministrin emrncy Oxyn ___________________ 190 Usin a Manual Suctionin dvic ___________________ 191 On-Rscur CPR ________________________________ 207 Two-Rscur CPRAult an Cil __________________ 208 Two-Rscur CPRInant ___________________________ 210 Usin an Aed ____________________________________ 212 Sconary AssssmntUsin SAMPLe to Tak a

Bri history ______________________________________ 239

Cckin a Conscious Prson ______________________ 240

Controllin extrnal Blin________________________ 242 Splintinc Arm Injuris ___________________________________ 243

c L Injuris ____________________________________ 244

c Foot Injuris ___________________________________ 244

c Rib an Brastbon Injuris ______________________ 245

c han an Finr Injuris ________________________ 245

ha SplintFac-Up Victim at or Nar t Surac ____ 258 ha SplintFac-down Victim at or Nar t Surac ___259 ha SplintSubmr Victim _____________________ 260 ha SplintFac-down in extrmly Sallow Watr ___ 261 Spinal Backboarin ProcurSallow Watr _______ 262 Spinal Backboarin Procurdp Watr _________ 265

Spinal InjuryRmoval rom t Watr on a Backboar __ 267 Spinal Backboarin Procur an Rmoval

rom WatrSp Sli ___________________________ 268

Carin or a Stanin Victim Wo has a Suspctha, Nck or Spinal Injury on Lan _________________ 269

Manual Stabilization or a ha, Nck or Spinal Injuryon Lan _________________________________________ 272

S K I L L S h e e t S


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LIfeguardIng ManuaL2

INTRODUCTION

You are training to become a proessional lieguard, taking responsibility orthe lives o people who are participating in a variety o aquatic activities. As aproessional rescuer with a legal responsibility to act in an emergency, you mustbe sel-disciplined and condent in your knowledge and skills. You need to havesolid public-relations, customer-service and confict-resolution skills. In addition,you must be willing to be a leader as well as a good team member. Being alieguard requires maturity, proessionalism and competence in specializedrescue techniques.

The purpose o the American Red Cross Lieguarding course is to teach you theskills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. This includesland and water rescue skills plus rst aid and CPR.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF

A PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD

As a lieguard, yourprimary responsibilityis to prevent drowning and other injuriesrom occurring at your aquatic acility (Figure 1-1). Lieguards do this in many ways,such as:

Monitoring activities in and near the water

through patron surveillance.

Preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating

hazardous situations or behaviors.

Enorcing acility rules and regulations and

educating patrons about them. Recognizing and responding quickly and

eectively to all emergencies.

Administering rst aid and CPR, including

using an automated external debrillator (AED)

and, i trained, administering emergency oxygen

when needed.

Working as a team with other lieguards, acility

sta and management.

A lieguard also is responsible or other tasks, which are secondary responsibilities.Secondary responsibilities must never interere with patron surveillance. Secondaryresponsibilities can include:

Testing the pool water chemistry.

Assisting patrons (conducting saety orientations, administering swim tests and

tting lie jackets).

Cleaning or perorming maintenance.

Completing records and reports.

Perorming opening duties, closing duties or acility saety checks

and inspections.

Patron surveillance is an important part o a lieguards

primary responsibility.

Figure 1-1


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ChaPTer 1the professIonaL LIfeguard 3

CHARACTERISTICS OF

A PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD

To ulll the responsibilities o a proessional lieguard, you must be mentally,physically and emotionally prepared at all times to do your job (Figure 1-2).

As a proessional lieguard you must be:

Kowldgbl d skilld. Have the appropriate knowledge and skillsto help prevent and respond to emergencies. Successul completion o thisLieguarding course is your initial training. You must maintain your knowledgeand skills through annual or preseason orientation and training, and throughregular, requent in-service training.

rlibl. Arrive at work on time, accept assignments willingly, be committedto your work and respond to all incidents quickly and eectively.

Mt. Be a leader but also be a good teammember, act responsibly, take initiativeand obey all acility rules, leading others

by example. Cotos d cosistt. Be polite

and enorce the rules rmly and equally oreveryone (Figure 1-3).

Positiv. Show a positive attitude in alljob activities.

Possiol. Look proessional and beprepared to respond appropriately to anysituation by:

c Wearing the lieguard uniorm only whenon duty.

Figure 1-3

Lieguards should be courteous and consistent with patrons

when enorcing rules.

Figure 1-2

Lieguards must be mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to carry out their duties.


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c Sitting or standing upright at the lieguarding station.

c Being well groomed.

c Keeping rescue equipment positioned or immediate use when on duty.

c Keeping your eyes ocused on your assigned zone o responsibility atall times.

c

Keeping interactions with others brie and not letting them interrupt patronsurveillance.

c Transerring and handling equipment careully.

c Observing all acility rules, regulations and policies.

c Eating only when on break or o surveillance duty.

hlty d ft. To stay in good physical condition, a proessional lieguard must:

c excis. An exercise program should includeswimming and water exercises that ocus onbuilding endurance and developing strength(Figure 1-4). Regular exercise helps you tostay alert, cope with stress and atigue andperorm strenuous rescues.

c et d ydt poply. Good nutritionand a balanced diet help to provide the energyneeded to stay alert and active. Drink plenty owater to prevent dehydration.

c rst dqtly. Proper rest and sleepduring o-duty hours are essential or stayingalert while on duty.

c Potct yosl om s xpos.Overexposure to the suns ultraviolet (UV) rays

can cause many problems, such as atigue, sunburn, skin cancer, dehydration, heatexhaustion and heat stroke. To prevent these problems:

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection actor (SPF) o at least 15,re-applying at regular intervals.

Use an umbrella or shade structure or sun protection and to helpkeep cool.

Wear a shirt and hat with a brim that shades your ace, ears andthe back o your neck and use polarized sunglasses with UVA/UVBprotection.

Drink plenty o water.

Take breaks in cool or shaded areas.As a proessional lieguard, there are also some things you must notdo. Keep theollowing in mind:

Do not leave your lieguard station while on surveillance duty.

Do not use mobile phones or other devices or personal calls, texting or othertypes o communication when on duty.

Do not slouch in a lieguard stand. Always be attentive and sit or stand uprightwhen on surveillance duty.

Do not participate in conversations at the lieguard station.

Do not eat at the lieguard station.

Regular exercise helps lieguards stay physcially ft.

Figure 1-4


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SWIMMING FOR FITNESS

Getting to a victim, executing water-based

rescues and moving the victim to saety,

and perorming lie-sustaining resuscitation

require you to have adequate strength and

endurance at a moments notice. This means

that you need to constantly maintain or improve

your personal level o tness. Luckily, most

lieguards have access to one o the most

versatile pieces o tness equipment available,the water.

There are two main approaches to improving

your level o tness: improving endurance

and increasing intensity. You can improve

your endurance by practicing more, whether

by swimming longer distances or or longer

periods o time.

