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Knowledge of a Pool Lifeguard

Knowledge of a Pool Lifeguard

An Experienced Pool Lifeguard knows what kind of swimmer you are before you even hit the water!

Lifeguards recognize potential at-risk swimmers by the way the way they approach the water. Strong swimmers will approach the water full of confidence. Confident swimmers usually enter the water in one fluid motion; they will jump, dive or even run to enter the water.

At risk swimmers approach the water with wide eyes and slow movements. They tend to sit with their feet in the water, hang out on the steps, or hold onto the rails or the sides of the pool.

That said, the smaller the child the more important it is to watch them carefully. Small newly mobile toddlers have no fear of the water and can quickly disappear without a sound. It takes less than two minutes for a child to drown. Almost half of the children who drown are within 23 meters of a parent or another adult.

At Risk Swimmers

Besides being able to recognize at risk swimmers as they approach the pool, lifeguards need to be able to recognize potential victims in the water. Some pools provide “risk guards” who continually rove around the pool looking for high-risk and weaker swimmers.

At risk swimmers are placed in four categories:

  1. Boppers = non-swimmers who jump up and down to keep their nose and mouth above the water.
  2. Floppers = toddlers who could fall into shallow water and drown easily. Parents should stay within arm’s reach of their toddler.
  3. Hangers = non-swimmers who hold onto the ledge of the pool to get around instead of swimming or touching the bottom. The guards must make sure the water depth will not be over the hanger’s head if he or she lets go of the wall.
  4. Breath-holders = swimmers who attempt to talk underwater, hold their breath for long periods or swim a long distance underwater and get into trouble

Drowning victims cannot wave or yell for help, except in rare circumstances;

Lifeguards know as we try to yell our mouths sink below the surface of the water and cannot remain above the surface of the water long enough to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. Drowning people will not stop struggling to keep their head up to wave for help. A lifeguard knows they only 20 to 60 seconds from beginning to end, to respond before submersion occurs.

What Parents Need to Know

Lifeguards are not there to babysit your children.  Lifeguards will explain the pool rules to the young swimmers, and it is the parents job to help enforce and make sure their children understand the rules, so lifeguards can do their jobs.

Kids will quarrel. If the parents are present, lifeguards will remind them that it is their job to take care of their kids’ issues, otherwise it can interfere with the lifeguard’s job and put other swimmers in danger.

Note: Since children can drown in less than two minutes, and in two inches of water, lifeguards suggest parents keep small children at arm’s reach.

For instance, in Florida a mother was on her cell phone, on the pool deck while 3 of her kids drown just feet away from her. Because of occurrences like this, lifeguards often warn parents that reading books, chatting with others, and texting instead of supervising your kids can be dangerous, and increase chances of drowning.

Lifeguards always warn against running, sliding, and jumping as all cause high risks around the pool, so stop these actions before accidents happen.

Information like this is published with hopes of saving lives. But when knowing isn’t enough, lifeguards encourage swim lessons as well as supply pools, waterparks, lakes, rivers and ocean guards with lifesaving lifeguard equipment as well as bright men’s and women’s lifeguard apparel for easy distinction against the crowds.

Lifeguard Apparel

 

 

Lifeguard Uniform and Equipment Requirements

Lifeguard Uniform and Equipment Requirements

lifeguard uniforms, rescue equipment, original watermen, stay salty, earn your salt, lifeguard gear, earn your saltLifeguard Uniform Requirements

Lifeguard uniform requirements are basically the same throughout the world, men’s lifeguard board shorts, women’s lifeguard swimsuits and t-shirts printed with the words Lifeguard or guard. Board short lengths are designated by each lifeguard agency. Long board shorts can hinder leg movement and interfere with rescues. Lifeguard apparel should always be made from rash free material, lifeguard board shorts should have oversized closure pockets with a locking loop and drain holes that allow the water to get out instead of weigh you down. Men’s lifeguard boardshorts should not drag or stick to your legs when wet. Women’s lifeguard swimsuits must stay up on the shoulders and their bottoms should stay on through different size surf. Neither should fade from the sun or pool chemicals.

Easily Identifiable

Clearly distinguishable and visible lifeguard uniforms are a must. Lifeguard uniform conformity, stops confusion and can help save lives. When agencies fail to require matching uniforms and let the lifeguard choose what to wear, then lifeguard visibility and identification becomes almost impossible especially when a high volume of people are present. Large facilities can have hundreds of patrons in the water at the same time. This means teams of lifeguards, working together must be able to spot their partners quickly in and out of the water. Lifeguard uniforms tie the agencies together and instill respect for the guards.

