#lifeguard training

[americanlifeguard]

How Severe Winter Weather Can Contribute to the Lifeguard Shortage in the Summer

The lifeguard shortage during the summer months is a growing concern for aquatic facilities, pools, and beaches nationwide. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) recognizes the critical need for proactive planning to address this issue and is deeply committed to promoting early certification and training initiatives. While various factors contribute to the shortage, severe winter weather plays a significant role by affecting forward planning and reducing interest in lifeguard certification during the off-season. Below, we explore how harsh winter conditions impact recruitment and preparedness, ultimately leading to a shortage of qualified lifeguards when demand peaks.

1. Lack of Forward Planning Due to Seasonal Disconnect

Winter, with its cold temperatures and snow-covered landscapes, creates a disconnect from summer activities. During this time, the idea of lifeguarding rarely crosses the minds of potential candidates. Unlike summer, when water-related activities remind people of the importance of lifeguards, winter offers no visual or mental cues to think ahead about seasonal employment. Severe weather conditions amplify this disconnect, leaving pools and aquatic facilities struggling to recruit and prepare lifeguards in time for the summer.

2. Recruitment Challenges During the Winter Months

Recruitment efforts for lifeguards often begin in the winter to ensure adequate staffing for summer. However, severe weather can hinder these efforts. Events such as job fairs or outreach campaigns may face low turnout as individuals stay home during snowstorms or extreme cold. Even digital outreach may fall flat, as potential applicants are less inclined to think about summer jobs in the middle of winter. This seasonal disinterest, combined with logistical challenges, makes it harder for organizations to attract candidates.

3. Missed Opportunities for Early Certification

Winter months often provide a critical opportunity for individuals to get certified ahead of the busy summer season. Certification programs and grants are commonly available during this time to encourage early enrollment. However, severe weather and the overall focus on immediate winter-related concerns, such as holiday preparations or dealing with storms, can deter candidates from pursuing these opportunities. This leads to a bottleneck in the spring, as aspiring lifeguards rush to complete their certifications just before summer begins.

4. A Seasonal Mindset

The perception of lifeguarding as a summer-only job exacerbates the issue. Severe winter weather reinforces this seasonal mindset, as people associate lifeguarding with warm, sunny days. This limits interest and recruitment during the colder months when individuals are more focused on winter activities or other types of employment. As a result, lifeguard recruitment becomes reactive rather than proactive, with organizations scrambling to fill positions as summer approaches.

5. Impact on Lifeguard Retention

Severe winter weather can also indirectly affect lifeguard retention. Experienced lifeguards may delay renewing their certifications, considering it less urgent during the winter months. By the time spring arrives, some may have moved on to other commitments, further contributing to the summer shortage.

Conclusion

The American Lifeguard Association plays a pivotal role in addressing lifeguard shortages by promoting early certification, offering flexible training options, and raising awareness about the importance of year-round preparedness. Through its influence, the ALA helps aquatic facilities and communities recognize the need for proactive measures, such as early recruitment campaigns and financial incentives, to counteract the challenges posed by severe winter weather. By tackling these issues, the ALA and other organizations can mitigate the impact of winter on lifeguard staffing and ensure a safer and more enjoyable summer for everyone.

[lifeguardvienna]

Guardians of Safety: The Crucial World of Lifeguard Certification

In the realm of aquatic safety, lifeguards stand as silent sentinels, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Their role is not just a job; it's a responsibility that demands rigorous training and certification. Lifeguard certification is a vital component in ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers, and it goes far beyond the stereotypical image of a tan, whistle-blowing figure lounging in a lifeguard chair.

The Importance of Lifeguard Certification: Beyond the Baywatch Image

Lifeguard certification is a comprehensive process designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to aquatic emergencies. It's not merely about swimming proficiency or looking the part; it's about being a well-trained professional capable of handling a spectrum of situations.

