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What does a Lifeguard do?

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Top Answer
Talent.com talent.com
Answered July 29 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
The number one responsibility of a Lifeguard is to ensure safety and to rescue patrons in distress. Lifeguards can be employed in indoor or outdoor pools, beaches, waterparks, or resorts. These different employers have different procedures and requirements for their Lifeguards. 

Generally, a Lifeguard will start their shift by inspecting all their rescue equipment. They will then check in with the other Lifeguards on shift and get a report of the day. Once they ensure that all safety rules are being met, they climb up to their Lifeguard chair and begin monitoring.

Since Lifeguards need to stay focused and alert, they change stations regularly. This prevents Lifeguards from losing focus and getting distracted. 

Some Lifeguards also work additional hours at their pool or beach, teaching swimming lessons or water aerobics. 

Lifeguards are also often required to participate in swim training and refreshers so that employers can ensure that their swimming and rescuing skills stay sharp. 

Roles and responsibilities of a Lifeguard
The primary responsibility of a Lifeguard is to prevent injuries and drowning. That being said, Lifeguards have numerous other duties, including:
  • Patrolling and monitoring pool areas and beaches.
  • Calling out infractions and ensuring swimmers are complying with all safety rules and regulations.
  • Monitoring weather conditions and tides on the beach.
  • Inspecting rescue and recreational equipment (e.g., ropes, flotation devices, or diving boards) to ensure correct functioning.
  • Responding to emergencies promptly.
  • Administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when needed.
  • Evacuating the area when necessary. (e.g., fire in the building, a power outage, natural disasters, tornadoes, among others).
  • Cleaning the area and maintaining the quality of water.
  • Writing and filing reports on pool and beach conditions, emergencies, and other relevant information.
  • Participating in safety procedures demonstrations and teaching swimming lessons.
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