Lifeguard Rescue

Lifeguards provide a lot of services to the community they serve. They keep the beaches safe, enforce all local laws and protect the environment. But what they are really there for is for rescue. Preventing drowning is perhaps the chief goal of any lifeguard rescue. To accomplish this, lifeguards use a variety of skills, equipment, and a specialized set of knowledge.

Lifeguard rescue begins with surveying their body of water, whether this is the ocean or a small pool. Usually high up, the lifeguard can easily identify the types of swimmers and those in need of assistance. When they spot someone, a lifeguard will judge the situation and determine the equipment necessary.

For a small pool, this may mean just jumping in the water and assisting the swimmer out of the pool. This, however, should not be done without equipment. A simple buoy, usually a bright color, will be used to give aid to both the lifeguard and the swimmer. For larger bodies of water, such as the ocean, to perform a safe rescue, a lifeguard will use a larger flotation device or even use a boat. This will speed the lifeguard to the victim and also serve to transport them back to shore.

Upon removing the swimmer from the dangerous situation, the lifeguard will determine if any medical assistance is needed. If it is a drowning victim this may require techniques such as CPR. Or the situation may be milder and will only require a quick checkup on the victim to ensure all their vital signs are normal.

Whatever the severity, lifeguard rescue is a necessary part of the safety of our beaches and pools.

Related Information

Lifeguard Certification
Once you get your lifeguard certification you can help save lives.

Lifeguard Requirements
Make sure you know all the lifeguard requirements before you get started.