Comprehensive Training Modules:

Lifeguard certification programs cover an array of crucial topics. From CPR and first aid to water rescue techniques, lifeguards undergo intensive training to prepare for the unexpected. Understanding the dynamics of water, recognizing potential hazards, and developing swift decision-making skills are essential components of the curriculum.

CPR and First Aid Proficiency:

One of the core elements of lifeguard certification is proficiency in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. These skills are not only valuable in aquatic settings but are life-saving abilities that extend beyond the pool or beach. Lifeguards become certified first responders, capable of providing immediate care until professional medical help arrives.

Water Rescue Techniques:

Lifeguards are trained in a variety of water rescue techniques, ranging from simple assists to more complex maneuvers. They learn to navigate different water conditions, understand rip currents, and execute rescue strategies with precision. This training ensures that lifeguards are well-prepared to handle diverse scenarios, from rescuing a struggling swimmer to responding to more critical situations.

The Lifeguard Certification Process: From Novice to Guardian

Prerequisites and Eligibility:

Before diving into lifeguard certification, individuals must meet certain prerequisites. These may include a minimum age requirement, a demonstrated proficiency in swimming, and sometimes even pre-course evaluations. These prerequisites ensure that candidates have a foundational understanding of water safety before commencing the certification process.

Lifeguard Training Courses:

The certification journey typically begins with a comprehensive training course offered by accredited organizations such as the American Lifeguard Association. These courses blend theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, creating a well-rounded learning experience.

Written Examinations:

Lifeguard certification often involves written examinations to assess candidates' understanding of the theoretical aspects of water safety. This may cover topics such as the physiology of drowning, the importance of teamwork in rescues, and the legal responsibilities of a lifeguard.

Practical Assessments:

Practical assessments are a cornerstone of lifeguard certification. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to apply learned skills in simulated rescue scenarios. This includes executing proper CPR techniques, demonstrating effective water rescues, and showcasing their proficiency in first aid.

Maintaining Lifeguard Certification: A Continuous Commitment

Achieving lifeguard certification is not the end of the journey; it's the beginning of a commitment to ongoing training and skill development. Lifeguards must regularly undergo refresher courses to stay abreast of the latest techniques and advancements in water safety. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that lifeguards remain vigilant, responsive, and ready to face any challenges that may arise.

The Lifeguard's Role in Community Safety: Beyond the Poolside

Lifeguards play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of safety within communities. Their expertise extends beyond the confines of swimming pools and beaches; they become advocates for water safety education. Certified lifeguards often engage in community outreach programs, educating individuals on the importance of swimming lessons, the dangers of water-related activities, and the significance of adult supervision.

Conclusion: Lifeguard Certification – More Than a Badge, It's a Lifesaving Commitment

In conclusion, lifeguard certification is a multifaceted process that transforms individuals into guardians of safety. Beyond the iconic swimsuit and whistle, certified lifeguards are trained professionals with a profound understanding of water safety. Their commitment to continuous learning and community engagement makes them instrumental in preventing water-related accidents and fostering a culture of safety. The next time you see a lifeguard on duty, remember that behind the watchful eyes and poised stance lies a certified individual dedicated to ensuring that your day at the pool or beach is not just enjoyable but, most importantly, safe.

[dont-look-me-in-the-eye]

YOOOOOOOOO I PASSED MY BRONZE CROSS EXAM LET’S GO 😎

[stuck-in-jelly]

I like to think the comment Soren makes about swimming in armor again comes from that time he was still giving games challenges to Corvus.

They are walking by the docks just chatting as normal when Soren gets a genius idea! He turns to Corvus with a wide grin, punching his fist against his hand, a gesture Corvus knows well at this point to be an opening for a challenge.

Soren says, “First one to swim and touch that rock over there and swim back to the dock wins!”

Corvus raises an eyebrow but decides sure whatever its been a while since he got a good swim in anyways and Soren seems excited to get into the water.

But before he could even unlatch the first hook of his shoulder plate Soren dives head first into the water: armor, sword, cape, and all.

