A lifeguard is a person who performs an important job at beaches and swimming pools. He is a qualified lifesaver who has gone through lifeguard training and taught how to keep the environment safe for swimmers by using his wits and knowledge.
He is responsible for the safety of those who use the beach or swimming pool. To make sure that no one gets hurt, he makes sure that there is a clear and unobstructed view of all the swimming areas.
He should be at the beach with his whistle and a first aid kit. His duty is to ensure that there is a clear view of the swimming area.
If he sees any dangerous situation or if he hears anyone screaming for help, he must take action immediately.
What is a lifeguard’s job?
A lifeguard is a lifesaving specialist who must ensure that no one gets hurt and that the swimming area is safe for swimmers. If anyone gets into trouble in the water, he should help them out by calling for an ambulance, rescue boat or lifeguard.
He should not leave the swimming area until he is sure that no one has been injured. A lifeguard should be at the beach with his whistle and first aid kit.
Qualities of a lifeguard
Lifeguard training helps people to learn life-saving skills to save people in and near water. A lifeguard can also tell people what they can and cannot do on the beach. Lifeguards have to have certain qualities.
They must be able to swim. A lifeguard must know how to swim, how to use his flotation devices (such as a life vest) and how to rescue a person who has fallen into the water. Lifeguards should be strong and healthy. If someone falls into the water and cannot get out, a lifeguard must be able to carry out the rescue. Lifeguards should also be good listeners.
This is important because they need to be able to help people who are having problems. Lifeguards should be kind. They should try to help everyone who needs help.
A lifeguard’s duties:
- To help a person who is in trouble in the water
- To save the life of a person who has fallen into the water
- To tell people what they can and cannot do on the beach
- To help a swimmer who is having trouble
- To keep children safe on the beach
- To keep people safe from dangerous situations such as sunburn, heat stroke or drowning
- To keep the beach clean
The responsibilities of a lifeguard
A lifeguard’s main responsibility is to look after people who are in the water. Lifeguards have special training and equipment to help them in their jobs.
The equipment includes:
Life jackets – these are specially designed so that they float if a person falls into the water. They must be worn by everyone who is in the water.
Swim fins – these help a person move quickly through the water. Lifeguards should be sure that all people in the water wear swim fins.
Life preservers – these are used to protecting a person from drowning. They are attached to a person’s body and float with him or her in the water.
The training and equipment help the lifeguard to do his or her job. A lifeguard’s job also involves keeping an eye on the water around the pool. A lifeguard can spot someone who is drowning, for example, and help them. The lifeguard will make sure that the water is safe to swim in. If there is a problem with the pool, a lifeguard can tell the manager what is wrong.
Types of lifeguards
There are two types of lifeguards – paid and voluntary. In the United States, some states have laws about who can be a lifeguard. Paid lifeguards work for pools or other places that have to follow rules set by the government.
Voluntary lifeguards are usually friends or family members of the people using the pool. They can only be trained in their local area, so they may not know all the rules. Lifeguards are usually young men and women. They must be at least 18 years old. They are also usually good swimmers.
Not an easy job
The job is hard, but it pays well. Some lifeguards work overtime. The training lasts about two weeks. During the first week, the trainees learn the rules of swimming. They learn how to swim properly and do a few laps in a pool. The second week is spent learning the lifeguard skills. The students must be able to get out of the water quickly if someone has an emergency.
Conclusion
A lifeguard is a person who monitors water safety at public swimming areas or pools. Lifeguards are usually trained in CPR and first aid, but some may also be certified in scuba diving, water rescue and even aquatic medicine. Lifeguards can work for a pool or an entire water park.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is training lifeguards for more than three decades and has provided lifeguard training to more than a quarter million lifeguards all over the world.
If you are interested in getting into lifeguarding then join a lifeguard class with ALA. For more information on our lifeguard classes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
