Anyone working as a lifeguard at a facility with a public pool must have a recognised qualification, which are usually valid for a period of two years. However this doesn't mean that after gaining it lifeguards can lean back until the revalidation date; the qualification is just the start. Any lifeguard, new or ‘old', must maintain their skills and knowledge. Therefore it is important that the facility gives them the opportunity and support to undertake regular on-site training. In order to minimise disturbance to the guests, practical lifeguard and swimming skills could be taught in the early morning hours when the pools are usually quieter. Even so, it would be advisable to inform guests of the training, perhaps by use of a sign board stating "lifeguard training being undertaken, for your safety".

This will not only create more understanding, but it also draws attention to the fact that your hotel takes their guests' safety and welfare seriously, and implements good safety standards. The lifeguard training itself can even be quite entertaining for guests who are interested to observe the activities.

Standards

Most recognised international standards require every lifeguard to attend regular in-service training of at least one hour every three weeks, but recommend higher frequency. The Institute for Sport and Recreational Management (ISRM) UK, a partner to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK, recommends 52 hours of fitness, skills and knowledge training over a two-year on-going programme. It is also important to include "mock" emergency situations in the training that not only test the lifeguards' individual abilities but also their reaction and ability to work as a team.

The shift systems in place for lifeguards can have a significant influence on the frequency and duration of training that lifeguards are able to attend. It is suggested that training opportunities are provided for at least one hour every week to accommodate the availability of staff due to shift systems. You may also choose to replicate the content on successive weeks to allow for a typical two-week shift system. If the programme is structured on elements of 20-30 minutes duration it will also permit training sessions to be easily integrated into shorter time slots which may be available during shift changeover, or before or after the pool opens and closes.

Delivery

Each unit is divided into elements and each element has a number of training or learning outcomes with performance criteria that cover all of the skill and knowledge areas appropriate to the unit. Performance criteria should be provided to allow on-going assessment of individual competence. The criteria must indicate the tasks to be undertaken and lifeguards should be assessed against the standards, for example as set out in the RLSS UK training and development manuals The Lifeguard and Beach Lifeguard. Additionally, first aid skills may be further assessed against the criteria set out in an approved First Aid at Work manual.

At the conclusion of each complete unit, and following an assessment of skill and knowledge, lifeguards may be deemed to have continuing competence in the range of lifesaving, lifeguard and first aid skills relevant to their place of work.

For the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, 20 hours of the above training should be delivered by an approved RLSS trainer/assessor. If the lifeguard can verify this and present a training record with evidence of participation in regular on-going training, he would qualify for a shortened renewal procedure. Rather than having to attend a full course - six days - again he would only be required to attend one training day before attending the re-assessment. However, his qualification must still be valid.

At PRM International we recognise that sometimes recreation managers responsible for lifeguard training and operation may not have lifeguard experience themselves, so we have designed a lifeguard supervisor course. The course provides an overview of lifeguard responsibilities and requirements, along with information and advice to assist in setting up and maintaining a professional lifeguard service.

Heike Glassner is the training manager for PRM International, an authorised training provider for the UK's Royal Life Saving Society, which offers lifeguard training courses and education for recreation managers responsible for lifeguard services. For more information, contact glassner@prminternational.ae