About Lifeguard CPR

Lifeguards have been made famous by "Baywatch." Unlike the buxom beauties of the television series, lifeguards are meticulously trained professionals who provide emergency services to swimmers. In addition to saving potential drowning victims by pulling them out of the water, they administer first aid and CPR, and are also trained in the use of defibrillators. Depending on where they work, lifeguards' equipment varies, as does their way of operating. Some lifeguards keep watch from a tower at the beach, while others slowly patrol river banks and shores in all-terrain vehicles.

Types

German waterfront lifeguard.

Lifeguards are expert professionals or volunteers who may be called upon to provide CPR at a number of locations. Currently there are three widely accepted classifications of lifeguards. Shallow-water attendants refer to those lifeguards who might be on duty in areas where the water is 4 feet deep or less. Waterfront lifeguards find employment at pools, lakes and select swimming-only outdoor venues. A basic lifeguard is limited to working at pools.

Function

Rescue buoy.

Lifeguard duties are varied, depending on the training and certifications the individual lifeguards hold. Some lifeguards are skilled at rendering first aid and CPR, while others expand on these basic techniques and operate epinephrine auto injector units or automated external defibrillators.

Considerations

Lifeguard training.

The American Red Cross (a link is provided in the Resources section) and other agencies offer lifeguard training and certification classes. These classes are a mix of book learning, classroom lecture and practical application of the things covered in the classroom. Moreover, the training also provides swimming classes and time testing.

Misconceptions

Junior lifeguard training.

It is a common misconception that a lifeguard must have the perfect swimming style. Instead, the lifeguard who can expect to earn certifications is the swimmer who showcases a fast, strong and enduring swimming style. Whether stroke mechanics are technically accurate or not is immaterial, as long as the lifeguard in training can show that he can safely rescue, secure and bring to shore a potential victim of an average weight---even in adverse weather conditions.

Warning

Lifeguard jumping into action.

The lifeguard who fails to check the scene for safety prior to beginning CPR puts not only the victim but also himself, bystanders, and first responders at risk. For example, a strong rip current can easily cause the lifeguard to lose his footing and drift out to sea himself; failure to check for this safety hazard may get onlookers to follow him into the water and also require rescue. Moreover, a common mistake made by novice lifeguards is to jump straight to the CPR portion of the rescue activity rather than ensuring that a bystander is calling for help from first responders.

Effects

Lifesaving exercise.

Lifeguard CPR is not only used for saving others and stabilizing them until help can arrive. Instead, there are Red Cross lifeguard competitions (a link is provided in the Resources section) in California, Florida and also Mississippi. Usually team events, the contestants must show off their skills at---among other things--relaying and CPR.

Resources

• Lifeguarding information at RedCross.org
• Information on Lifeguard competitions sponsored by the Red Cross