Facility Safety and Patron Surveillance

Weak or Non-Swimmers:Wearing a life jacket improperly

true

Effective Surveillance-Victim Recognition

-A few minutes can make the difference between life and death. -If in doubt, you should intervene and remove the person from the water immediately and provide care. -The sooner the drowning process is stopped, the better the chance for survival without permanent brain damage.

Challenges and Tactics:Water Movement and Surface Distortion

-Adjust your body position. -Be aware of the normal appearance of the bottom of the pool; know the appearance of drains, colored tiles or painted depth markings. -Search the bottom carefully.

Challenges and Tactics:Blind Spots

-Adjust your location or body position or stand up. -Search all potential blind spots: under the stand, at play features or any part of the zone.

Challenges and Tactics:Murky Water

-Adjust your location or body position. -Stay alert for high-risk activities. -Signal for additional assistance to get extra coverage for the area.

Rescue Equipment

-Aquatic facilities must have the appropriate rescue equipment available and in proper working order at all times for emergency response. -Always wear or carry a whistle, rescue tube, resuscitation mask and gloves so that they are instantly available in an emergency.

The Unprofessional Lifeguard:As a lifeguard, it is important that you know what unprofessional behaviors look like. Watch the video, then select the unprofessional behaviors the lifeguard(s) portrayed.

-Does not wear an appropriate uniform and footwear -Does not use layers of sun protection -Does not sit or stand in an alert position -Does not hold the rescue tube in the correct position

Rules and Regulations

-Each aquatic facility establishes its own set of rules and regulations. -State or local health department requires some rules and regulations, whereas others are determined by the facility itself. -Lifeguards must know and enforce all facility rules. -Rules are communicated to patrons by signage as well as verbally when lifeguards enforce the rules.

Not on Your Watch

-Emergencies in and around the water can strike at any time; the most accomplished swimmer can become a distressed swimmer or a drowning victim. -As a lifeguard, you are the last, best defense against drowning incidents. When you are on duty, your patrons deserve your undivided attention and depend on you to be trained, prepared and ready to respond. -While on duty, if you suspect that a patron is in distress or drowning, respond immediately. When in doubt, don't delay—go right away. -Seconds count when responding to a drowning. -Don't let tragedy be your teacher.

The Unprofessional Lifeguard:As a lifeguard, it is important that you know what unprofessional behaviors look like. Watch the video, then select the unprofessional behaviors the lifeguard(s) portrayed.

-Is not holding the excess strap from the rescue tube -Does not wear the appropriate equipment -Does not actively scan the pool during interaction

The Unprofessional Lifeguard:As a lifeguard, it is important that you know what unprofessional behaviors look like. Watch the video, then select the unprofessional behaviors the lifeguard(s) portrayed.

-Outgoing lifeguard does not actively scan during rotation -Outgoing lifeguard does not execute a good rotation -Outgoing lifeguard does not safely climb down ladder

Challenges and Tactics:Distraction

-Stay focused on patron surveillance. -Do not daydream, have conversations with co-workers or patrons or watch events outside of your area. -Keep patron activities safe and orderly. Signal for an additional lifeguard or supervisor if assistance is needed.

Challenges and Tactics:Monotony and Fatigue

-Stay fully engaged in what you are seeing—do not let your attention drift. -Change body position and posture periodically. -Sit upright and slightly forward. -Rotate stations. -Search; don't watch. -Request additional lifeguard coverage. -Keep hydrated, cool off and get out of the sun when on break. -Exercise during one of your breaks

Challenges and Tactics:Hot Air Temperature

-Use fans to cool the surrounding air in an indoor setting. -Stay in the shade; use umbrellas. -Cool off by getting wet during your break. -Rotate more frequently. -Stay in cooler areas during breaks. -Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Challenges and Tactics:Glare From the Sun or Overhead Lighting

-Use polarized sunglasses. -Change body position—stand up and look around and through glare spots. -Reposition your lifeguard station with permission of your supervisor.

Assisting Management:As a lifeguard, what can you do to assist management in addressing unsafe conditions?

All of the above

The Drowning Process:4-6 minutes: Brain Damage or Death

Brain damage or death can occur in as little as 4 to 6 minutes. Drowning is a continuum of events that begins when a victim's airway becomes submerged under the surface of the water. The process can be stopped, but if it is not, it will end in death.

The Unprofessional Lifeguard:As a lifeguard, it is important that you know what unprofessional behaviors look like. Watch the video, then select the unprofessional behaviors the lifeguard(s) portrayed.

Does not avoid distractions

The Drowning Process:3-4 minutes: Cardiac Arrest

Due to inadequate oxygen to body tissues, cardiac arrest may occur. This can happen in as little as 3 minutes after submerging. When you are providing care, an unconscious victim may have isolated or infrequent gasping in the absence of normal breathing, called agonal breaths. Agonal breaths can occur even after the heart has stopped beating. Normal, effective breathing is regular, quiet and effortless. Agonal breaths are not normal breathing. Care for this type of victim as though they are not breathing at all by giving ventilations and providing CPR.

