National Lifeguard Techniques/Principles/ Safety Cues & Key Points

National Lifeguard Techniques/Principles/ Safety Cues & Key Points

Scanning & Observation

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
10:30 Rule
Systematic Scan Pattern
Bottom (first), middle, top
Victim Recognition
RID Factor
Perceptual Blindness
Zones: Intensive & Extensive / Scanning must be continuous to be effective
Back is never to the water
Prevention / When outdoors, use sun glasses
Scanning environment includes your other LG

Positioning & Movement

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
Pre-determined pivot position
Pre-determined focal point
Move with a sense of purpose:
To minimize blind spots
To maximize pool coverage
Move with a sense of urgency when required, do not run / Locate pivot points where most of the designated zone can be seen, thus minimizing the amount of movement required to achieve the 10:30 rule. / Plant full foot, short, small steps
Wear appropriate, non-slip footwear with straps and arch support

Rotation

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
Minimizes fatigue
Move from most intense to least intense
15sec max exchange of info
Includes perimeter check, changeroom checks / Movement =Attention & Awareness / Put a price on Buddy guarding ($800,000)
Precedent set by Ontario Law Suit

Communication

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
Lifeguard to Lifeguard: Whistle, Hand Signals, radios
Lifeguard to Public: Active Listening, problem solving, short & clear conversation
Lifeguard to EMS
Lifeguard to Employer
Lifeguard to Media / Clear, concise, accurate, respectful
If communication will be longer than 15sec, alert other LG
Stop Educate Redirect / Whistles – loud and crisp
Hand signals – big and professional, always start with ‘LG Alert’ & end with ‘OK’
Radios – minimize chatter, professional
Media – ‘No comment’ and pass it up, unless directed otherwise by supervisor

Facility Analysis

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
Layout, hazards & blind spots
Equipment available
Rules & Regulations
Facility Search: Missing Persons / Injury prevention through facility design & Positioning
Always check the water first as it is the area of highest risk

Rescue

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
Water Rescues have 4 elements: skill, knowledge, judgment, fitness
LG is responsible to be equipped with uniform, whistle, approved rescue aid, and LG tool kit.
Intervention
No back-up immediately available, LG1 should enter with approved rescue aid
Victim Follow-up
Contact DNS with and without an aid
Submerged
Slant Board/Flat board
Spinal with effective breathing
Spinal with ineffective breathing
Lumbar
Immobilization must be maintained
(spinal) unless ABC’s cannot be assessed
or treated
Fracture/Dislocations / If you do not have the fitness to get the victim, the rest is of no help to you.
Rescue Ready!
Lifeguards should move into action before swimmers realize they are in trouble
Back-up
3Ps: Preserve life, Prevent further Injury, Promote recovery.
Head & shoulders above the water as soon as possible
Protect the airway and minimize gross motor movement
Recognize, immobilize, maintain ABCs, stabilize, removal, follow-up
Immobilize stable to unstable
Life over Limb
Immobilize in position found above and below the injury sight, stable to unstable / Fitness is paramount! Lifeguarding is a lifestyle, not just a certificate.
A mask still in its case is not ready to be used, have mask and opa’s ready to use so they do not use up time during rescue
Move with a sense of urgency; do not run.
DNS follow-up includes the ‘spiel’: assess, educate, redirect.
The transition from vertical to horizontal movement is difficult, be sure to use strong supportive kick.
Straps should not be placed over victim’s abdomen, or knee joints.
ChestàHeadàRest of the Body

Lifeguard & the Law

Need to Knows / Principles / Safety Cues & Key Points
Liability (Statutory, Occupiers, Vicarious)
Negligence definition
Standard of Care, Duty of Care, Causation
Inquest
Court system (can be tried in criminal court if the LG is found negligent) / Not written down? = Never happened / Put a price on Buddy guarding ($800,000)
Precedent set by Ontario Law Suit