When exercising to increase endurance, you

must commit to a regular, consistent workout

schedule. Count the number o pool lengths

that you can swim without having to stop to

take a break. Your goal should be to increase

this amount slightly each time you practice. At

the beginning, you should be able to swim at

least 300 yards without stopping. Try to build

up to a competitive mile, which is about 1650

yards, or 66 lengths o a 25-yard pool. Once

you build your endurance to this level, you will

nd it easy to practice even longer distances.

I your practice time is limited, you may chooseto ocus on the intensity o your swim. Typically,

when a person is doing an activity or a long

period o time, he or she begins to slow down

as muscles become atigued. Strength is built

by orcing muscles to work at or beyond their

current peak level, which requires maintaining

or increasingyour level o eort over your

period o exercise.

In swimming, this can be done through

interval training. Intervals are a series o

repeat swims o the same distance and timeinterval, each done at the same high level o

eort. There is a rest period between the time

spent swimming that depends on the speed

o the swim. The entire swim series is a set.

As an example, an interval set is 5 x 100 on

1:30. This means that the 500-yard swim

is broken up into ve 100-yard swims, with

1:30 being the total amount o time or the

swim and rest. In this example, a swimmer

who swims the 100 in 1:15, has 15 secondsavailable or rest. This short rest period keeps

the heart rate within the target range without

dropping back to a resting heart rate. Interval

training is the best all-around method to

develop both speed and endurance.

As your level o tness improves, you should

combine the endurance and intensity

approaches. Breaking down a larger endurance

workout into smaller parts allows you to keep

up your level o intensity, and it also helps tomake the workout more interesting.

Do not leave the acility while on duty.

Do not use alcohol or drugs. Alcohol or drugs can negatively aect jobperormance and can jeopardize the saety o patrons, co-workers and yoursel.


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DECISION MAKING

Decision making is an importantand sometimes dicultcomponent olieguarding. In an emergency, such as a situation requiring a possible rescue orCPR, you must make critical decisions quickly and act quickly. Your acility shouldhave established emergency action plans (EAPs), which are the written proceduresthat guide the actions o lieguards and other sta members in emergencies.

In a non-emergency situation, such as how to work with your acilitys managementor how to interact with patrons, you can take more time or deliberation. In thesekinds o situations, when time is not a critical actor, a decision-making model canhelp guide you through the process. The FIND decision-making model can beapplied to lieguarding situations to help you clearly understand what is involvedin a decision. FIND means:

F = Figure out the problem.

I = Identiy possible solutions.

N = Name the pros and cons or each solution. D = Decide which solution is best, then act on it.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

To avoid liability, it is important to understand the ollowing legal principles that applyto your role as a proessional lieguard.

Dty to ct. While on the job, you have a legal responsibility to act in anemergency. Failure to adhere to this duty could result in legal action.

Stdd o c. You are expected to meet a minimum standard o care,which may be established in part by your training program and in part by stateor local authorities. This standard requires you to:

c Communicate proper inormation and warnings to help prevent injuries.

c Recognize someone in need o care.

c Attempt to rescue those needing assistance.

c Provide emergency care according to your level o training.

ngligc. When a person is injured or suers additional harm becauselieguards ailedto ollow the standard o care or ailed to act at all, thelieguards may be considered negligent. Negligence includes:

c Failing to control or stop any behaviors that could result in urther harmor injury.

c Failing to provide care.

c Providing inappropriate care.

c Providing care beyond the scope o practice or level o training.

abdomt. Once care is initiated, it must be continued until emergencymedical services (EMS) personnel or someone with equal or greater trainingarrives and takes over. You can be held legally responsible or abandoning aperson who requires ongoing care i you leave the scene or stop providing care.

Cofdtility. While making a rescue or providing care, you may learnsomething about the injured or ill person, such as inormation about medical


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conditions, physical problems and medications taken. This persons right toprivacy is protected by laws that require you to keep inormation learned aboutthe person condential. Reporters, insurance investigators or attorneys mayask questions ollowing an incident. This inormation should not be shared withanyone except EMS personnel directly associated with the persons care, acilitymanagement or the acilitys legal counsel. Sharing personal inormation with

individuals not directly associated with an injured persons medical care mayconstitute a breach o the victims privacy.

Docmttio. Properly documenting injuries and incidents is veryimportant. I legal action occurs later, your records and reports can provide legaldocumentation o what was seen, heard anddone at the scene. Complete the requiredorms as soon as possible ater the incident,preerably, immediately ater the incident haswrapped up. As time passes, critical detailsmay be orgotten. When completing a report,state the acts o the incident without including

your opinion. Once the report is complete, signand date it and have all responders read thereport, then sign and date it as well. A copy othe report should be kept by the acility.

Cost. An injured or ill person must givepermission beore responders can providerst aid and emergency care (Figure 1-5). Toobtain consent:

c State your name.

c State your level o training.

c Ask i you may help.

c Explain that you would like to assess him or her tond out what you think may be wrong or what youcan do to help.

c Explain what you plan to do.

c With this inormation, an ill or injured person cangrant his or her inormed consent or care. Someonewho is unconscious, conused or seriously injuredor ill (such as in a nonatal drowning) may not beable to grant consent. In these cases, the lawassumes the victim would give consent i he or shewere able to do so. This is called implied consent.Implied consent also applies to a minor who needsemergency medical assistance and whose parent orguardian is not present.

rsl o c. Some injured or ill people may reusecare, even i they desperately need it. Parents also mayreuse care or children. Even though someone may beseriously injured, his or her wishes must be honored.In these situations, you should explain why he or sheneeds care. For signicant injuries, you should callEMS personnel to evaluate the situation. For non-lie-threatening emergencies, when care is reused and you

You must ask or a victims consent beore giving care.

Figure 1-5

Good Smit Lws

Most states and the District oColumbia have Good Samaritan laws

that protect people against claims

o negligence ater having provided

emergency care in good aith without

having accepted anything in return.

These laws dier somewhat rom state

to state but generally help to protect

people who act in good aith, within

the scope o their training, and who

are not negligent.

Some Good Samaritan laws,

however, do not provide coverage

or individuals who have a legal duty

to act, which includes proessional

lieguards. Thereore, it is important

that lieguards consult a lawyer or the

acilitys legal counsel to determine the

degree o protection provided by their

states Good Samaritan laws.


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are asked not to call EMS personnel, make it clear that youare neither denying nor withholding care and that you arenot abandoning the victim. You must document any reusalo care. Someone else, such as another lieguard, shouldwitness the persons reusal o care and sign a report. Askthe person who reuses care to sign the report as well;

i he or she reuses to sign, note that on the report.

CONTINUING YOUR TRAINING

Earning a lieguarding certication means you havesuccessully completed a training course and passedwritten and skill evaluations on a given date. It does notmean that you have learned everything there is to knowabout lieguarding. Once hired as a lieguard, you shouldexpect that you will be required to continue your training.

It is the responsibility o acility management to providedirection and help lieguards maintain and build on skillsand to perorm eectively as a team. Expect acilitymanagement to provide a pre-service evaluation, annualor preseason orientation and training, a policies andprocedures manual and regular in-service training.

