Although becoming a lifeguard can be a fantastic career and fulfilling opportunity, it also has high standards. Good lifeguard courses are essential training for emergency preparedness. However, even with certification, fresh lifeguards engage in some usual mistakes that might endanger safety.
Some of the most often repeated mistakes rookie lifeguards make will be discussed in this article along with some useful tips to help avoid them. This article will assist you stay on target while carrying out your lifeguard duties if you are either starting your training or have just graduated from the American Lifeguard Association certification.
1. Losing Focus
The Mistake:
Losing focus is one of the biggest mistakes new lifeguards make. It’s important to scan the water for safe swimmers continuously. Conversations, cellular devices, and daydreams can, and usually do, result in delaying the lifeguard’s ability to respond to an emergency.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Use the 10/20 scanning rule. If you can scan your zone repeatedly in 10 seconds, you are able to reach a swimming swimmer or distressed swimmer in 20 seconds.
- Reduce distractions by limiting personal conversations and phone usage.
- Stay engaged by rotating locations on a periodic basis to minimize fatigue.
Lifeguard courses, like those from the American Lifeguard Association, stress vigilance as a critical skill; be sure to be vigilant continuously.
2. Poor Positioning
The Mistake:
New lifeguards may sometimes position themselves in a location where the view is obstructed and it is difficult to see all of the swimmers.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Anytime you can position yourself at a higher elevation so that you have a line of sight to all swimmers.
- Don’t sit where there is glare from the sun or the pool lighting.
- Change your position frequently, especially to check blind spots.
Usually, lifeguard courses include positioning techniques. If you forget, refer back to your training documentation.
3. Inaction in Emergency Cases
The Mistake:
Inexperienced lifeguards who are not familiar with the emergency may not act quickly because it is considered a new and unfamiliar emergency; seconds can mean the difference between a minor emergency and a life-or-death emergency.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Trust your training. If something does not look right or does not feel right, act right away.
- Practice emergencies during drills and scenarios to develop a sense of confidence.
- Use clear communication with other guards to maximize the time the team can take action in an emergency event.
The American Lifeguard Association specifically states the importance of making quick decisions in their lifeguarding and training manuals. Don’t second-guess yourself in an emergency case.
4. Inadequate Communication
The Mistake:
Not communicating correctly with the swimmers, your team, or supervisors can lead to misunderstanding and safety concerns.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Use simple, loud, verbal commands while you enforce rules.
- Agree with other guards on hand signals for simple silent communication.
- Discuss events after they occur to help make the guards better for the future.
Strong communication is a key component of lifeguard courses, so always prioritize it on duty.
5. Ignoring Physical Fitness
The Mistake:
Lifeguarding is a sometimes very physical occupation, and at times Lifeguards may be neglecting their physical fitness. This neglect could, at least partially, lead to slower response times or even failure to complete a rescue.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Keep a regular event of swimming and strength training.
- Do rescue drills so you are in shape if there ever is an emergency to deal with.
- Stay hydrated and respect your breaks to avoid burning out.
The best lifeguard courses out there will often have a fitness component – so even if you have been certified keep ‘fit’.
6. Underestimating your Abilities
The Mistake:
Some new lifeguards may overestimate themselves following successful completion of a certification or training program and forget about some of these limits.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Always, follow protocol – better yet don’t engage in a rescue practice that is beyond your training level and skill.
- Take additional training courses if you are unsure about certain techniques or items of equipment.
- Don’t believe the hype, be humble, and learn from others, especially lifeguards who have more experience.
One thing that the American Lifeguard Association advocates is continuing education. If you were a lifeguard who received either their certification or training, it might be helpful to take another lifeguarding training program and advanced course to take what you already know to the next level.
7. Not Inspecting Equipment
The Mistake:
If you don’t regularly inspect your rescue tube, first aid kit, or AEDs, you may encounter equipment failure in an emergency when you need it most.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Complete a visual inspection daily on all rescue, first aid and CPR equipment.
- Immediately report damaged or missing equipment.
- Be familiar with the location of extra equipment if it exists.
Physical fitness inspections will also be included in your lifeguard training course; this is very important for lifeguards and should never be neglected.
8. Inconsistently enforcing rules
The mistake:
Many new guards do not enforce rules consistently to avoid offending someone. This can cause swimmers to be unsafe.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Be firm, yet polite when correcting unsafe behavior.
- Explain to the guests why the rules are in place. (e.g. “No running” is to prevent slipping and falling)
- Be consistent. Don’t just let someone slide if they keep doing it.
Enforcement of rules is a huge topic in all lifeguarding courses, so apply what you have learned proportionately.
9. Poor stress management
The mistake:
In high-stress situations, panic can set in which leads to poor decisions.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Practice deep breathing techniques to help you remain calm.
- Review emergency procedures regularly to build your confidence.
- Debrief after stressful situations to process your emotions.
The American Lifeguard Association builds stress management techniques into their lifeguard courses because remaining in control can save a life.
10. Failing to Pursue Continuing Education
The mistake:
Some guards believe their first certification is sufficient, and do not pursue continued education.
Avoiding Mistake:
- Take a refresher course each year.
- Take a class on new rescue techniques or new first aid protocols.
- If able, attend workshops or lifeguard conferences.
Lifeguarding is constantly evolving, give yourself the chance to continue your learning beyond your first lifeguard courses.
Final Word
Being a good lifeguard requires more than only finishing a lifeguard certification course it demands ongoing alertness, stamina, and a willingness to improve one’s abilities. Avoiding these typical blunders will help you to be better ready to safeguard swimmers and make choices during crises you feel sure about.
If you seek good training, think about getting lifeguard certifications from the American Lifeguard Association, among the top providers of lifeguard education programs. Stay safe, stay sharp, and keep saving lives!
Would you like ideas for advanced training courses? Please comment!
