June 2017 - Lifeguard University

I have visited a few pools this summer. One thing that always strikes me as odd is how often there is no lifeguard presence during rest breaks. I firmly believe this is a HUGE mistake. When customers are told the facility provides lifeguards, that means the whole time-not 45-50 minutes of an hour.

Over the past few weeks (during rest breaks), I have observed small children swimming on their own and people throwing each other into the pool. All while there is no lifeguard on the pool deck to intervene. A good practice is to have a supervisor observe the pool during rest breaks.

While on the topic, are rest breaks required? The simple answer is not in most areas. We cannot figure out where or how rest breaks started. It is one of those things that are now legend and nobody can remember how rest breaks came to be. Some reasons we have heard include:

Allow time for kids to use the restroom and prevent water borne illnesses
Gives small children time to rest
A chance for kids to re-hydrate and not drink the pool water
To give lifeguards a break
Present a time to put on sun screen.
So pools can sell concessions

Whatever the reason you choose to have rest breaks, a lifeguard still should be watching the pool at all times!

This week, I came across a pool that had a lifeguard station in the shallow end of the pool-even though there was an elevated station positioned perfectly for the lifeguard to see her entire coverage area. The lifeguard had her back to the rest of the pool while observing about 20 people (mostly children). The general use for an in-water lifeguard station is for catch pools at the bottom of water slides. I have seen it used with other applications effectively, but this is not one of those times. Let’s discuss a few reasons why:

The lifeguard limited her visibility by being in the water instead of in an elevated station above the water.
There was a portion of her area of responsibility she could not fully see (stairs used as an entrance and exit for the shallow end of the pool.
Patrons regularly obstructed her view so she could not effectively scan her whole area.
She would turn her back to half the area she was supposed to be watching while she paced.

All in all, it was a poor use of a lifeguard.

Below is an excerpt from the Lifeguard University Lifeguard Manual about lifeguard stations:

Lifeguard Stations

To provide proper surveillance, lifeguards MUST be able to see their entire area of responsibility. There are different types of stations used to ensure that lifeguards can not only see their entire area, but also enforce rules and are able to engage patrons that need assistance.

Elevated Station

Generally, an elevated station is the best way to maintain the best surveillance of pool patrons. It provides a clear view of the area and allows a lifeguard to observe a large area. A common mistake lifeguards make is forgetting to scan the area of the pool directly below their station.

Ground Station

Similar to an elevated station, a ground station is a set point for lifeguards to maintain patron surveillance. A ground station does not allow the same range of visibility, but does allow lifeguards the ability to enforce rules and make assists easier.

Roving

A lifeguard may be assigned a roving station that allows the lifeguard to move between two or more fixed points. It allows similar advantages as a ground station; with the added benefit of the lifeguard being able to move position based on the surveillance needs of the pool.

Notes:

A lifeguard should not have an area of responsibility greater than a 180-degree viewing area. In short, a lifeguard should not have to turn their body to observe their area or have to look behind them to scan.
It should take no more than 20 seconds for a lifeguard to reach a victim. Lifeguard stations should be planned accordingly.