Regulations that Keep You Safe:Safety Data Sheets

Each chemical has an information sheet called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which describes special precautions to take when storing or using the chemical, in addition to safety precautions needed when cleaning up chemical spills. The SDS also explains what to do should you come into contact with the chemical. These documents must be easy to find and use. Be sure to know where SDSs are kept and how to find the information.

Scanning

Effective surveillance includes scanning, a visual technique for deliberately observing patron behaviors and actively looking for signals that someone in the water needs help.

Regulations that Keep You Safe:Employees Have a Right to Know

Employees have a right to know: -Which hazardous chemicals are in the facility. -Where those chemicals are stored in the facility. -The specific dangers of those chemicals. -How to identify chemical hazards in the facility. -How to protect themselves and others from being exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Aquatic Facilities—General Rule:Dive only in designated areas and no diving in shallow water. Reason:Diving head-first in shallow water can result in injuries including head, neck and spinal injuries

Fact

Aquatic Facilities—General Rule:No glass containers in the pool area or locker rooms. Reason:Broken glass poses several dangers, including bleeding injuries and exposure to infectious body fluids.

Fact

Aquatic Facilities—General Rule:No running, pushing or rough play. Reason:Running, pushing and rough play could cause injury.

Fact

Aquatic Facilities—General Rule:Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Reason:There are inherent risks in aquatic environments, and lifeguards are trained to respond to aquatic emergencies. Statistics indicate that survival rates after emergencies are higher in areas where lifeguards are present.

Fact

Diving Areas Rule:Dive or jump forward, straight out from the diving board. Reason:The areas to each side of the diving board must remain clear to prevent injury. Jumping to the side could result in striking the side of the pool or colliding with another patron.

Fact

Diving Areas Rule:Only one patron on the diving board at a time. Reason:By maintaining orderly use of the diving board, such as allowing only one patron on the diving board itself and one patron on the ladder at a time, lifeguards help to create a safer environment.

Fact

Diving Areas Rule:Swim immediately to the closest ladder or wall. Reason:Clearing the area immediately allows the next patron a clear zone in which to dive.

Fact

Spas, Hot Tubs and Therapy Pools Rule: Limit time in the spa to 10 minutes. Patrons then may shower, cool down and return briefly. Reason:A prolonged stay in the hot tub can cause the internal body temperature to elevate to a range that can result in nausea, dizziness, fainting or hyperthermia.

Fact

Spas, Hot Tubs and Therapy Pools Rule:Pregnant women and young children should seek their doctor's approval before using a spa or hot tub. Reason:The potential for hyperthermia is a danger for pregnant women and young children because they are less able to tolerate heat.

Fact

Spas, Hot Tubs and Therapy Pools Rule:Shower with soap and water before entering the water. Reason:The temperature of the hot tub creates an environment where germs can thrive. Washing with soap and water can help keep the hot tub clean and safe for all.

Fact

Waterfront Facilities Rule: No umbrellas at the waterline. Reason: Beach umbrellas positioned close to the shoreline may obstruct the view of the lifeguard.

Fact

Waterfront Facilities Rule:No fishing near swimming areas. Reason:Fishing hooks and tackle left in swimming areas can present a risk of injury.

Fact

Waterfront Facilities Rule:No swimming in unauthorized areas. Reason:Unauthorized areas are not protected by lifeguards and may have hidden hazards, such as underwater obstructions. Watercraft could be present in unauthorized areas, posing a danger to swimmers.

Fact

Waterpark Facilities, including Winding Rivers and Waterslides Rule:Designated age, height or weight requirements for using an attraction. Reason:Age, height or weight requirements are designated to help ensure that patrons can safely enjoy the attraction.

Fact

Waterpark Facilities, including Winding Rivers and Waterslides Rule:No metal objects, locker keys, jewelry, metal snaps/zippers, eyewear or watches, including metal rivets, buttons or fasteners on swimsuits or shorts. Reason:These items can injure the person riding the waterslide. Sharp objects can scratch or gouge the waterslide, causing rough edges that could hurt others using the slide.

Fact

Waterpark Facilities, including Winding Rivers and Waterslides Rule:No running, stopping, standing, kneeling, rotating or tumbling on the slides. Reason:These behaviors can cause a patron to become more disoriented when riding in the slide or entering the catch pool, creating the potential for injury.

Fact

Aquatic Facilities—General Rule:No alcoholic beverages or other drug use allowed. Reason:The use of alcohol and drugs is illegal at an aquatic facility.

Fiction

Diving Areas Rule:Only one bounce allowed on the diving board. Reason:Multiple bounces can damage the board and result in it malfunctioning, which can cause injury to patrons.