Corvus had to drag him out of the water and back to land.

By proxy he won that challenge AND some teasing rights.

[koukouture]

I saw someone somewhere say that not all the Aphrodite kids are “conventionally” attractive AND I WILL STAND BY THAT!!!!

Because yes!!! They’re not all white and skinny there’s gotta be some variety. They’re the children of the goddess of love and beauty, self love is a given. Confidence makes the most beautiful people.

Like even if some of them have braces or acne or whatever, I know they’re all beautiful and charming like it’s the vibes you know? People try so hard to make braces seem awkward but some of the prettiest girls I know have braces and they LOVE to laugh and show them off.

I also just know the Aphrodite boys are ACTUALLY CLEAN. They all actually wear chapstick, put on deodorant, brush their teeth and T A K E B A T H S. Nothing is more attractive than a man that actually washes his ass let me tell you.

What makes all the Aphrodite kids beautiful is that they’re all confident, there’s no way all of them have pretty baby blues or the metabolism of fucking cheetahs. And I just know they’re supportive like come on. Hot bitches don’t gate keep

[tora-the-cat]

Hey uh. Toritsuka Reita is CPR certified she told me herself. Btw

[serenhob]

Cpr

In Romance novels I've noticed the Cpr trope a bunch of times (mc/lo perform Cpr on mc/lo and they kiss or indirectly kiss I guess) and its relatively harmless BUT sometimes they will have the character giving Cpr being a professional (think lifeguard or firefighter or whatever) and that's where it loses me.

Life breaths are no longer allowed (except if you're a lifeguard/coastguard but I'll get to that) because of potential diseases from saliva etc. Normally people have this weird tube

Which they shove down the unconscious persons throat to open the airway (unconscious people don't have a gag reglex which is why they can) and then they attach it (or use on its own) this device

Which they fill with air and squeeze the bag on the end to pump air into the persons body (you can't put too much air in the bag or the persons lungs will pop, extra tip if you need to do cpr on a baby you loosely fill your cheeks with air and puff with that cause if you don't you will pop the babies lungs and do chest compressions with two fingers)

The only time anyone would do life breaths depends on two conditions:

They don't have access to this other equipment

The person is directly related to them or are a child

I mentioned life guards were an exception. Life guards can do life breaths but they must be through the nose. Which was really weird pantomiming on the cpr doll.

Anyway, thanks for reading and please 🙏 if your character is a professional don't make then do life breaths.

[foreverfitnesspositivity]

RLSS UK Lifeguard Training - Qualifying for a NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification)

The NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) is the most widely recognised lifeguard qualification in the UK. Successfully completing this course will qualify you to work as a Pool Lifeguard.

So why do I want this qualification? Well it is recognised worldwide and you can add modules to this just like any other fitness qualification to widen your knowledge and to work anywhere in the world.

The course is strenuous, physically and mentally demanding. You have to be physically fit, a good swimmer, mentally focused and have plenty of stamina to complete this course.

The role of a Lifeguard is not just about sitting in a chair. It is a responsible job to ensure all water activities are safe, by being alert and a quick responder. Have a read about my experience of training to be a lifeguard

[boughtmender]

I was looking for a job

And now I have a job

And heaven knows I'm miserable now

[americanlifeguard]

Too many children are drowning. These changes can help.

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among young kids. This is a travesty — and a fixable problem.

By Leana S. Wen, Washington Post

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among young kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported. In 2022, the latest data available, 461 children ages 1 to 4 drowned, an increase of 28 percent from 2019.

The disturbing report also documented significant racial disparities. This is consistent with a 2023 analysis from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which found that 21 percent of all drowning deaths were among African American children. Among 5- to 14-year-olds, African Americans made up 45 percent of deaths.

These numbers tell a grim story of tragedy and inequity. Here are three policy changes that can help save lives:

Increase supervised community swimming spaces.