Colors

Lifeguard uniform colors in the past have consisted of mostly red or navy with white labeling. Today agencies stick with traditional colors and others pick out uniform colors that match the theme of their park or their particular branding.

Beaches and water parks that don’t have identical lifeguard uniforms have been sued when patrons were unable to find a guard when needed.

 Lifeguard Equipment Requirements

Rescue Cans should be the best in the industry; beware of imitations! The Marine Rescue Patrol Can was developed by L.A. County Chief Lifeguard Bob Burnside over 30 years ago.  Marine Rescue Patrol Cans are made with the thickest wall construction on the market and have a heavy nylon shoulder rescue strap attached to a nylon line.

The lifeguard rescue can or sometimes called rescue tube is the most used piece of rescue equipment in the world. It is used by lifeguards at most pools, waterparks, oceans, lakes and rivers. Well made rescue tubes are made from Ensolite foam with heavy vinyl covering. Rescue tubes made with tapered ends provide comfort and help to reduce drag. Rescue tubes can support both the victim and rescuers weight during the rescue. They are the preferred choice of the American Red Cross and are used by lifeguard training agencies around the world.

Lifeguard rescue fins help with long distance rescues or battling strong rip currents. Lifeguard rescue fins are designed to propel you through the water with minimal effort.

Lifeguard rescue fins like Da Fins are used for jetty rescues and rock hopping, due to their smaller size. All lifeguard fins must float so that they will wash into shore if lost in the water.

Lifeguard rescue fin the Duck feet fins are also highly acclaimed and are the #1 choice by Navy.

Lifeguard backboards are used by lifeguards to secure and transport physically injured victims. A popular choice by agencies is the Watermen Pediatric Spineboard. The polyethylene shell of this spineboard is heavy duty and x-ray translucent, so moving the injured victim from board to bed for x-rays is not necessary.

 Sun Protection

Though not required lifeguards should use sun protection. Solrx a great sunscreen that stays on all day and will not run into your eyes.

Lifeguard rashguards provide an extra layer of SPF 50 protection from the sun and also provides warmth.

Skin cancer of the ears is becoming a growing dilemma. Broad brimmed hats like the La Palapa Hat a straw hat, works great and was originated in the 1960’s by California beach lifeguards. The wide rim covers and protects the ears.

Tonga hats are also a wide brimmed hat that is the most popular hat used by lifeguard agencies in California.

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Choose the Right Summer Surf Camp or Jr. Lifeguard Program?

Choose the Right Summer Surf Camp or Jr. Lifeguard Program?

lifeguard gear, jr lifeguard, jr lifeguard program, lifeguard suits, original watermen, stay salty, watermen gearNot many people realize the benefits of sending your children to surf camp, or a professional Jr. Lifeguard program. Not only do children get the chance to interact with other kids, they learn independence and social skills in many aspects. Here is all you the information you need to make an educated decision.

Junior lifeguard programs and surf camps are available along most coast lines around the world. Each organization has their own curriculum and can be physically demanding. The junior guard programs teach lifeguarding skills, first-aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques and other ocean related skills like surfing, snorkeling and kayaking. They also learn the importance of teamwork, and how to act responsibly in critical situations. They also will participate in water competitions. Participating in these programs can lead to potential jobs and help with college scholarships.

Surf Camps will help your children develop a love for nature, water, and the outdoors. They will learn to help others and develop attitudes that build character and leadership. The camps will teach them to be self-reliant, responsible and encourage new friendships.

Summer Surf Camps

Along with the YMCA there are several privately owned or owner managed surf camps. All campers will participate in a swim screen or swim test. Camp counselors need to see how comfortable each individual camper is in the water.

Surf camps are separated according to age levels. Make sure they also are separated by ability and skill levels. Camps start with campers as young as 6 – 7 & 8 year-olds.

 Jr. Lifeguard Programs

Most junior lifeguard programs are set up for kids 7 through 17 years of age. They are taught by professional lifeguards. The camp counselors working with the junior lifeguard program are chosen based on their work history, lifeguarding experience and desire to work with kids. Students are taught in depth oceanography and wave education, along with a wide variety of beach safety skills. They will be taught first aid, CPR water rescue techniques, become proficient in their swimming skills including body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. They will compete in events with other junior lifeguard programs.

Note: Sign up deadlines are approaching for Summer Jr. lifeguard programs.

What Should Your Child Wear?