Fiction

Diving Areas Rule:Patrons must demonstrate their swimming ability before entering deep water. Reason:Weak swimmers can disrupt the activities of more experienced swimmers trying to exercise in deep water.

Fiction

Spas, Hot Tubs and Therapy Pools Rule:Do not allow anyone to sit or play near the drain or suction fittings. Reason:If the drain is blocked for an extended period of time, excess water could cause the hot tub or therapy pool to overflow.

Fiction

Spas, Hot Tubs and Therapy Pools Rule:People with certain medical conditions are not allowed to use the spa or hot tub. Reason:The water chemistry is dangerous for different conditions.

Fiction

Waterfront Facilities Rule:No playing or swimming under piers, rafts, platforms or play structures. Reason: These areas are not included in the lifeguard zone and therefore patrons will not be protected by a lifeguard.

Fiction

Waterfront Facilities Rule:No running and diving head-first into shallow water. Reason:Diving head-first in shallow water could result in a collision with another patron.

Fiction

Waterpark Facilities, including Winding Rivers and Waterslides Rule:Enter and exit the winding river only at designated places. Reason:Lifeguards need to account for every person that enters the winding river as they move from station to station.

Fiction

Waterpark Facilities, including Winding Rivers and Waterslides Rule:Stay in tubes at all times. Reason:Stray tubes can effect the flow of water.

Fiction

Safety Check: You are conducting an opening facility check and you find a loose bolt on a pool ladder. What should you do?

Fix the problem by seeing that the bolt is tightened properly, then document and report the loose bolt

Equipment Check:You are getting ready to start your shift. As you check your hip pack, you notice that you only have resuscitation masks. What are you missing?

Gloves

Challenges and Tactics:Patron Loads

High Patron Loads: -Stand up frequently. -Signal for additional assistance to get extra coverage for your area. Low Patron Loads: -Change body position and posture frequently. -Change to a ground-level station, if appropriate.

Weather Conditions:Caught Outside in a Thunderstorm

If caught outside in a thunderstorm and there is not enough time to reach a safe building: -Keep away from tall trees standing alone and any tall structures. -Keep away from water and metal objects. -Keep as low to the ground as possible but do not lie on the ground: squat or crouch with the knees drawn up, both feet together and hands off the ground.

Consequences of Unprofessional Behavior:How might unprofessional behaviors prevent lifeguards from fulfilling their responsibilities?

If lifeguards are not alert, equipped or ready, they might not be able to recognize or safely respond to an emergency

Weather Conditions:Thunder and Lightning (Continued)

If thunder or lightning occur: -Keep patrons and staff out of showers and locker rooms during a thunderstorm as water and metal can conduct electricity. -Do not use a telephone connected to a landline except in an emergency. -Keep everyone away from windows and metal objects. -Watch for more storms and monitor weather reports on a radio or TV broadcast, weather radio or website. -The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends waiting 30 minutes after the last lightning sighting or sound of thunder before resuming activities.

Facility Safety and Patron Surveillance

Lifeguards are required to: Prevent injuries by conducting safety inspections of the facility, the water, equipment and attractions. Recognize and respond to the changing water and weather conditions that can occur. Work with management and other lifeguards to create and maintain a safe aquatic facility that provides safe experiences for all.

Management and Facility Safety

Management is responsible for: -Creating, reviewing and revising facility policies and procedures, rules and regulations and emergency action plans (EAPs) as needed. -Addressing unsafe conditions. -Complying with federal, state and local laws and regulations for facility operations and employment. -Maintaining records regarding the facility and its employees. -Assisting after an emergency. -Conducting drills to test zones. -Clearly identifying and posting zones. -Ensuring that the size and shape of zones and lifeguard stations are appropriate.

Surveillance and Victim Recognition

Patrons of all ages and skill levels can become victims very quickly. Effective surveillance involves not only recognizing behaviors or situations that might lead to life-threatening emergencies, but also taking effective action to modify behavior or control the situation.

The Drowning Process:1.5-2 minutes: Resuscitation

No two drowning situations are alike. There are intervening variables that can affect the outcome, including any underlying medical conditions of the victim and the time until advance medical care intervenes. However, in general, giving ventilations often will resuscitate the victim if they are given within 1.5 to 2 minutes of submerging.

Weather Conditions:Other Weather Conditions

Other weather conditions, such as fog, wind or heavy rain, also may cause safety concerns. Clear the pool or waterfront if visibility is impaired by waves or increased turbidity. In the event of a power failure, you should clear the pool because circulation and filtration of pool water will not be possible. If weather conditions cause safety concerns, you also should clear the deck.

Understanding Drowning:What does an understanding of the drowning process mean for you as a lifeguard?

