How to become a lifeguard?
The lifeguard is the expert professional figure in rescue and guarantees the safety of the body of water or the swimming pool entrusted to him. Lifeguards work in a state of constant vigilance, closely monitoring any activity on the beach, in the sea or in the pool. This is only possible thanks to adequate training, which provides the knowledge of first aid and the information necessary for the management of seaside emergencies in any circumstance.
Lifeguards not only deal with rescues in the event of danger, but are reference figures for all people in marine or lake swimming pools and bathing establishments: they must therefore be able to provide information on safety and the behaviors to follow. Furthermore, the lifeguard is the interlocutor of the Harbor Master's Office and of the 118 for any question concerning safety in bathing.
The lifeguard is required by law
In recent years, the number of lidos, swimming pools and beaches in USA that are looking for and want to hire Bathing Assistants has increased significantly. In fact, USA law protects bathers and imposes the obligatory presence of a lifeguard in all bathing establishments and lidos open to the public.
However, being good swimmers is not enough: a lifeguard must be able to provide assistance to the swimmer in all respects, from the simple request for information to first aid interventions for those in danger of life.
Requirements
There are many sea enthusiasts who dream of working as a lifeguard in the wake of spectacular Baywatch-style rescues. Even if the reality is very different from the famous 90s TV series, being a lifeguard is by no means an impossible dream: being a lifeguard assistant is in fact a seasonal job like any other, which can be done by anyone who meets all the requirements under the law. of law.
However, it is good to know that it is a job to be dedicated to with perseverance, commitment, sacrifices and an enormous sense of responsibility: the lives of many people depend on the lifeguard. Precisely for these reasons, specific preparation is required, where one learns rescue techniques, sea rescue and all safety practices for bathers.
The first very important requirement to become a lifeguard is obviously to have excellent swimming skills: lifeguards must know how to swim excellently and the have lifeguard recertification as well as having a trained body ready to withstand great efforts. Lifeguards must be sporty and naturally oriented towards physical activity, must have an aptitude for teamwork and must be able to think under stress. If you possess these qualities, you can begin to inquire about the necessary courses and patents.
What are the duties of a lifeguard?
The lifeguard takes care of ensuring the safety of the area placed under his professional responsibility. He must carefully monitor any activity on the beach or in the pool, dealing with any emergencies and ensuring the well-being of the swimmers. The Lifeguard Assistant must also provide the people who work in the lido or bathing facility, as well as the bathers, with all the information relating to safety. The lifeguard is a guardian of the law: he must supervise and ensure correct behavior in the water and the protection of the environment. According to the USA Swimming Federation, the functions of a lifeguard are:
prevention of accidents in the water thanks to constant supervision and knowledge of rescue and first aid techniques, obtained during training and refresher courses;
constant vigilance of the behavior of swimmers in and out of the water;
application and compliance with the ordinances of the Port Authority or the regulations of the lido or swimming pool;
constant monitoring and verification of the water chemistry in the pool and the general hygienic state of the environment.