The CPSC report shows that 80 percent of child drownings occurred in residential settings. That means most kids died in their own home or that of a neighbor, family member or friend. Of these drownings, 91 percent were kids younger than 5.

There are several reasons residential settings can be especially hazardous. In many instances, the kids were playing without adequate supervision, or they were supervised by older children or adults who don’t know how to swim.

Increased access to community swimming spaces, such as lifeguarded pools and beaches, can improve safety. It can also help reduce inequities. The CDC study included survey data that showed 67 percent of Black adults spent no time at a swimming pool in the past six months, compared with 44 percent of White adults. Communities should invest in recreation centers with year-round pools as well as efforts to make more natural bodies of water swimmable.

Ensure there are enough lifeguards.

Last year, a third of the country’s 309,000 public swimming pools were closed or opened only sporadically because of a growing lifeguard shortage, the American Lifeguard Association reported. This is a travesty — and a fixable problem.

Solutions include making lifeguard training free, incorporating that education into high school and university curriculums, and increasing pay and offering more flexible hours to attract more employees.

There should also be more opportunities for people to make lifeguarding their profession. Traditionally, many lifeguards are teenagers who see the work as a one-time rite of passage. To ensure an adequate workforce year-round, there should be a career path for those who choose to lifeguard full-time. Such a career could be integrated with other public safety roles. For instance, emergency medical technicians could work shifts on ambulances as well as at the pool.

Teach kids — and adults — how to swim.

It should come as no surprise that teaching kids water safety reduces their risk of drowning. A study in JAMA Pediatrics concluded that participation in formal swim lessons reduced the risk of drowning by 88 percent.

Full story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/30/drowning-kids-swimming-safety/

[butchlifeguard]

i swim good i'm pisces

[teknikolor-walters]

OH SHIT I HAVE TRAINING FOR MY JOB IN HALF AN HOUR WISH KE LUCK BOYS

[steddieasitgoes]

Do you think Steve ended up working at Scoops because he lost his usual summer lifeguarding job to Billy? 

[rescumanresus]

The Summer Guards

Continuing in our recap of summer guard training, we provide you with more snapshots of the action:

Madelyn is the newest guard at the water park. She’s very studious and wants to do good on Friday’s life-saving practical. Here, she and Sarah have stayed late on Thursday afternoon to practice giving each other chest compressions.

Lisa is about to give Emily Rescue Breaths for the first time. Her back is arched high into the air, ready for Lisa’s ventilations.

Rachel is the good natured hard body assuming the role of victim in this photo . In between each series of pocket mask rescue breaths, she gives natalie pointers on her form to help her succeed.

Shana wasnt quite sure about taking CPR at the Y to finish out her guard training, but she quickly became a class standout for her can-do attitude and contagious smile. Here, she’s pulled Tiffany’s limp body from the pool, placed her on the tile, and pumps confidently on her chest in her one-piece.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Furry friends are patrolling the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea all summer long, helping to keep swimmers safe.

These specially trained dogs are experts at water rescue, and they can even tow multiple swimmers to safety at once.

Dog lifeguards are typically large breeds of dogs, such as Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.

They are known for their strong swimming skills, their calm demeanor, and their gentle nature.

To become a dog lifeguard, dogs must undergo rigorous training.

They learn how to swim in all types of water conditions, how to rescue swimmers in distress, and how to work with human lifeguards. 🏖️🐶

—

The Tyrrhenian Sea is located off Italy's western coast, between the Italian Peninsula and Sardinia Islands (Italian Territory) and Corsica Islands (French territory).

The sea borders several regions on the peninsula, including Lazio, Tuscany, Basilicata, Campania, and Calabria.

[whumble-beeee]

Whumptember 2023, Day 11

“There’s nothing else I can do”

Last resort | Character death | Medical whump

The Bee’s Whumptember Masterlist

~1490 words

CW: probably wrong medical procedure based on my own limited medical training and experience, wishing for death, blood, implied knife wounds, technical medical talk, mentioned past torture, brainwashed whumpee, medical malpractice (but the good kind ig?), needles

(Continued from Day 10: What Are You Doing To Them. Turns out Detective does save Whumpee after all. kinda. heh.)