P-Svic evltio

Facilities oten require lieguard applicants to hold a current training certicate roma nationally recognized agency, such as the American Red Cross. State codes,

insurance company rules and standards o organizations to which your acility belongsmay require your employer to evaluate your current skill level. Your employer may haveyou participate in rescue scenarios to ensure that you understand your responsibilitieswithin your team and are amiliar with your acilitys layout and equipment.

al o Psso Oittio d Tiig

Lieguards should have annual training. This is especially important or seasonallieguards, who can orget knowledge and skillsbetween seasons. Annual training can includereview courses or a review o rst aid, CPR/AED

and lieguarding knowledge and skills (Figure 1-6).

An orientation session about acility operationsand lieguards responsibilities helps bothnew and returning lieguards understand theacility, their responsibilities and managementsexpectations. The orientation is critical orlearning what is unique about your workplace andhow it diers rom the environment in which youwere trained. Ask your employer questions aboutyour acility and become completely amiliar withyour acilitys operations.

Annual training helps lieguards maintain their knowledge

and skills.

Figure 1-6

Youmaybeevaluatedperiodic

ally

whileonthejobbyyouremplo

yer

orthroughacontractedagency

,

suchastheRedCrossoracomb

i-

nationofboth.Theseevaluati

ons

maybeannouncedorunannou

nced

andmayincludehowyouperfo

rm

patronsurveillanceandlifegu

ard-

ingskills.

DidYouKnow?


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Policis d Pocds Ml

A policies and procedures manual should provide theinormation that you need to understand what is expectedo you, to be able to work saely and to perorm your dutieseectively. This manual usually includes administrativepolicies and procedures, personnel policies and guidelinesand standard operating procedures.

rgl I-Svic Tiig

In-service training takes place while you are employedas a lieguard and is designed to help you maintain yourknowledge and skills at a proessional level (Figure 1-7). Italso gives you a chance to practice with other lieguardsat your acility. This will help you to eciently respond as ateam in an emergency.

BEING PART OF THE TEAM

There are two teams at most aquatic acilit ies: thelifeguard team and the safety team. The lieguard teamis ormed whenever two or more lieguards areon duty. The lieguard team is part o a largersaety team, which is a network o people whoprevent, prepare or, respond to and assist in anemergency at an aquatic acility. To be eective,members o both teams must know, understand

and practice the roles that they are assigned inan emergency.

Ligd Tm

I you work at a acility where two or morelieguards are on duty at a time, you are part o alieguard team. To learn what you should expectrom other team members, it is critical that youcommunicate and practice together. Your ability torespond to an emergency depends in large part on

how much you have practiced the acilitys EAPstogether and how well you communicate.

By practicing with your team, you will learn howsta members work together in a variety ocircumstances (Figure 1-8). Team practice alsogives teammates the chance to work on dierentresponder roles together. This is particularlyimportant because team rescues are an integralpart o lieguarding. Several o the rescuespresented in this course require more than onerescuer to provide care.

In-service training allows lieguards to practice their skills.

Figure 1-7

I-Svic Tiig

It is a best practice o many well-

managed acilities that lieguards

participate in a minimum o 4 hours

o in-service training each month. Theacility manager, lieguard supervisor,

a head lieguard or an individual who

is an expert in a particular subject

matter, such as a public health ocial,

risk manager or human resources

representative, may conduct in-service

trainings. Training sessions will address

issues, such as surveillance and

recognition, water and land rescue skills,

emergency response drills, decision-

making protocols, acility rules andregulations, customer service, records

and reports and physical conditioning.

Practicing together helps lieguard teams be better prepared

or an emergency.

Figure 1-8


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In addition to practicing rescues and response, it is important that the team worksto maintain a climate o teamwork. Eective communication, trust, mutual respect,commitment and cooperation are crucial elements or working eectively as a team.Some ways that you can have a positive eect on your team include:

Arriving to work on time.

Rotating stations on time.

Attending in-service trainings.

Enorcing saety rules in a consistent manner.

Communicating clearly while treating others with respect.

Being prepared by maintaining your knowledge, skills and physical tness.

Completing secondary responsibilities in a timely and acceptable ashion.

T emgcy actio Pl

The lieguard team and other sta members must practice the acilitys EAPstogether until everyone knows their responsibilities and can perorm them eectively.

Because conditions can change throughout the day, you may need to adapt theEAP to a particular situation. Some acilities have created more than one EAP tocover specic situations or conditions. Factors that may aect the steps o an EAPinclude the number o lieguards on duty. the number and availability o other saetyteam members on duty and the types o patron activities occurring.

Sty Tm

Ater your lieguard team activates the acilitys EAP, the saety team needs to backyou up and provide assistance. The main objective o the saety team is to assist youin maintaining a sae environment and providing emergency care.

In addition to the lieguard team and other acility sta members, the saety team iscomposed o local emergency service personnel. Other members o the saety teammay work o-site and oten include upper-level management personnel. Chapter 5discusses saety team members and their roles and responsibilities.

WRAP-UP

Being a proessional lieguard means being ully prepared or this challenging andimportant work. Looking and acting proessional indicates readiness to do the job.

Maintaining proessional conduct requires practice and commitment. No one is anatural-born lieguard; it takes hard work. A lieguard can meet the challenges andgain the rewards o being a proessional through practice, hard work and dedication.


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Lifeguarding Manual12

RESCUE EQUIPMENT

Aquatic acilities must have the appropriate rescue equipment available oremergency response and in proper working order at all times. Using rescueequipment makes a rescue saer or both you and the victim. You also must haveimmediate access to communication devices used at your acility to activate anemergency action plan (EAP), which may include a whistle, megaphone, radio,ag or other signaling equipment.

As a lieguard, you must always wear or carry certain equipment so that it isinstantly available in an emergency. The primary piece o rescue equipment used toperorm a water rescue is the rescue tube. Another piece o equipment that mustbe immediately accessible is the backboard, which is used to remove victims romthe water. Some acilities, like waterronts, may use specifc or specialty rescueequipment to meet the needs o their particular environments.

Eqimet Tt Yo Wer or CrryTo respond quickly and appropriately to anemergency, a rescue tube, resuscitation maskand gloves must be instantly available. The bestway to ensure this is to always keep the strapo the rescue tube over your shoulder and neckand wear a hip pack containing the gloves andresuscitation mask (Figure 2-1). You shouldwear the hip pack at all times, even when noton surveillance duty.

Resce TbesThe rescue tube is used at pools, waterparks andmost non-sur waterronts. It is a 45- to 54-inchvinyl, oam-flled tube with an attached tow line and

shoulder strap. A rescue tube is capable o keeping multiple victims aoat.

When perorming patron surveillance, always keep the rescue tube readyto use immediately.

n Keep the strap o the rescue tube over the shoulder and neck.

n Hold the rescue tube across your thighs when sitting in a lieguard chair oracross your stomach when standing.

n Hold or gather the excess line to keep it rom getting caught in the chair or other

equipment when you move or start a rescue.

It is important to wear your lifeguard gear properly.

