If a facility is aiming to employ Lifeguards they have the option to recruit them in the local market or from overseas.

The advantage of employing Lifeguards from the local market is that they know the region, often have gained a recognized qualification and have practised their communication skills in the local environment. However, with the growing hotel and leisure industry the required staff may not always be available on the local market. Often there is no other option than to recruit from overseas.

It is common that the person responsible for recruitment is not directly involved in the lifeguard operations and as a result they may look for candidates by usual criteria such as attitude, appearance, English skills, certifications and experiences. Although these are important points for a first selection one should be aware that there have been cases in the past where candidates provided required certifications and documentation of experience, but basic requirements, such as their ability to be a strong swimmer were neglected. This point is often not realized until the new recruit presents themselves for work, after the facility has already invested in travel tickets, visa fees, etc which is costly business. Ultimately this can also cost lives when this new Lifeguard is in position and may not be able to carry out a rescue. Therefore it is highly recommended to include a basic swim test during the recruitment process of Lifeguards. This swim test should assess the basic swimming abilities as discussed in the last issue. As a reminder I will repeat them here:

Swimming test for recruitment of Lifeguards

Any Lifeguard must be able to:

• jump or dive into the pool into deep water
• swim 50 m in 1min. or less
• swim 100m continuously on the front and 100 m on the back
• tread water in deep water for 30 secs.
• surface dive to the deepest part of the pool
• climb out of the pool unaided, without using steps or a ladder
  

As a beach lifeguard he additionally must be able to:

• swim 200m in less than 4 mins
• surface dive to a depth of 2m
• tread water for 2 mins

This swimming test should take no longer than 5-10 min and can be conducted concurrently with several candidates at the same time. A non Lifeguard instructor, or someone not involved in lifeguard operations, should still be able to determine very quickly which of the candidates are good swimmers, and which are not.

Caution: Be ready with your rescue equipment and don't be surprised if you have to rescue some individuals!

Swimming skills are essential for a good Lifeguard but the selection process should also include other criteria such as minimum of 16 years, general fitness, good hearing and vision, good communication skills, team skills and they should be able to speak the language commonly used at the facility. Lifeguards should be pro-active personalities who are able to take responsibility and make their own decision. It is also highly recommended to employ female Lifeguards to enable a true gender mix within any mixed gender facility. Indeed cultural differences within society may mean that this requirement is a must.

In general a Lifeguard qualification is valid for two years and must be renewed after this time.
However management of the facility, may well decide to train them to the same standard as the other Lifeguards once they are employed. If this is the case and the candidate matches all of the criteria given above but has no valid certification he still may be considered for a position as Lifeguard. It might be a good option to employ him as a Pool Attendant and bind his position as a Lifeguard to the condition that he has to successfully pass the Lifeguard assessment.

As qualified people always will look to improve their personal situation and the demand of staff is continuously growing in the regional hotel business the employer should seek to maintain their well trained and integrated staff. In general it may be a good practice to create an internal structure that provides room for personal development. The facility could employ new staff in the water safety area in general as Pool Attendants and give them the opportunity to develop their skill as Pool Lifeguard and later as a Beach Lifeguard. These different positions should be evaluated in different salary structures as they are including different skill sets and higher evaluated qualifications. Some outstanding individuals might be even offered a position as Lifeguard Supervisor. Such a structure will motivate staff to maintain and develop their skills and performance as well as keeping them interested to remain with their employer instead of looking for a new position elsewhere.

Once the Lifeguard is employed and starts his job at the facility he must receive induction training by the Lifeguard Supervisor or Recreation Manager. This induction training must include familiarisation with the facility, its Standard Operating Procedures and site specific hazards. It may be considered that a new Lifeguard will "shadow" a colleague with more experience in the first few weeks of his assignment until he is fully adapted to the facility and its procedures.

However it would be dangerous to use an employee who is not yet fully qualified Lifeguard for this mentor position as they may well not be able to carry out a rescue using recognised techniques and thus endanger his own and others life's. Secondly the Municipality can fine the facility if the Lifeguard on duty is not qualified.

Any Lifeguard, new or "old" one must maintain their skills and knowledge. Therefore the facility should give them an opportunity for regular on-site training. It will also give new Lifeguards the opportunity to become integrated into the team. If a Recreation Manager is responsible for lifeguard training and operation they should ensure that they attend a Lifeguard Supervisor course at the earliest possible convenience.

A Pool Lifeguard Supervisor course is planned on 29th July 2007 and Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK courses for pool and beach lifeguards are regularly conducted by PRM International. The next Pool Lifeguard course will commence in August. For any further information contact 04 3216944 or email glassner@prminternational.ae.