------------

Where… where was Whumpee? This was all much too white, much too bright. New noises pounded on their eardrums. Weren’t they supposed to be dead? Hanging limply by their wrists, crimson red blotting out their dark flesh so that it was practically a second skin? So good and pretty for Whumper, because they couldn’t struggle anymore and couldn’t be entertaining anymore, so dead was the only way Whumpee could make Whumper happy? They were supposed to be dead. They wanted to be. That was the only way they could be useful now.

Something was poking and prodding at them. Multiple somethings, multiple someones. Whumpee shifted uncomfortably and tried to move away, only to find they couldn’t. Straps. They were strapped to a bed, and the bed was jostling around. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Every slight movement exacerbated their dizziness. 

Had Whumper decided to keep them alive after all? Maybe this was just some new form of torture. That must be why Whumper put some sort of face mask on them. Poison, maybe. Whumpee would gladly take it. Even if their wounds made them so, so weak, even if the bright lights made them want to scream, even if they could barely feel what was happening to their body, even if the flurry of movement around them confused them, especially the agonizing poking and prodding. 

Even if some dark horrible part of their heart fluttered because maybe, just maybe, Whumpee was being saved. If only… No, no, Whumpee didn’t want to be saved. Whumpee wanted to please Whumper and be good for them. That was their only job in life.

Was Whumper even here? They usually liked to talk while torturing Whumpee.

No, Whumpee was good. Whatever Whumper wanted, Whumpee would do, even if this wasn’t their usual style. They would take it because they had to, and they wanted to. They wanted to. They would always take it, always, always, always, always, always…

------------

Detective frantically patted Whumpee’s cheek, and their eyelids twitched open again. Barely. One of the EMTs shoved Detective out of the way with an understandably authoritative “Move,” and got to work wiping off a staggering amount of crimson just from the crook of Whumpee’s elbow. They quickly placed and taped down the IV before readjusting the oxygen mask on Whumpee’s face for the third time, as the other EMT worked on staunching the blood endlessly gushing from the various gaping gashes and stab wounds all over their body. 

“They’re losing too much blood, tourniquet and elevate the limbs more and focus on stitching and pressure on the torso and head.”

Detective leaned back into the corner as much as they could. They almost wished they hadn’t climbed into the ambulance. They almost wished they’d listened as the personnel yelled at them to get out, before Detective’s determined glare and crossed arms made them decide it wasn’t worth trying to force Detective out when time was already a very precious and very quickly dwindling resource. Almost. 

They smiled to themself, despite everything. If nothing else, even if Whumpee didn’t end up pulling through, at least they had made that sick sadist pay. A mist of red spraying to the walls. A second bullet. That was all Detective could have wanted.

Whumpee shuddered on the gurney, momentarily thrashing under their restraints before falling still again.

“Don’t they need blood?” Detective called, jarred out of their thoughts. They started taking a mental tally of all visible wounds again. “They lost so much, and we don’t even know–”

“Yes, they do,” EMT1 interrupted, not looking up from their tourniquet. “We don’t have any, they’ll get it at the hospital.”

Detective sputtered. “They’re not gonna make it to the hospital! We’re in the middle of nowhere, it’s gonna take–”

“Look,” EMT1 spun on Detective. “We can’t do anything about it, or else we would! Now stay out of the way or I’ll have you thrown out of the damn vehicle.”

 They harshly tied off the tourniquet and moved to the next one. Then their face softened again. Just slightly. “We want them alive just as much as you...”

“I’m a universal donor!” Detective pleaded. “O negative! Take my blood!”

