Duties of a Lifeguard
Duties of a Pool Lifeguard
While these may vary between facilities, the following are functions, which should be included:
Correct supervision of the pool
Exercise an appropriate level of control over users.
Apply the principles of preventative life guarding.
Take appropriate action during incidents.
Perform rescues
Treat suspected cases of suspected spinal injury.
Provide First Aid, within the scope of one’s qualifications.
Provide Basic Life Support if necessary.
Provide advanced Life Support if trained to do so e.g. AED, Oxygen etc
Duties of a Beach Lifeguards
To provide supervision of activities at public bathing places in order to prevent drowning accidents.
To provide emergency rescue service in the case of accidents.
To render first aid when possible.
To provide advice to the public regarding facilities, tides, hazards, etc.
To ensure that from the start of the duty period that the appropriate flags are flown and are changed or re-located as necessary during the day.
To inspect all lifesaving and first aid equipment on arrival for duty to ensure that adequate stocks are available and in good working order.
To inspect the patrol area and where possible to remove any dangerous or offensive items. If the lifeguard cannot deal with the matter he should immediately report to his supervisor.
To record in a daily log book:
The names and attendance times of all guards on duty.
The general weather and tidal conditions.
What flags were flown and when they were changed during the day.
Any information which may assist the Authorities in improving the service.
To complete all appropriate rescue and first aid forms.