Figure 2-1


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ChapTER 2faCiLitY SafetY 1

Resscittio Msks

A resuscitation mask is a transparent, exible device that creates a tight sealover the victims mouth and nose to allow you to breathe air into a victim withoutmaking mouth-to-mouth contact. All masks should have a one-way valve orreleasing exhaled air. Some masks also have an inlet or administering emergencyoxygen. Masks come in dierent sizes to ensure a proper ft and tight seal onadults, children and inants.

Goves

Disposable (single-use) gloves are used to protect employeesthat may be exposed to blood or other body uids. Gloves shouldbe made o non-latex materials, such as nitrile. Gloves alsoshould be powder ree.

Eqimet Yo C Esiy Rec

Other frst aid and rescue equipment should be easily accessibleor emergency use. This additional equipment may includebackboards, rescue buoys, other personal protective equipment (PPE), otherresuscitation equipment, an automated external defbrillator (AED),frst aid supplies and rescue boards.

Bckbords

A backboard isthe standard pieceo equipmentused at aquatic

acilities to removevictims rom thewater when theyare unable toexit the water ontheir own or when they have a possible injury to the head, neck or spine. Somebackboards have runners on the bottom that allow the board to slide easily onto adeck or pier. A backboard must have a minimum o three body straps to secure avictim in cases o head, neck or spinal injury, in addition to a device or immobilizingthe head. Additional straps may be necessary orspecial removal situations, such as steep inclinesor vertical lits.

Resce Boys

A rescue buoy (Figure 2-2), also known as arescue can or torpedo buoy, oten is the primarypiece o rescue equipment used at waterrontsand sur beaches. Most rescue buoys are made olightweight, hard, buoyant plastic and vary in lengthrom 25 to 34 inches. Molded handgrips along thesides and rear o the buoy allow the victim to keepa frm hold on the buoy. Rescue buoys are buoyant

enough to support multiple victims.

Rescue buoy

Figure 2-2


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perso protective Eqimet

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the specialized clothing, equipment andsupplies used to prevent you rom coming into direct contact with a victims bodyuids. In addition to gloves and resuscitation masks, other PPE may be available atyour acility, including gowns, masks, shields and protective eyewear. A blood spillkit should also be available to saely clean up blood.

Bg-Vve-Msk Resscittor

A bag-valve-mask resuscitator (BVM) is a hand-held device attached to a resuscitation maskthat is used to ventilate a victim in respiratoryarrest or when perorming CPR. BVMs come invarious sizes to ft adult, children and inants. Theappropriately sized BVM should be used based onthe size o the victim. Using a BVM requires tworescuers: one to maintain a tight seal or the mask,

and one to squeeze the bag (Figure 2-3).

Oter Resscittio Eqimet

In addition to resuscitation masks, otherresuscitation equipment is eective in responding tobreathing and cardiac emergencies. Use o all o theollowing supplemental resuscitation equipment is

not covered in the Lieguarding course and requires additional training.This equipment may or may not be used at your acility.

n Oxyge cyiders d deivery devices. In a breathing orcardiac emergency, oxygen cylinders and delivery devices are

used to administer emergency oxygen to the victim.n Sctioig devices. Manual suction devices are used to remove

uids and oreign matter rom the victims upper airway. They arelightweight, compact and operated by hand.

n airwys. Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways come in avariety o sizes and are used to help maintain an open airway in anonbreathing victim. They do this by keeping the tongue away romthe back o the throat during resuscitation.

atomted Exter Defbritors

An AED is a portable electronic device that analyzes the heartsrhythm and can deliver an electrical shock, which helps the heart tore-establish an eective rhythm. This is known as defbrillation.

Giving ventilations using a bag-valve-mask resuscitator.

Figure 2-3


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It is used in conjunction with CPR on unconscious victims with no obvious signso lie (movement and breathing). An AED should be available at your acility.

First aid Kit d Sies

An adequate inventory o frst aid supplies must be available at all aquatic acilities.Common contents o a frst aid kit include items used to treat bleeding andwounds and to help stabilize injuries to muscles, bones and joints. Ice packs andrescue blankets also may be included since they may help to treat heat- and cold-related emergencies. Your state or local health department may establish specifcrequirements or the contents o your frst aid kit.

Resce Bord

Some waterronts use rescue boards as standard equipment. Rescue boards aremade o plastic or fberglass and may include a sot rubber deck. They are shapedsimilarly to a sur board but usually are larger to accommodate a lieguard plusone or more victims. Rescue boards are ast, stable and easy to use. They may be

used during rescues to quickly paddle out long distances. They also may be usedby lieguards as a patrolling device, with the lieguard paddling along the outerboundary o the swimming area.

Rig Boys, Recig poes,d Seerds Crooks

A ring buoy, reaching pole and shepherds crook oten arerequired by the health department or swimming pools andwaterparks. This equipment is not typically used by lieguardsto perorm the proessional rescues taught in this course.This equipment usually is used by untrained bystanders. I

your acility has any o these items, you should learn how touse them.

FACILITY SAFETY CHECKS

Facility saety checks are the primary tool used by aquatic acility sta to ensureoverall saety or their acilities. These checksmay be perormed by lieguards or by sta thatare trained to handle acility operations andmaintenance, or by a combination o both (Figure

2-4). A lieguard supervisor or acility managerwill instruct you about the specifc proceduresor your acility. You should never perorm saetychecks while also perorming patron surveillance.I you identiy an equipment problem duringyour surveillance or i a problem is reportedto you, notiy a lieguard supervisor or anotherlieguard who is not perorming surveillance. Ithe condition is hazardous, ollow your acilityprotocols and stop patrons rom using theequipment or prohibit them rom entering apotentially hazardous area.

When performing facility safety checks, report any unsafe

conditions found.

Figure 2-4


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TYPICAL ITEMS FOUND ON

A FACILITY CHECKLIST

The acility saety checklist should include thestatus o the ollowing items (i they are okay ornot okay) and any action required.

Eqimet:

Veriy that all equipment is in good working order,there is a sufcient number and equipment is inthe proper location.

Resce Eqimet

n Rescue tubes and/or buoys

n Rescue board

n Non-motorized crat

n Motorized crat

n Masks and fns

n Reaching pole

n Ring buoy

First aid Eqimet

n Hip packsc Resuscitation masks

c Disposable gloves

c First aid supplies

n Backboard(s) with head immobilizer andstraps

n First aid kit

n AED(s)

n Suctioning equipment

n Emergency oxygen delivery system

Sety Eqimet

n Lieguard stands/stations

n

Communication devices whistles, radios,E-stop(s)

n Telephone directions or emergencycalls posted

n PPE extra gloves, gowns, ace shield,blood spill kit

n Lie jackets

n Umbrellas or shade structures

n Sunscreen

Oertio Coditios:As applicable or the environment andacility type.

n Bottom ree o hazards

n Water clarity (pools and waterparks shouldsee the bottom)

n Water level

n Water temperature within specifed range

n Air temperature within specifed range

n Weather conditions sae

n Lighting underwater and above groundworking properly

n Water chemical ranges withinspecifed range

n Drain covers undamaged and secured

n Suction fttings undamaged and secured

n Circulation system within range and properoperational condition

c Flow rates

c

Filter dierentialc Hair/lint strainer

c Gutter/skimmer baskets


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Risk Mgemet:

In place, visible, secure, clean, ready or use.

n Depth markings clearly visible

n Swim area sections set up with ropesand/or buoys

n Signage in line o sight or patrons

n Fences and barriers, gates and doors secure

n Walkways/decks clear, accessible, non-slipand ree o hazards

n Handrails or guardrails secure

n Ladder rungs or steps secure

n

ADA accessibility equipment secure andready or use

n Diving boards secure and non-slip

n Starting blocks secure and non-slip

n Floating eatures tethered and secure,undamaged

n Fire extinguishers charged and ready or use

n Emergency exits clear, accessible withworking lights and alarms

Fciity Sittio:Clean, non-slip and ready to use

n Pool shell ree o algae, ree o scum line

n Deck or shoreline clean and ree oenvironmental debris, such as animal droppings

n Restrooms/locker rooms

c Warm, running water

c Soap

c Paper products adequately stocked

n First aid station adequately stockedn Tables and seating

n Trash receptacles

admiistrtio:

Posted or fled as applicable.

n Zones o surveillance diagrams posted

n Lieguard rotation plans posted

n EAPs available

n MSDS sheets available

n Sta certifcations copies on fle or all sta

n Training records on fle

n Water quality test results

c Daily results posted

c Records on fle

n Rescue and/or incident reports on flen AED inspection checklist up-to-date

n Emergency oxygen system checklist up-to-date

aqtic attrctios:

n Rides and slides inspected and test runcomplete

n Rats, tubes and/or sleds properly inatedand handles secure

n Landing areas ree o rough suraces and debris

n Water level and ow appropriate or attraction

Wterrots:

n Shoreline is clean and ree o sharp objects

n Bottom conditions are ree rom hazards

n Water conditions are sae or swimming

n Piers or docks are anchored, stable, and reerom trip or injury hazards

n Lieguard stands surrounding area clearo objects


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Saety checks are conducted beore the acilityis opened, during daily operations and atclosing. Checks conducted beore the acilityis opened may include a physical inspection oall eatures, such as a test ride o all attractions.I you fnd an unsae condition, you should

correct the condition beore the acility opens,i possible. I you cannot correct the problem,you should inorm a supervisor immediately. Ithe condition is serious, the supervisor or acilitymanager may close or delay the opening o theacility, attraction or area until the conditionis corrected. Signs, ropes or cones can keeppatrons away rom an area o the acility notopen to the public (Figure 2-5). Inorm otherlieguards about the hazard so that they can

direct patrons away rom the area. You also should record incidents in the dailylog or on the appropriate orm or report.

Use signs, ropes or cones to keep patrons away from unsafe

conditions or areas not open to the public.

Figure 2-5

RIP CURRENTS

This course is not intended to prepare lieguardsto work at sur waterront environments; however,it is important or all lieguards to understandthe dangers o rip currents and to help educate

others about these dangers.

A rip current is a strong channel o water thatows oshore beginning near the shore andoten extending well beyond the breakingwaves. Rips currents are oten associated withunderwater eatures, such as sandbars, thatmay cause a channel in the bottom o a bodyo water, allowing water to escape rom thenear shore through a narrow channel. They alsocommonly occur near physical structures, suchas piers, groins and natural outcroppings. Rip

currents can create ast moving currents thatmay exceed 8 eet per secondthis makes it

extremely difcult or even a strong swimmer toswim against.

According to the National Weather Service,common indicators o a rip current include:

n A channel o churning, choppy water.

n An area having a noticeable dierence inwater color.

n A line o oam, seaweed or debris movingsteadily away rom shore.

n A break in the incoming wave pattern.

Although these are good indicators, they are notalways present. Consequently, it is not alwayspossible even or an experienced lieguard to spota rip current. Rip currents can occur in any sur orweather condition.

The United States Liesaving Association (USLA)estimates that each year more than 100 people


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Secifc ares to Isect or Sety

The acilitys saety checklist is a guide or perorming a saety check. The purposeis to veriy that equipment has been tested, is working properly and is ready oruse and that the acility is clean and sae or patrons. Your acility should have achecklist specifc to your acility. General areas and equipment to inspect include:

n Rescue equipment (hip pack contents, rescue tubes, backboards andfrst aid supplies).

n Communication equipment.

n Pool decks or waterront shorelines.

n Pools, waterront swimming areas or waterpark attractions.

n Locker rooms (dressing areas, shower areas and restrooms).

n Equipment and structures (ladders, diving boards and starting blocks).

n Recreational equipment and play structures.

drown in rip currents. Rip currents are believedto account or more than 80 percent o rescuesperormed by sur lieguards. This makes ripcurrents one o natures most deadly natural orces.Many beaches and waterront areas use color-coded ags to indicate the presence o hazardous

water conditions and rip currents. Any time a red ordouble red ag is visible, stay out o the water; useextreme caution when there is a yellow ag.

I caught in a rip current, do not panic. Neverattempt to swim against the currentfghting thecurrent will cause you to become exhausted andpossibly drown. Allow the current to take youaway rom shore. Once the current weakens,swim parallel to the beach then back to shoreat an angle. Try to swim in the direction oleast resistance to the current. I you are too

exhausted to swim to shore, signal by calling andwaving or help.

I you are lieguarding at a waterront area wherethere is the possibility o rip currents, it is critical toreceive specialized training in the specifc conditionsand hazards that exist in your area and to learnhow to identiy rip currents and to help someonewho is caught in them. For more inormation on rip

currents, visit ripcurrents.noaa.gov and usla.org.

Photo courtesy John R. Fletemeyer


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Isectig aqtic attrctios d Fetres

Facilities should ollow the manuacturersguidelines or installation, sae inspection,maintenance and use o its various attractions andeatures (Figure 2-6). Your employer should provide

you with a specifc set o guidelines and trainingi you are responsible or these inspections. Insome cases, maintenance personnel, rather thanlieguards, will be responsible or inspections. Eveni the attraction or eature has been inspectedalready, stay alert or any problems that maydevelop, such as loose or rusted bolts; cracks;broken or missing pieces; rayed, loose or mildewedsaety nets; unusual noises; and an area withincreased requency o injury to patrons.

hzrds t Wterrot FciitiesYou should be aware o the specifc potential hazards presented by somewaterront acilities. These include underwater hazards, physical structures andchanging water conditions.

Dangerous conditions may develop with changing winds, tides and weather. Onsome days, the water may be totally calm and at. On other days, there may be largewaves. Checking or potentially hazardous conditions specifc to your acility shouldbe covered during your orientation. I they are not, ask your acility management todiscuss procedures or any situation or which you do not eel adequately prepared.

uderwter hzrdsCommon underwater hazards may change throughout the dayand include:

n Holes in the swimming area and sudden drop-os.

n Submerged objects, such as rocks, tree stumps and underwaterplants (Figure 2-7).

n Bottom conditions (sand, rock, silt, weeds and mud).

n Slope o the bottom and water depth.

n Shells, barnacles and marine lie.

n

Broken glass or other sharp objects.You should check or and, i possible, remove underwater hazards. Ihazards cannot be removed, swimming areas should be re-positionedaway rom them. Alternatively, the shape and size o swimming areasmay need to be changed to avoid underwater hazards. Floating buoyscan be used to mark underwater hazards to warn patrons o their danger.

pysic Strctres

Piers and docks in the water oten are used or dierent activities(Figure 2-8, AD). The ollowing precautions should be taken withthese structures:

Remove any underwater hazards at

waterfront facilities.