EMT1 paused and stared at Detective before remembering themself, shaking their head out and continuing to fuss over a particularly nasty gash. “Absolutely not, we can’t know that for sure, we can't test it, not to mention the malpractice suit alone would–”

“Shit!” The other EMT called suddenly. “Heart stopped beating, beginning compressions! Two, three, four…” They started pushing into Whumpee's chest before they even fully finished the sentence. The one chewing Detective out dashed to grab the AED machine, slammimg the two pads onto Whumpee’s chest around their partner's working hands, before rushing to the side of Whumpee’s head, tipping their head up and preparing to give life-saving breaths.

“Hey!” EMT1 yelled out to Detectives. “Come here and work the AED, it’ll prompt you on everything you need to do–” EMT2 finished their thirty compressions, and EMT1 stopped their orders to give two full breaths into the mask. Whumpee’s chest rose and fell with each breath before falling still again. EMT2 continued their compressions. EMT1 dashed across the cabin to press on the wounds again. ”--and make sure to yell ‘clear’ when it’s scanning AND when a shock is advised and then press the button–”

“They’re back!” EMT2 yelled again, ear pressed closely to Whumpee’s mouth and two fingers on the carotid artery. “Pulse weak as measured at the beginning, breathing normal. Continue as we were, and pay close attention to vitals!”

EMT1 froze, chest heaving shakily. “Okay, okay, nevermind, uh, go back to the corner…”

“Please, I’m O negative, I can help,” Detective begged. “They’re not gonna make it–”

EMT1 reeled on them, eyes fiery and wet, practically shaking, holding tense hands in front of themself placatingly as if they wanted nothing more than to grab Detective by the throat and hurl them out of the ambulance.

“We cannot give an emergency blood transfusion with your blood!” they yelled, breath ragged, whipping their hand up to silence Detectives protests. “We can’t verify the blood type, and if you’re wrong, they will die, and that’s not even touching on the amount of malpractice I’d be committing. There’s nothing I can do to–”

“Oh, lay off and just do it,” EMT2 called out from the other side of the gurney, pressing a cloth into Whumpee’s stomach wounds. “Guy’s a detective, they know their blood type, and you and I both know that the patient’s heart still somehow beating is one in a billion.” 

They reached across Whumpee to grab their partner's arms and press them down onto the cloth so they could grab something from the cabinets, snapping at Detective to do the same, and Detective fell in right next to EMT1. 

“We’re also what, twenty minutes away from the hospital? The will of God themself couldn’t keep this patient alive for that long without a transfusion.” They nodded to the blood still steadily pooling onto the floor, covering all their shoes in a dark crimson, soaking through the bottoms of their pants with a morbid stickiness.

EMT1 stared at Whumpee, searching over their frail frame as if the answers to their life were going to be etched onto Whumpee’s skin. Only different etchings, cuts, and deep purple and black bruises could be found, standing out brilliantly against Whumpee’s practically gray skin. They turned their eyes desperately to their partner, then Detective, then their partner again. “Do it. I’ll continue care until blood can be administered. If this doesn’t work, it's on your ass.”

“Always is,” EMT2 muttered with a jarring laugh. They beckoned Detective over as their partner worked in a flurry behind them, quickly tying a tight rubber tourniquet around Detective’s upper arm. “Try to keep still, lean on the wall. Get some water from the sink, too. You’re absolutely sure you’re a universal donor?”

EMT2 grabbed them by the elbow and shoved the needle into the vein without waiting for a response. Detective swallowed. “I’ve done this before. Never been more sure in my life.”

EMT2 nodded as they finished, rushing away to help with Whumpee again just as thick blood suctioned up through the thin tube and into the waiting blood bag. Detective was already starting to feel a bit woozy. Great time to remember their fear of needles.

They forced their gaze away from the slowly filling bag, over to Whumpee lying half dead on the gurney with the EMTs rushing around them, patching them up with practiced precision. They watched with baited breath each time their chest rose and fell, hoping the next one wouldn’t be their last. Up, down, up, down. Don’t pass out. Then back to the blood draw kit, sucking out the lifesaving liquid from Detective so it could continue its journey in Whumpee.

God, this had better work.

@whumptember