Through previous articles we have established what the lifeguard requirements are and how to coordinate and organise lifeguard training. But there is more to providing an efficient lifeguard service than just employing lifeguards.
The starting point is to determine the area which requires lifeguard coverage. For most pools this is fairly simple and will usually have been done beforehand in the facility designs.
Where there is a beach area, however, the process requires a little more work. The person responsible for the lifeguard service should choose the location for a swimming/bathing zone and this area should be carefully selected. It should be easy to observe and have minimal risks to bathers and lifeguards. Any hazards such as water craft activities, under water structures, rocks, dangerous currents or deep troughs must be excluded wherever possible. The size of the area will also depend on how many lifeguards you are planning to have. It should then be marked by buoys that a clearly visible from the land and water and securely fixed in the ground.
International standards require that managers carry out risk assessments for both beach and pool bathing areas and their surroundings. The risk assessment should reflect the hazards within the specific area, evaluation of the potential risks posed by these hazards and the actions to be taken to remove, reduce or manage those risk. As a next step written Normal Operating Procedures (N.O.P.'s) and Emergency Action Plans (E.A.P.'s) should be set in place. The N.O.P. outlines the information and processes required in order for the daily duties to be performed; the E.A.P. describes the action to be taken and information needed in a case of specific emergencies that may occur. These Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.'s) play an important role in accident prevention and are necessary to ensure that everybody, including new staff, knows how the site operates, that all personnel follow the same procedures and that emergencies are dealt with effectively.
Managers should identify the patrol zones and systems for the Lifeguards as well as the specific lifeguard positions in the pool and beach areas. The Risk Assessment will help to determine the number of lifeguards required and this may change at busy times or days such as weekends or public holidays or when particular activities take place. All the resultant information should be noted in the N.O.P.
Observation areas can be set up as intensive, extensive systems or a combination of both. Intensive systems are usually implemented on smaller areas with a higher risk rating such as baby pools, slides, diving board etc. and one lifeguard will have responsibility for that area. Extensive systems are used to observe a larger area (but no larger than 10 x 20 m). The most effective and flexible system to use is a combination where intensive and extensive systems are used in one facility.
The placement of lifeguards (usually referred to as Lifeguard Positions) will require a lifeguard chair that should be elevated (2m) or even a lifeguard tower from where lifeguards can oversee the whole area. One should be aware that lifeguard positions must be provided with some shade to protect them from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, however it is recommended lifeguards should never stay more than 15min in a chair position. In general lifeguards should change positions regularly to maintain their level of alertness, e.g. rotating from patrolling to chair position and then to a fixed standing position. International recommendations are that the maximum time a lifeguard should spend in an observation position at the pool or beach should not exceed more than 60 min, in exceptions 90 min. After this time lifeguards should either have a break or perform other duties such as taking care for sun beds, towels, check-in point, pool cleanness etc. They then can return to an observation position. If there is doubt about the use of such systems just try to sit on a chair on a hot summer day and stare at the water for about 1 hour. You quickly will realise how difficult it can be to concentrate under conditions such as heat, humidity and sun glare. Exceeding above these recommended times may make the lifeguard sleepy and unable to effectively oversee his area of responsibility. The result of this could be devastating if he fails to see a drowning case or reacts too late to it.
Being able to recognise the lifeguard is also important so a distinctive uniform should be worn; international standards for lifeguard uniforms are a bright yellow T-Shirt (round collar) and red shorts labelled with "lifeguard". Additionally recommendations are a red hat cap/hat as sun protection and sun glasses to overcome sun glare. Shoes should have non-slippery soles and be easy to kick of in case of an emergency. Lifeguards should not wear any jewellery or bulky watches as this can be dangerous for both the lifeguard and the casualty in case of a rescue.
Dubai Municipality guidelines require that each pool facility has rescue rings and a lift (pole). Though other equipment such as lifeguard torpedo's, ropes or throw bags have proven more useful and should be made available as well. Beach facilities may also consider having fins, rescue skis, paddle crafts, jet skis or even motor boats to enable a fast and safe rescue even in strong currents, big waves and great distance. Additional emergency equipment such as First Aid kit, resuscitator (as per Dubai municipality), spine boards, oxygen and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will also be useful when dealing with emergencies. It should be ensured, however that all personnel who are expected to use specialist or emergency equipment are sufficiently trained in its correct use. All emergency and rescue equipment should be positioned carefully to ensure they are easily accessible in an emergency. Patrolling lifeguards may carry equipment such as torpedo's with them if they have to cover bigger areas. All such procedures and equipment positions must be clearly set out in the NOP.
Also communication tools must be considered. A whistle for each lifeguard is a minimum. But for bigger facilities radios, telephones, mobiles, megaphone, personal alarm systems or alarm systems may be necessary. Advanced technology such as drowning detectors and alarms or CCTV can be a very useful support but will never replace the lifeguard.
Pool and beach areas must have a check-in point. Here the access to the area must be controlled ensuring that the facility will not be overcrowded, only authorised people can enter and that boisterous or drunk people will be kept away. Whatever communication tools are used, their use and signals must be agreed on and included in the facilities' NOP.
Once all this is implemented we have set the basics for a safe and effective lifeguard operation. Nevertheless the work never stops as the lifeguard set up and the SOP's need regular reviewing and improvements. And lifeguards must regularly train in their working environment to familiarise themselves with the specific area and procedures, use their equipments efficiently and to improve their team work.
If your facility needs support PRM International's professional trainer and consultants can conduct risk assessments, write SOP's for pool and beach facilities and carries out training for lifeguards, First Aid and specialist equipments.