Figure 2-7

Safety checks are a primary method of facility surveillance

and help prevent injuries to patrons.

Figure 2-6


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n Ensure the oating piers, docks and rats are anchored securely.

n Adjust attachment points between oating sections to minimize hazards.

n Be aware o and take steps to eliminate blind spots (obstructed views) causedby structures.

n Ensure that patrons dive only in designated areas. Check the water depthdaily. Be aware o bottom and tidal changes beore allowing head-frst entries.

n Prohibit swimming in fshing areas around piers or docks or adjacent to boat activity.

Cgig Wter Coditios

Many actors can inuence water conditions, which in turn can aect patron saety.These actors include:

n Water depth and currents. Changes in the water level may lead to increasedcurrents that make standing difcult and could sweep swimmers beyond areaboundaries. Examples include:

c A dam that releases water, causing the water depth above the dam to dropand the river depth below the dam to rise.

c Heavy rainall that makes a lake or river rise, or a long, dry period that makesit too shallow or diving.

c Tidal changes.

Figure 2-8 DFigure 2-8 C

Dock formations: (A) F dock, (B) H dock, (C) A dock, (D) T dock.

Figure 2-8 A Figure 2-8 B


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c Seiche, which is a standing wave o water that oscillates in large lakes

usually created by strong winds and/or large barometric pressure gradients.

c Sandbars that can move and shit rom season to season or rom heavy rain

that produces strong currents. These changes in the waterront oor can

create unexpected drops or new shallow-water eatures.

n Water quality. Insufcient ow may lead to stagnant water and compromise

water quality.

n Debris or cloudiness in the water.

WATER QUALITY

The quality o water in spas and swimming pools

constantly changes. It is aected by many actors,including the concentration o disinectant in thewater; the waters pH level, chemical balanceand saturation; air temperature; sunlight; andcontaminants rom bathers and the environment.All o these actors are important not only or asae swimming environment but also to ensurecrystal-clear water clarity.

Additional training is needed, and a certifcationin pool operations oten is required, to learn howand when to make chemical adjustments to the

pool water. I you work at a swimming pool orwaterpark, your responsibilities probably willinclude monitoring the water to make sure that it issae, clean and clear. You may be asked to assistby periodically testing the waters chlorine orbromine and pH levels. You should receive trainingon how to properly test the pool water chemistry ithis is included in your job responsibilities.

Disiectt d h leves

Chlorine is one o the most common chemicals

used to disinect pools and spas. When dissolvedin pool or hot tub water, chlorine producesa chemical called hypochlorous acid, also

known as free chlorine. Free chlorine disinectsand sanitizes the water by killing germs andcontaminants. To work most eectively, the ree

chlorine-to-water ratio should be 2 to 4 parts permillion (ppm). This concentration o ree chlorine,called a residual, should be maintained at all timesthroughout the water.

Free chlorine is colorless and odorless. However,it reacts with certain contaminants, such ashuman waste, to create combined chlorines,which are more commonly known as chloramines.Chloramines cause the chlorine-like smell oundin indoor pools. Chloramines also can irritate theskin and mucous membranes.

The pH o the pool and hot tub water must bemaintained at the appropriate level or ree chlorineto be eective and or bathers to be comortable.As the pH level goes down, ree chlorine worksbetter as a disinectant. However, when the pHdrops below 7.2, the water may irritate eyes andskin and corrode pool suraces and equipment.Human tears have a pH o about 7.5; thereore, theideal pH in pool and hot tub water is 7.4 to 7.6.

Bromine is another chemical commonly used

to kill germs and contaminants in pool and hottub water. It oten is used in hot tubs insteado chlorine because it is more stable in hot


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temperatures and does not burn away as quickly.It also does not leave a chemical odor in the water.

Testig d adjstig

A supervisor, or another sta member trainedand certifed in pool operations, typicallymonitors and adjusts chemical levels throughoutthe day. However, you may be trained to testthe chlorine or bromine and pH levels o thewater. The water quality will need to be testedand the results recorded at periodic intervalsthroughout the day. Your acility should have atest kit available that measures ree chlorine or

bromine and pH levels. Some measure otherwater-balance levels as well. N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) is the most commontest chemical used to test or ree chlorine orbromine. DPD reacts with chlorine and turns thewater test sample shades o light to dark pink.Phenol red is a dye used to test the waters pH.Its color changes rom yellow to orange to redbased on the pH level. The water test result coloris compared with the colors on the test kit.

Your acility will have guidelines or the minimum,

maximum and ideal ranges or chlorine orbromine and pH levels or sae swimming. Alertthe appropriate sta member immediately i

the water test results are not within the properranges or sae swimming at your acility.Adjustments may need to be made as soon as

possible or the pool or hot tub may need to betemporarily closed until the chemical ranges arecorrect or sae swimming.

Wterrot Cosidertios

(Source: http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beachesAccessed September 6, 2011)

Water quality is also important at natural bodieso water. Swimming in unsae water may result inminor illnesses, such as sore throats or diarrhea

or more serious illnesses, such as meningitis,encephalitis or severe gastroenteritis. Children,the elderly and people with weakened immunesystems have a greater chance o getting sickwhen they come in contact with contaminatedwater. The quality o natural bodies o watercan be impacted by pollutants, such as runorom animal waste, ertilizer, pesticides, trashand boating wastes and especially storm waterruno during and ater heavy periods o rain. TheEnvironmental Protection Agency recommends

that state and local ofcials monitor water qualityand issue an advisory or closure when beachesare unsae or swimming.

n Water temperature, which usually is colder early in the summer and ater rain.Although surace water may be warm and comortable, water at a depth oseveral eet can be much colder. This condition, called a thermocline, can causehypothermia (low body temperature).

When dealing with changing water conditions:

n Warn patrons o hazards by using signs, buoys and saety announcements.

n Check or objects that may have washed into the area.

n Check or changes in bottom conditions, water depth and water quality.


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RECREATIONAL

WATER ILLNESSES

Illnesses that are spread byswallowing, breathing or contacting

contaminated water are called recreationalwater illnesses (RWIs). Typical RWIs includeearaches, rashes and diarrhea. RWIs generallyare not severe, but in rare cases they can resultin serious outcomes, including pneumonia,neurological damage and even death.

Gastroenteritis, a stomach ailment that causesdiarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain,is one o most commonly documented RWIs. It

occurs when eces are released into the waterand swallowed by other swimmers beore havingbeen killed by chlorine or another disinectant.

