American Red Cross Lifeguarding Ch. 1 The Professional Lifeguard

Purpose To teach lifeguard candidates the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course content and activities prepare lifeguard candidates to prevent drownings and injuries and to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. 7/4/2019

Characteristics of a Professional LG Starts with training and certification. You have to be mentally, physically and emotionally prepared at all times. Professional LG’s must be- Knowledgeable and have appropriate skills Reliable Mature Courteous and consistent Positive Professional Healthy & fit 7/4/2019

The Professional 7/4/2019

Responsibilities of a LG The primary responsibility of a professional lifeguard is to ensure patron safety and protect lives. Preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors. Enforcing rules and regulations 7/4/2019

Responsibilities cont Respond quickly to all emergencies Administer first aid, CPR/AED Communicating- when more help or equipment is needed 7/4/2019

Responsibilities cont. Secondary responsibilities of a LG are the other tasks they are responsible for: Secondary responsibilities must NEVER prevent the LG from meeting his/her primary responsibility. Performing maintenance (pool chemistry, equipmt checks, vacuum and clean) 7/4/2019

Responsibilities cont. Secondary responsibilities can include Filling out required records and reports Performing maintenance (pool chemistry, equipment checks, vacuum and clean) Inspecting the facility daily and reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor. 7/4/2019

Lifeguard Work Settings Swimming pools-indoor, outdoor, enclosed Multi-attraction-pools and play structures Waterfronts-open-water areas:lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans. Waterparks 7/4/2019

Decision Making Important component to lifeguarding When and how to make a rescue When and how to perform first aid or CPR How to work with as a team How to interact with patrons 7/4/2019

Decision Making Decision making can be difficult, especially in an emergency… F – Figure out the problem I - Identify possible solutions N – Name the pros & cons for each solution D – Decide which solution is best 7/4/2019

Legal Considerations Duty to act Standard of care Negligence Good Samaritan laws Consent Refusal of care Abandonment Confidentiality Documentation 7/4/2019

Duty to Act As a professional rescuer you have a duty to act at the scene of an emergency. Scope of Practice-you may act in w/in what you you were trained for 7/4/2019

Negligence Failing to provide care Providing care beyond your level of training Providing inappropriate care Failing to control or stop any behaviors that could result in further harm or injury 7/4/2019

Consent State your name Tell the victim you are trained to help & what level Ask the victim if you can help Explain what you planned to do Battery-touching a person without consent 7/4/2019

Refusal of Care Some injured or ill may refuse care You must honor their wishes A parent can refuse care for a minor 7/4/2019

Advanced Directives Written instructions regarding medical treatment: DNRs, living wills. Confidentiality- you may learn something about the victim that is private and confidential. Do not share this info, except with EMS personnel. 7/4/2019

The Lifeguard Team Whenever another lifeguard is on duty with you, you are part of a lifeguard team. The aquatic safety team is a network of people who prevent, prepare for, respond to and assist in an emergency at an aquatic facility. All staff must practice the facility’s emergency action plans (EAPs) 7/4/2019

EAPs-Emergency Action Plans Written procedures that guide the actions of LGs and other staff in emergencies. 7/4/2019

Facility Management and Professionalism How does management support lifeguard professionalism? By providing a policies and procedures manual By conducting an orientation and regular in-service trainings By providing opportunities for recognition and career development 7/4/2019

In-service Training Might address: Potential hazards of facility Facility rules & regs EAP’s Surveillance and water rescue skills CPR/AED, FA training Physical conditioning Facility operations Records and reports 7/4/2019