 With Ocean temperatures ranging between 60 – 70 degrees in the summer, combined with windy mornings and afternoon fog, attention is needed when providing layers of protection for your camper. Protective layers start with sunscreen, we suggest Solrx, it stays on all day whether you are in or out of the water. As well, a Jr. lifeguard rashguard will keep your camper warm, even offering another level of sun protection.

Boardshort and Swim Suits

Don’t send your son in any type of swim wear other then boardshorts. Broadshorts are the official apparel for male lifeguards around the world. You can even add a pair of compressions shorts for protection against rashes from scratchy seams or sand deposits.

Jr. lifeguard Girls’ swim suits must be durable and tough enough to stay on through the waves. Straps on a girls’ swimsuit must be able stay on their shoulders. Different agencies have different rules on the choice between a one or two-piece rescue bikini.

Not all Surf Camps are Alike

When searching for a summer surf camp for your kids ask about their supervision ration and the training of each counselor. Camps should maintain no larger than a 2:10 ratio of staff to campers at all times however some camps supply a low of 3:1 surfer-to-instructor ratio ensuring more personalized service and a safer experience. Make sure campers are closely supervised in the water by both certified ocean lifeguards in towers and in the water. Ask about their policy on leaving children unsupervised, their bathroom policy and what happens when your child gets cold. Make sure weak swimmers will be kept in shallow water next to a surf instructor. Campers will be in the water every day for both surfing and body boarding. Body boards and surf boards should be supplied.

Summer Surf Camp Sessions

Each city, county or state will have various length sessions. Session can run for one week to five weeks. Some sessions run all day and some camp sessions run twice a day, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

What to Bring to Surf Camp or a Jr. Lifeguard Program?

Backpacks are great to store rashguards, surf hats, sweatshirts and swim fins. As well as towels, writing utensils, water bottles and snacks. Goggles are required for warm-ups and swim events throughout the day. Proper foot protection is suggested to protect your child from the hot sand. Always remember to label everything with your child’s name. Even when the lifeguards have a lost and found, kids don’t often thing to check for their stuff. That said, leave expensive items at home, the camp staff are watching your kids not their personal property. It is good to ask if wetsuits are required, as some programs necessitate them.

Note: Cell phones are not allowed during class time.

 Surf Camp and Jr. Lifeguard Program Pricing

Pricing varies between summer surf camps and Junior lifeguard programs. The YMCA price is based on the needs of your family. Other private camps have individual set prices. Jr. lifeguard programs whether put on by the state, county or city have different pricing and rules. Some may even offer scholarships.

 Surf Camp and Jr. Lifeguard Program Tryouts

Everyone must attend a tryout and pass the swimming requirements in order to be accepted into surf camp or a Jr. lifeguard program.  Candidates may attend as many tryouts as needed in order to pass the swim test. Training is recommended before attending a tryout. Tryout requirements are different for each age level. Some tryouts are given on a first-come, first-serve basis so arrive early on test day.

Once your kid finishes Summer surf camp or completes a Jr. lifeguard training program, they leave with a solid foundation of water safety for life!

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Why Lifeguard Uniforms are the Color they are, and how that’s Changing

Why Lifeguard Uniforms are the Color they are, and how that’s Changing

lifeguard uniforms, watermen gear, original watermen suits, boardshorts, earn your salt, stay salty, original watermenErgonomics is a fancy word for scientific studies conducted to understand the interactions of humans and other elements of a system. The ergonomics study done recently for lifeguard personnel questioned what color uniform (boardshorts or swim suits) lifeguards or other first responders should wear to be noticed in a crowd.

In 2009 the study declared that fluorescent colors, including yellow-green and orange, are easiest to spot in daylight and lime shades easiest to see in low lighting. So should all lifeguards and first responders wear fluorescent colors to be easily recognized in crowd?

 Florescent Lifeguard Uniforms

Do the traditional color lifeguard boardshorts or Lifeguard swimming suits standout enough to gather attention and demand control when needed?  In the early 70’s a lifeguard ad promoted a new trend of florescent bright as the sun orange, yellow and lime lifeguard trunks. The lifeguard agency tried it for a year and returned to standard red shorts because no one associated the florescent lifeguard apparel with true first responders.  The U.S. Fire Administration replaced red fire trucks and beach emergency vehicles with lime-yellow fire vehicles with white upper cabs. This action, even though the vehicles could be seen better, started trouble because people in the community did not associate the color lime with fire trucks or the yellow-green vehicles as emergency vehicles. A battle began between the community and fire department. The community ordered an ergonomic study which confirmed that fluorescent yellow-green and orange greatly increased vehicle visibility, but the report also concluded that the public did not associate the emergency vehicles with the new colors and recommended that public association was more important than paint color.