Cryptosporidium is the parasite that causesmost gastroenteritis outbreaks. Crypto canremain inectious, even when exposed todisinectant levels or several days; thereore,people suering rom diarrhea should notenter the water. Those diagnosed withcryptosporidiosis should not enter recreationalwater or 2 weeks ater symptoms have ceased.

Fec Icidet ResoseRecommedtios

During orientation or in-service training, youracility should provide training on how torespond to accidental ecal releases (AFRs).I an AFR occurs, you should direct all patronsto leave all o the pools that use the samefltration system. Remove as much o theecal material as possible with a scoop or

net, trying not to break ormed stool apart.Dispose o the eces using the sanitaryprocedures. Do not vacuum the eces. Clean

and disinect the scoop and net and thenplace them in the pool during the ollowingdisinection procedures.

Formed stoo

n Continue to operate the fltration system.

n Adjust the pH to below 7.5.

n Raise the ree chlorine level to at least 2 ppm.

n Maintain those levels or 25 minutes beorereopening the pool.

Dirre discrge

n Continue to operate the circulation system.

n Adjust the pH to below 7.5.

n Raise the ree chlorine level to at least20 ppm.

n Maintain those levels or 13 hours.

n Backwash the flter.

n Return the chlorine level to normal levelsbeore re-opening the pool.

Vomit i poo Wter

Patrons are unlikely to contract RWIs by

swallowing, breathing or contacting pool watercontaminated by vomit or blood. The vomit thata person produces ater swallowing too muchwater probably is not inectious; however, i aperson vomits and it contains any solid matteror ood particles, you should respond the sameway as you would to a ormed stool incident.

To learn more about prevention practices,healthy swimming and recreational water topics,and to download ree outbreak response toolkitsand publications, visit CDCs website at

cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming. You canlearn even more by enrolling in a pooloperator course.

!


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n Alert patrons to cold water and watch or signs o hypothermia in patrons.

n Check and document scheduled high and low tides in the daily log eachmorning beore opening, and plan or changes in water depth.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather aects the saety o swimmers both outdoors and indoors. You should beaware o the weather conditions in your area and know how to act when severeweather occurs.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards is a good sourceo inormation about potentially hazardous weather. Thisnationwide radio network provides detailed weatherinormation 24 hours a day to most areas. A specialradio receiver is needed to receive the signal and canbe set to sound an alarm when a warning is issued or a

specifc area. These radios have battery back-up in caseo power ailure. Local up-to-date orecasts and weatherwarnings also are available rom Internet sites, such as theNational Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov. Localradio stations, television channels and cable services alsoprovide orecasts and emergency weather warnings.

Always ollow your acilitys EAP or severe weatherconditions.

ligtig d Tderstorms

In most parts o the United States, lightning andthunderstorms happen more oten in the summer. Followthe acilitys procedures or clearing patrons rom the waterbeore an impending storm. Patron or employee saetynever should be put at risk. I a storm or other bad weatheris predicted, stay alert or signs o the coming storm, suchas thunder and lightning or high winds.

I thunder or lightning occur:

n Clear everyone rom the water at the frst sound o thunder or frst sighto lightning. I you are in an elevated station, get down immediately. Move

everyone to a sae area ree rom contact with water, plumbing or electricalcircuits. For outdoor acilities, move everyone inside, i possible. Largebuildings are saer than smaller or open structures, such as picnic shelters orgazebos.

n Keep patrons and sta out o showers and locker rooms during a thunderstorm aswater and metal can conduct electricity.

n Do not use a telephone connected to a landline except in an emergency.

n Keep everyone away rom windows and metal objects (e.g., doorrames, lockers).

n Watch or more storms and monitor weather reports on a radio or TV broadcast,weather radio or website.

ligtig

Lightning is the result o the build-up

and discharge o electrical energy, and

this rapid heating o the air produces

the shock wave that results in thunder.25 million cloud-to-ground lightning

strikes occur in the United States

each year. Lightning oten strikes as

ar as 10 to 15 miles away rom any

rainall with each spark o lightning

reaching over 5 miles in length

and temperatures o approximately

50,000 F. Even i the sky looks blue

and clear, be cautious. One ground

lightning strike can contain 100

million volts o electricity. The NationalLightning Saety Institute recommends

waiting 30 minutes ater the last

lightning sighting or sound o thunder

beore resuming activities.

Source: National Weather Service Web atwww.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.


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I caught outside in a thunderstorm and there is not enough time to reacha sae building:

n Keep away rom tall trees standing alone and any tall structures.

n Keep away rom water and metal objects, such as metal ences, tanks,rails and pipes.

n

Keep as low to the ground as possible: squat or crouch with the knees drawnup, both eet together and hands o the ground.

n Avoid lying at on the ground; minimize ground contact.

hevy Ri d hi

Heavy rain and hail can be dangerous. Rain canmake it difcult to see the bottom o the poolor beneath the surace. I you cannot see thebottom o the pool (Figure 2-9), clear the poolo all patrons. In addition, hail can cause seriousphysical injury. I it is hailing, clear patrons romthe water and direct them to shelter.

Tordoes

I the aquatic acilitys locale is prone to tornadoes,acility sta should monitor weather orecasts. A

tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible. Some acilities may decide toclose once a watch is issued and beore the arrival o wind, rain and lightning, whichalso may occur when tornado ormation is likely. A tornado warning means that atornado has been sighted or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in thewarning area. Some communities activate sirens during a tornado warning. Everyoneshould take shelter immediately.

I a tornado warning is issued:

n Clear the water and surrounding area.

n Move everyone to the location specifed in the acilitys EAP, such as a basementor an inside area on the lowest level o a building.

n Keep everyone away rom windows, doors and outside walls.

n Have everyone lie at in a ditch or on a low section o ground i adequate shelteris unavailable at or near the acility.

I a tornado siren warning is heard, keep patrons in the sae location. Continue

listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio or updatedinstructions rom the authorities.

hig Wid

High wind may cause waves or turbulence that makes it hard to see patrons in thewater. Wind also increases the risk o hypothermia, especially or small children andthe elderly. Saety guidelines or high wind include:

n Clearing the pool or waterront i visibility is impaired by waves orincreased turbidity.

Rain can obscure the bottom of a pool.

Figure 2-9


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n Moving all patrons and sta indoors.

n Securing all acility equipment that could be blown around and becomedangerous, but only i it is possible and sae to do so.

Fog

In some areas, og can occur at any time o the day or night with changing weatherconditions. I og limits visibility, your acility may need to close.

Weter Coditios d Idoor Fciities

Indoor acilities are sae rom most weather problems but still may be aected.Severe weather can cause a power ailure; thereore, the acility should havesome type o portable or emergency lighting. In the event o a power ailure, youshould clear the pool because circulation and fltration o pool water will not bepossible. I weather conditions cause saety concerns, you also should clearthe deck. Follow the acilitys EAP or severe weather conditions.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Every aquatic acility establishes its own set o rules andregulations, some o which are required by the state or localhealth department, whereas others are determined by the acilitymanagement. This course concentrates on common rules aimed atkeeping patrons saer and preventing injuries; however, you should beamiliar with and enorce all rules at your acility.

