Tag: lifeguard omaha

Building Lifesavers Early: The Power and Purpose of Junior Lifeguard Programs

Building Lifesavers Early: The Power and Purpose of Junior Lifeguard Programs

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Every summer, beaches and pools bustle with activity, and while most eyes are on the water, some of the most important lessons are happening right beside it—within Junior Lifeguard programs. These programs, often overlooked, are more than just summer activities. They’re essential training grounds that instill confidence, responsibility, and lifesaving skills in youth as young as 9 years old.

What is a Junior Lifeguard Program?

Junior Lifeguard programs are designed to introduce kids and teens to the fundamentals of water safety, first aid, rescue techniques, and physical fitness. These programs mimic the structure and expectations of professional lifeguard training but are tailored to the developmental level of younger participants.

While they don’t certify participants as professional lifeguards, they lay a strong foundation for future certification and, more importantly, foster critical life skills.

Why Junior Lifeguard Programs Matter

1. Early Water Safety Education Saves Lives

According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death among children. By learning rescue techniques, CPR, and how to respond in emergencies, Junior Lifeguards become part of a proactive solution—often preventing incidents before they escalate.

2. Confidence and Leadership Development

From day one, junior lifeguards are given real responsibilities—monitoring mock rescues, communicating with peers, and even mentoring newer recruits. These experiences build self-esteem and leadership skills that carry over into school, sports, and social life.

3. Physical Fitness in a Purpose-Driven Environment

Instead of just swimming laps, kids train for a reason. They work on strength, endurance, and coordination—all through engaging drills that simulate real-life scenarios. This not only improves physical health but also builds discipline and perseverance.

4. Teamwork and Communication Skills

Junior Lifeguards quickly learn that rescues aren’t solo efforts. They train in teams, practicing how to support each other in high-pressure situations. Clear communication, quick thinking, and collaboration become second nature—skills that benefit them far beyond the water.

5. Pathway to Lifeguard Certification and Jobs

For many, this program is the first step toward becoming a certified lifeguard. Many aquatic centers, beaches, and camps look favorably on applicants who participated in a Junior Lifeguard program, giving them a head start in summer employment opportunities.

More Than Just a Summer Program

The best Junior Lifeguard programs go beyond drills and technique—they create a community. Participants often form tight bonds, gain lifelong mentors, and develop a deep respect for public service. Whether they pursue lifeguarding professionally or not, graduates walk away more prepared to protect themselves and others in and around the water.

Final Thoughts

Junior Lifeguard programs are investments in the safety, health, and development of our youth. They empower kids to act with confidence in emergencies, develop strong character, and take on challenges with courage and competence. In a world where preparedness saves lives, there’s hardly a more valuable way to spend the summer.

Here are a couple templates you can use to get started!

Curriculum 1

Curriculum 2

How to Help Someone Having a Diabetic Emergency

How to Help Someone Having a Diabetic Emergency

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For a diabetic emergency, particularly when someone is experiencing either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), the following steps can be taken:

  1. Assess the Situation: Approach the person calmly and assess the situation. Determine if the person is conscious and responsive.
  2. Check Blood Sugar Levels: If the person is conscious and able to communicate, ask if they have a glucose meter and if they have checked their blood sugar levels recently. If not, and if you have access to a glucose meter, you may check their blood sugar level if they consent.
  3. Recognize Symptoms:
    • Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, sweating, weakness, trembling, irritability, or loss of consciousness.
    • Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar): Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, fruity-smelling breath, nausea, vomiting, or confusion.
  4. If Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):
    • Give them a fast-acting carbohydrate source immediately, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, honey, or sugar candies.
    • Avoid foods with fat as they can delay the absorption of sugar.
    • Recheck their blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it remains low, repeat the treatment.
  5. If Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar):
    • Encourage the person to drink water to stay hydrated.
    • Monitor their condition closely. If they have high blood sugar levels and exhibit symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes, seek medical help immediately.
  6. Stay with the Person: Monitor their condition closely. If they become unconscious, call emergency services immediately.
  7. Seek Medical Help if Necessary: If the person’s condition doesn’t improve or if they lose consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
  8. Provide Support: Offer reassurance and support to the person throughout the process.

Remember, it’s crucial to act promptly and seek medical assistance if needed, especially if the person is unconscious or if their condition doesn’t improve with initial treatment. If you’re unsure about the appropriate steps to take, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical help. Being familiar with first aid is an essential part of being a lifeguard. Be sure to review regularly!