 Do Lifeguard Uniforms Matter?

In the early years of lifeguarding, fishermen were recruited to be lifeguards. Each morning after going fishing in the morning the fishermen wearing their fishing clothes became lifeguards and used their boats as lifesaving devises. The fishermen encountered several problems as they tried to help the distressed swimmers. They struggled to control their small boats in windswept choppy waters and getting the swimmer into the boat was a difficult problem. But the biggest problem was that the general public didn’t respect the fishermen and called them a nuisance. It was so bad that when a distressed swimmer was in trouble they refused help from the fishermen until they passed out in the water. The fishermen lifeguards went to the lifeguard board with their dilemma. The counsels’ answer to the problem was to give them a lifeguard uniform, which seemed to resolve the respect problem.

A state beach in Florida received a complaint letter from a mother stating the trouble she had while at the beach with her kids. One of her children had drifted out to far into the water and she tried to find a lifeguard in the crowd. No lifeguard was to be found, no uniformed lifeguards were anywhere to be seen. Her child was pulled back to shore by an onlooker. The beach supervisor replied he was sorry the mother could not find a lifeguard, but it was their policy to let the lifeguards pick out their own swimwear, so as it turned out the female lifeguard was mixed in with the 100’s of people on the beach.

 Introducing the Yellow Lifeguard Uniform

Colors play an important part in our daily lives.  Colors evoke feelings, emotions, memories and provide warnings of potential hazards and dangers. But are the colors particularly important, or is it more important having a lifeguard uniform that is distinctive and the same throughout the respective areas?  All lifeguards at any facility, beach, or recreation area should wear corresponding uniforms. Lifeguard uniforms give the appearance they are rescue ready, and give the look of authority, making them easy to identify by visitors. Lifeguards must stand out and be easily recognizable in huge crowds. Aquatic facilities and Waterparks have increased in size and numbers. Waterparks can span as much as 35 or more acres and can support staff of 250 or more.  Red, blue, and black lifeguard uniforms may no longer have a place in these aquatic facilities. Florescent safety yellow for lifeguard uniforms has benefits that support everything from lifeguard safety to guest satisfaction. Safety yellow lifeguard uniforms do have advantages over the present-day uniforms because florescent safety yellow allows lifeguards to be seen across the large facilities. More important it helps lifeguards find their closest teammate for support when they need it.  Red, navy, and black have been the lifeguard uniform colors of choice, but as the industry and profession moves forward, someone will still have to answer the question, should lifeguards wear red anymore?

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Why You Shouldn’t Swim or Surf After it Rains?

Why You Shouldn’t Swim or Surf After it Rains?

Ever hear the original watermen, earn your salt, stay salty, water safty, rain run off, clean oceanwarning ‘don’t swim or surf after it’s rained’?

Runoff Rain Water

This is because of the surface runoff in rainwater, created by urbanization. This runoff is a major source of flooding and water pollution in urban communities worldwide. Surface street run off waters are dumping serious amounts of bacteria, human and animal waste overflow and hundreds of pounds of plastic waste into the surf. Sewage pipes are allowed to overflow and discharge into rivers and the sea during storms. Yet, many people are torn between big waves, and polluted waters.

Many public officials try and make light of this issue. Recently a spokesperson for Los Angeles County stated that the debris we see after a storm does not pose a threat to the public. These same people are convinced that during these storms, dangerous sharks are sucked out of the water and tossed about, thus driving them away from the shores.

After it rains everyone should avoid entering any water especially near stream mouths, river mouths and channels. The fast-moving water not only contains overflowing sewer water but becomes inundated with a lot of abundant amounts of trash washing off the streets, including dead animals, stream fish weakened by exposure to salt water, and rubbish. After the rain these flooded murky waters attract small fish that come to feed. These small bait fish will eventually attract hungry sharks browsing to feed, that have come back towards the shallow waters. And when that happens, the low visibility, due to murky water make it more difficult for sharks to determine whether your fish or human and is known to increase the risk of people getting bitten by sharks.

Health Hazards

Ocean water contaminated with sewage, storm run-off and oil carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses, which can cause a variety of diseases. The murky waters contain high levels of bacteria that could make swimmers sick. Research is being conducted throughout the world on the dangers of rain water runoffs and the dangers of surfing or swimming during or after a rain.

Studies have found that when surfers and swimmers come in contact with sewage-polluted water they contract a wide variety of illnesses. Gastroenteritis or GI, is spread by the ingestion of bacteria pathogens in fecal-contaminated water. Symptoms are cramps vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, headache, and fever. Other disorders causes by the polluted water include hepatitis, respiratory illness, and ear, nose, and throat problems, giardiasis, amoebic dysentery, skin rashes, and pink eye, and ear infections.