Commo ResEvery acility should post its rules and regulations or patron behavior in plain viewo all patrons and sta. Rules do not keep patrons rom having un. Rules existor everyones health and saety. Posted rules help patrons to enjoy theirexperience without endangering themselves or others. Facilities that attractnumerous international guests or those that are located in multiculturalcommunities also may post rules in other languages or use internationalsigns or symbols.

Common rules posted at aquatic acilities may include:

n Swim only when a lieguard is on duty.

n Swim diapers are required or small children or peoplewith incontinence.

n No swimming with open or inected wounds.

n Obey lieguard instructions at all times.

n No running, pushing or rough play.

n No hyperventilating beore swimming underwater orbreath-holding contests.

n No sitting or playing near or with drains or suction fttings.

n Dive only in designated areas (Figure 2-10).

To help prevent injuries, post

signs, markings and warnings

to inform patrons about

dangers.

Figure 2-10


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n No glass containers in the pool area and locker rooms.

n No alcoholic beverages or drug use allowed.

Wterrot Res

Waterront acilities oten adopt additional rules that are specifc to the waterrontenvironment. These may include:

n No playing or swimming under piers, rats, platorms or play structures.

n No boats, sailboards, surboards or personal water crat inswimming areas.

n No running or diving head-frst into shallow water.

n No fshing near swimming areas.

n No umbrellas at the waterline (umbrellas present a surveillance obstruction).

n No swimming in unauthorized areas.

Wterrk ResAt waterparks, rules and regulations should be posted, but they also may berecorded and played over a public address system. Rules may vary based on thetype o attractions available. For example, U.S. Coast Guard-approved lie jacketsmay be required on certain attractions but not allowed on others.

Waterparks should have signage at every attraction stating the depth o thewater, height or age requirements and how to saely use the attraction. This is toprevent patrons rom fnding themselves in water that is deeper or shallower thanthey expected. For example, some pools at the end o a slide are shallow so thatpatrons can stand up, but others are very deep. Without signage to warn them,patrons may expect a shallow catch pool and be surprised to fnd themselves in

deep water.

Additional rules or each attraction typically cover:

n The minimum or maximum number o people allowed on an attraction or a tubeat a time.

n The maximum height or age requirements in areas designated or small children.

n The minimum height or weight requirements or patrons using an attraction(Figure 2-11).

n Common rules or winding rivers, such as:

c Enter and exit the winding river only at designated places.

c No jumping or diving into the water.c No people on shoulders.

c Stay in tubes at all times i tubes are used.

c No walking or swimming in the winding river i tubes are used.

c Only one properly ftted lie jacket per patron.

c No stacking o tubes or lie jackets.

c No orming chains o tubes or lie jackets.

c Only one patron allowed per tube, except or an adult holding a small child.The child must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lie jacket in casethe adult tips over.


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n Common rules or waterslides, such as:

c Enter, ride and exit the slide eet-frst.

c No stopping in the slide, and no running, standing, kneeling, rotating orspinning on the slides. Keep hands and eet inside the slide.

c No metal objects, locker keys, jewelry, metal snaps/zippers, eyewear orwatches, including metal rivets, buttons or asteners on swimsuits or shorts.

c No aqua socks or aqua shoes, eyeglasses, sunglasses or goggles.

Res or Fciity Eqimet d Strctres

Other rules or specifc equipment and structures depend on the acility andmay include:

n One person at a time on a ladder or attraction.

n Do not sit or hang on lielines or lane lines.

n Do not climb on lieguard stands or towers.

n Starting blocks may be used only by swim team members in scheduled

practices, competitions and instruction when supervised by a certifed coachor instructor.

Divig-are Res

Rules or diving boards and dive towers should be posted in the diving area.The rules may include:

n Patrons must demonstrate their swimming ability beore entering deep water.

n Only one person on the diving board at a time and only one person on theladder at a time.

n Look beore diving or jumping to make sure the diving area is clear.

Use a measuring pole or line to ensure patrons are the proper height to use a ride.

Figure 2-11


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n Only one bounce allowed on the diving board.

n Dive or jump orward, straight out rom the diving board.

n Swim immediately to the closest ladder or wall.

Res or Ss, hot Tbs d Tery poos

Spas, hot tubs and therapy pools are popular, but their hazards include drowning,hyperthermia (high body temperature) and disease transmission. Rules common tothese areas include:

n Use only when a lieguard is present.

n Shower with soap and water beore entering the water.

n People with heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, seizures,epilepsy or other medical conditions are cautioned against using a spa or hot tub.

n Pregnant women and young children should seek their health care providersapproval beore using a spa or hot tub.

n

No unsupervised use by children.n Do not use the spa or hot tub while under the inuence o alcohol or other drugs.

n No diving, jumping or rough play in the spa or hot tub.

n Do not allow anyone to sit or play near or with the drain or suction fttings.

n Secure or remove any loose or dangling items, including hair, swimwear and jewelry.

n Limit time in the spa to 10 minutes. Patrons then may shower, cool down andreturn again briey. Prolonged use may result in nausea, dizziness, aintingor hyperthermia.

n Remove swim caps beore entering the spa or hot tub.

MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY

As a lieguard, your job is to ollow and enorce your acilitys rules and regulations.The job o your acilitys management is to ensure that the acility is in compliancewith local, state and ederal regulations and to make sure that you are enorcing therules correctly. Management is responsible or:

n Creating, reviewing and revising a acilitys policies and procedures, rules andregulations and EAPs as needed.

n Addressing unsae conditions.

n Complying with ederal, state and local laws and regulationsor acilityoperations and employment.

n Maintaining records on the acility and its employees.

n Assisting ater an emergency.

poicies, Regtios d Emergecy actio ps

Facility management is responsible or ensuring that policies, rules and procedures,and emergency action plans are in place. Management also is responsible orreviewing and revising these plans as necessary to address any changes that mayhave occurred, such as new programming, new eatures or attractions or emergingcodes and industry standards.


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addressig use Coditios

Lieguards work with management to address unsae conditions at a acility.Management tells lieguards what to check during saety checks and relies onthem to fnd and report dangers. When an unsae condition is ound and reported,management is responsible or correcting the condition. You should always report

unsae conditions to your supervisor. In some instances you may be asked to takeaction to limit use o an unsae area or to help correct the unsae condition, suchas by sweeping up broken glass or by removing a piece o equipment rom use.

Comyig wit Regtios

Government regulations protect patrons and employees. The acility and sta mustcomply with all regulations. Federal, state and local regulations aect the operationo aquatic acilities in many ways, such as lieguard certifcation requirements,acility design and saety eatures, pool capacities, sta training requirements andlieguard competencies, ratio o lieguards to patrons, water sanitation procedures,frst aid equipment and supplies, lieguarding equipment and diving depths.

Regulations are specifc to individual areas. You should be amiliar with those thataect your acility. Facility management should provide this inormation duringorientation or in-service training.

The ollowing sections desc

Documents

Lifeguard Packet