Does Staff Recognition Matter?

Does Staff Recognition Matter?

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Employee recognition is important for several reasons:

  1. Morale Boost: Recognizing employees for their hard work and achievements boosts morale and motivation. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their jobs and remain engaged in their work.
  2. Retention: Acknowledging employees’ contributions helps in retaining top talent. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
  3. Productivity: Recognized employees tend to be more productive. Positive reinforcement reinforces desirable behaviors and encourages employees to continue performing at their best.
  4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Recognizing individual contributions also fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration. When employees see their efforts being acknowledged, they are more likely to support and appreciate the contributions of their colleagues.
  5. Organizational Culture: Employee recognition contributes to building a positive organizational culture. It sends a message that hard work and dedication are valued, which can lead to increased loyalty and a stronger sense of belonging among employees.
  6. Innovation: Recognizing employees encourages them to think creatively and innovate. When employees feel supported and appreciated, they are more likely to take risks and contribute new ideas to the organization.

Overall, employee recognition is essential for creating a supportive and rewarding work environment that promotes employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall success. To help jump start your lifeguard recognition program, we have included a template for a lifeguard of the month program here.

Physical Fitness for Lifeguards

Physical Fitness for Lifeguards

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Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and patrons in the water, and physical fitness is an essential component of their job. A fit and healthy lifeguard will be better equipped to respond to emergencies and perform the physically demanding tasks required of the job.  Here are some examples of fitness training that can be beneficial for lifeguards:

  • Cardiovascular training: This can include activities such as running, swimming, cycling, or rowing to improve cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness.
  • Strength training: This can include exercises such as weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance training to improve overall strength and endurance.
  • Flexibility training: This can include exercises such as yoga, stretching, and Pilates to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
  • Agility and balance training: This can include exercises such as plyometrics, balance exercises, and obstacle courses to improve agility and balance.
  • Rescue training: This can include training in swimming and rescue techniques, as well as training in the use of rescue equipment such as tubes, spinal boards, and AEDs.
  • First aid and CPR training: This is an essential component of a lifeguard’s job and must be kept up to date.

It’s important for lifeguards to maintain a consistent fitness training regimen, both during the off-season and during the swimming season. Regular fitness training can help lifeguards to perform their duties effectively and safely, and can also help to prevent injuries. 

It’s also important to note that a lifeguard’s fitness level should be appropriate for the specific position and facility where they work, and should be in compliance with the regulations and standards of the facility and the state/country.

Current pre-screen requirements for lifeguard certification may not meet physical fitness requirements to be a lifeguard. Based on current guidelines, it is suggested to evaluate lifeguard fitness levels every 10-12 weeks(1).  The fitness test should match or exceed the physical exertion a lifeguard will experience in an emergency at your facility.  Below are some basic criteria. We have also created a template that can be used to create your own assessment that can be found here:

  • Approach the victim swiftly and efficiently.
  • Descending to the deepest area of the location (not exceeding 20 feet).
  • Retrieving the victim (an adult submersible manikin or equivalent).
  • Returning the victim to safety.
  • Safely transferring the victim (with assistance from other staff if outlined in the specific venue’s emergency action plan) to a designated area accessible for emergency medical services.
  • Administering CPR for a duration of 9 minutes (based on the average US response time) or the documented response time of the venue, whichever is shorter.

Notes:

  • The sequence above should be done in a continuous uninterrupted sequence. 
  • If your facility does not have a manikin, replace the CPR with a 400-yard swim.  That should be comparable enough to 9 minutes of CPR.

References

1. Consensus of the United State Lifeguard Standards Coalition. United States Lifeguard Standards. United State Lifeguard Standards Coalition. [Online] January 2011. http://www.lifeguardstandards.org/.

In-Water Ventilations

In-Water Ventilations

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Quickly providing care to a victim who is in respiratory or cardiac arrest is very important. Allowing too much time to pass before care is provided can make the difference if a victim survives respiratory and cardiac arrest.  As a result, we have included in a skill to provide ventilations in the water prior to removing a victim.  This is included based on guidelines from the 2011 United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition and advocated by many lifeguard programs.