Swallowing or inhaling the polluted water through your nose or mouth or being in the water with an open sore after a rain will almost definitely cause an infection. Streptococcus bacteria also known as Strep can cause serious infections and even kill you.

As well oil carries with it bacteria, parasites, and viruses, which can cause a variety of diseases. This “toxic cocktail” of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and other pollutants can definitely affect your body as well.

That said, it is best to avoid polluted waters for 12 to 72 hours following heavy storms. After 3 days water levels typically return to what’s considered safe.

If you are still willing to sacrifice your health after reading this, consider moving away from runoff areas, and stay out of murky or discolored water. If you see lots of leaves and plastic bottles floating around, then get out of the water. Storm water can look clean and still have a very high concentration of disease carrying pathogens and bacteria.

It is up to you to keep yourself and family safe. Remember you will not normally see signs posted, warning the public of dangerous water. In Orange County the Department of Health has been quoted as saying, “We just assume all surfers know that the water is polluted after it rains.

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Want a Lifeguard Job? What to Expect at Lifeguard Tryouts

Want a Lifeguard Job? What to Expect at Lifeguard Tryouts

Want a Lifeguard Job? What to Expect at Lifeguard Tryouts

We know how physically, and mentally challenging lifeguarding can be. So, to help you prepare for the lifeguard swim tryouts, here is some important information for 2018. What to Expect for Lifeguard Tryouts?

Beach Lifeguards

  • swim 1,000 yards in open water (time limit of 20 minutes)
  • continuous 200-yard run, 400-yard swim and 200-yard run (time limit of 10 minutes)

Pool lifeguards

Red Cross pool lifeguards must complete several prerequisite water tests prior to registering for a Lifeguarding Course.

  • swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating rhythmic breathing (use freestyle, breaststroke or a combination of both)
  • tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs with your hands in your armpits.

 How to Prepare for the Tests?

Build your upper and lower body. There are plenty of swim work outs on line. Use a kick board to build leg muscles. Lift weights to build your arms and legs.

Know how to perform the freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. Make sure that your strokes and breathing techniques are smooth and correct, ask a professional to evaluate your stoke.

Set up a running schedule to improve cardiovascular fitness. This is necessary for long swims. Take your workout to a sandy spot; running on sand is more difficult than running on pavement or grass. Strong legs are essential for both swimming and running. Use stairs to build your lower body strength.

Strengthen your core and upper body. Do pull-ups, dips, bench presses, and curls to build upper body and arm strength. Strong upper bodies may mean difference between life and death. Your upper body is needed to bring victims back to safety.

The Swim Test (What to Expect)

There may be a beach load of candidates trying out, because lifeguard jobs are prestigious and highly desired. When you line up, stay to the outside, with a good angle towards the distance markers. If you line up in the middle of the pack you could be kicked in the face, punched or rammed unintentionally. So, swimming a little farther is sometimes better. Use the tide, look for rips, learn to body surf, learn to duck dive and hit the shore running. Sprint until you cross that finish line. Try not to be passed before that finish line, as they only take a minimal number of candidates.

Many swim tests are conducted outside. The weather conditions can be cold and stormy. Just because you pass the swim test under the time limit does not mean you move on.

What to Wear

Dress for all weather conditions, sweatshirts like the Humbolt Hoodie, to keep you warm while waiting for the test to start. If it is raining something waterproof like the K-38 is best. Remember the water will most likely be near or below 50 degrees, so keep your muscles warm. It is always smart to wear something warm on your head like a beanie. This keep your body warmer since 80% of your heat goes out your head and feet.

Women trying out to be a lifeguard need a suit that will stay on through the waves, and straps that stay up as you rotate your arms. We suggest a one piece lifeguard swimsuit or two piece lifeguard suits for women that suitable for lifeguard tryouts.

 Lifeguard Interviews (What to Expect)

The interview is not the typical, “why do you want this job?”, or tell me about yourself. They get in your face and yell at you, and you have to stay calm and show them how you would handle a possible drunk or disorderly beachgoer.

Finally, if you are selected to continue you are sent to a lifeguard style boot camp.

 How to Choose a Tryout Location?

Choose a location based on where you truly want to be a lifeguard. If you do not pass at one location, always look to find another location nearby but don’t give up. If you do not pass at state lifeguard tryouts, try city or county lifeguarding.

Good luck!

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