Practicing emergency care skills frequently and staying alert to recognize the signs of drowning will allow you to respond quickly and with confidence in an emergency

Federal, State and Local Regulations

Regulations that affect your facility: -Lifeguard certification requirements -Facility design and safety features -Pool capacities -Staff training requirements and lifeguard competencies -Ratio of lifeguards to patrons -Water sanitation procedures -First aid equipment and supplies -Lifeguarding equipment -Diving depths

Searching v. Watching:What is the difference between searching and watching?

Searching is deliberate and proactive and requires that your mind is alert. Watching is passive and reactive.

Distraction from Patron Surveillance:While conducting patron surveillance, a patron, who has just exited from the locker and shower area, tells you that there is spilled shampoo in the locker room and the floor is very slippery. How should you respond?

Thank you for brining that to my attention. Which locker room is it in and what is the exact location of the spill? Ill have someone clean it up right away

Regulations that Keep You Safe:Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is an OSHA regulation designed to reduce the risk of disease transmission while on the job.Your employer must provide an exposure control plan to help protect employees from being exposed to disease-causing bacteria and viruses, called bloodborne pathogens, and instruct employees about what to do if an exposure occurs.

Regulations that Keep You Safe:OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes regulations designed to keep employees safe while on the job.The purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard is to inform and protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

The Drowning Process:0-5 seconds: Submersion

The process of drowning begins when water enters the victim's airway. This causes involuntary breath-holding and then laryngospasm (a sudden closure of the larynx or windpipe). When this occurs, air cannot reach the lungs. During this time, the victim is unable to breathe but may swallow large quantities of water into the stomach. As oxygen levels are reduced, the laryngospasm begins to subside and the victim may gasp for air but instead inhales water into the lungs.

Hip Pack:Why should you wear the hip pack at all times, whether or not you are on surveillance duty?

To be prepared to respond to an emergency at all times

Weather conditions:Thunder and Lightning

You will need to know and follow facility procedures to clear patrons from the water and deck before an impending storm. If thunder or lightning occur, clear everyone from the water at the first sound of thunder or first sight of lightning. -If you are in an elevated station, get down immediately. -Move everyone to a safe area free from contact with water, plumbing or electrical circuits. -For outdoor facilities, move everyone inside, if possible.

Weak or Non-Swimmers:Being beyond arm's reach of a supervising adult, even if wearing inflatable water wings or swim rings

true

Weak or Non-Swimmers:Bobbing in or near water over their head

true

Weak or Non-Swimmers:Clinging to something or struggling to grab something to stay afloat

true

Weak or Non-Swimmers:Hand-over-hand wall crawling

true

Effective Scanning I:Focus only on non-swimmers or weak swimmers.

false

Effective Scanning I:Keep your head still while scanning with your eyes to remain oriented.

false

Effective Scanning II:Keep an eye out for activity outside of your zone as well as in it.

false

Instinctive Drowning Responses:Appears to be doing doggy paddle.

false

Instinctive Drowning Responses:Floating, sculling or treading water.

false

Signs of Distress:Appears to be doing doggy paddle.

false

Signs of Distress:Unable to call for help.

false

Skilled Swimmers:Being beyond arm's reach of a supervising adult, even if wearing inflatable water wings or swim rings

false

Skilled Swimmers:Hand-over-hand wall crawling

false

Effective Scanning I: Search all areas of your zone; in and under the water.

true

Effective Scanning I:Deliberately and actively search your zone continuously for behaviors that signal that a swimmer needs help.

true

Effective Scanning I:Know what to look for to determine if a victim is in trouble in the water.

true

Effective Scanning II:Maintain an active, rescue-ready posture; actively search your zone, don't just watch.

true

Effective Scanning II:Move your eyes and head while scanning and look directly at the patron's body movements.

true

Effective Scanning II:Scan zones continuously, scanning from point to point thoroughly.

true

Effective Scanning II:Stay alert, attentive and focused.

true

Instinctive Drowning Responses:Has a vertical body position in the water with no supporting kick.

true

Instinctive Drowning Responses:Has arms extended to the side or in front, pressing down for support.

true

Instinctive Drowning Responses:May not be able to call out for help as their efforts are focused on getting a breath.

true

Instinctive Drowning Responses:Struggles to keep the face above water in an effort to breathe.

true

Passive Drowning Victims:Hypothermia

true

Passive Drowning Victims:Lack of timely rescue of an active victim

true

Signs of Distress:Able to call for help.

true

Signs of Distress:Able to keep their face out of the water.

true

Signs of Distress:Floating, sculling or treading water.

true

Signs of Distress:Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal body position, depending on what the person is using for support.

true

Skilled Swimmers:Breath-holding or swimming underwater for an extended period of time

true

Skilled Swimmers:Experiencing a medical emergency, such as a sudden illness

true

Skilled Swimmers:Participating in a high-risk/high-impact activity, such as diving

true