With that stated, the 2011 USLSC clearly states the survival rate is increased in open water settings.  The studies cited advocating in-water ventilations were conducted in open-water settings where victims were minutes away from shore.  No research has been shown (or done that we can find) to show in-water ventilations improves outcomes for drowning victims in swimming pools.  If a facility is operating within the standard of care and has sufficient staff trained to properly remove a victim from the water, we cannot see the time spent providing in-water ventilations vs removing a victim and providing care to have a meaningful improved outcome.  This makes the skill unnecessary in a pool setting.  Care can certainly be provided more effectively on land-especially for CPR and airway management. 

A more updated review of in-water ventilations, as well as, other resuscitation interventions for drownings, have found the efficacy of in-water ventilations to be inconclusive.  In fact, the study most cited by advocates of the skill from Brazil “was assessed as providing very low certainty evidence.”

This skill is optional for the certified course, but is included to allow aquatics managers to use the skill for in-service training if they decide it is necessary.  We certainly understand the need for this skill in an open water environment.  However, without corroborating research, this may not be the case in a swimming pool or water park facility-assuming the facility is operating at a high level and has adequate staff trained on how to remove a victim from the water.

Advice for Treating Burns

Advice for Treating Burns

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Treating burns properly is essential to promote healing, reduce pain, and prevent infection. Here’s some of the best advice for treating burns:

  1. Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes, or until the pain subsides. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as this can further damage the skin.
  2. Remove tight clothing and jewelry: If clothing or jewelry is not stuck to the burn, remove it to prevent constriction and allow for proper cooling and healing.
  3. Protect the burn: Once the burn has been cooled, cover it with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing or clean cloth to protect it from friction and infection. Avoid using cotton balls or fluffy material, as these can stick to the wound.
  4. Avoid popping blisters: If blisters form, do not pop them. Blisters act as a natural barrier against infection. Popping them increases the risk of infection and delays healing.
  5. Use pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with burns. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.
  6. Seek medical attention for severe burns: If the burn is severe (large, deep, or covering a sensitive area like the face, hands, feet, or genitals), or if it is accompanied by symptoms like fever, chills, or signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately.
  7. Do not use butter, oil, or toothpaste: Despite common misconceptions, these substances can actually trap heat and bacteria, worsening the burn and increasing the risk of infection.
  8. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body recover from the burn and maintain proper hydration levels.
  9. Follow up with a healthcare professional: If you have any concerns about the burn or if it’s not healing properly, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Remember, the severity of a burn can vary, so it’s important to assess each burn individually and seek appropriate medical care if necessary.

How to Create a First Aid Kit for your Facility

How to Create a First Aid Kit for your Facility

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Creating a first aid kit for lifeguards involves assembling essential supplies to address common injuries and emergencies encountered in aquatic environments. It’s crucial to adhere to local regulations as they may specify specific requirements for lifeguard first aid kits. Here’s a general guideline:

  1. Waterproof Container: Choose a durable, waterproof container to hold all the first aid supplies. This ensures that the contents remain dry and accessible during emergencies.
  2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Disposable gloves
    • CPR mask with one-way valve
  3. Wound Care:
    • Sterile gauze pads of various sizes
    • Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
    • Sterile adhesive tape
    • Antiseptic wipes or solution for wound cleaning
    • Hydrogel or burn gel for minor burns
    • Sterile saline solution for irrigation
  4. Medications:
    • Aspirin or other pain relievers (check local regulations)
    • Antihistamines for allergic reactions
    • EpiPen (if permitted and necessary)
  5. Trauma Supplies:
    • Trauma shears
    • Triangular bandages for splinting or slings
    • Roller bandages for compression
    • Splinting materials (e.g., SAM splints)
    • Instant cold packs for sprains or strains
  6. Rescue Equipment:
    • Whistle for signaling
    • Lifeguard rescue tube or buoy
    • Backboard (if required by regulations)
    • AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if required and available
  7. Documentation:
    • First aid manual or guidebook
    • Incident report forms as per local regulations
    • Contact information for emergency services and medical facilities
  8. Water Safety Equipment:
    • Lifeguard fanny pack or belt pouch for easy access to essentials
    • Floatation devices (depending on the setting)
    • Reaching pole or rescue hook
  9. Sun Protection:
    • Sunscreen with a high SPF
    • Lip balm with SPF
  10. Hydration and Nutrition:
    • Bottled water or hydration packs
    • High-energy snacks (e.g., granola bars)

Ensure that all items are regularly checked and replenished, and that lifeguards are trained in first aid procedures. Additionally, consult with local authorities or regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with any specific regulations governing lifeguard first aid kits in your area.