Fall asleep on the job and someone’s life can potentially be lost. The cornerstone of lifeguarding truly lies within staying alert and ready for action at any time. However, it can understandably be difficult to sit or stand alone in one place for an extended period of time, especially under a hot sun or in a humid indoor environment. Therefore, here are some tips on staying bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
-Never underestimate the power of sleep: It’s going to be hard to keep your eyes open if you didn’t receive enough shut eye. When you know you’re going to working a long shift the next day, make an effort to get to bed early the night before.
-Eat before work: When it’s difficult to hear your own whistle over the roar of your stomach because you’re hungry, you’re not going to be on your A-Game. Always be sure to go into work well fed (although not so you’re uncomfortable), so your focus can be on the swimmers and away from your appetite.
-Count swimmers: At some pools, it’s required to know how many people are under your watch at any given time. Whether or not you’re obliged to, it’s still a great technique to not only keep your eyes on the water, but also to know if one of your swimmers becomes submerged.
- Avoid socializing on duty: Sure, it’s perfectly acceptable to talk to a patron who is unsure of a rule or to administer first aid. But guards should refrain from holding long conversations with anyone if they are responsible for watching the pool at that time. Tell your friends you’ll talk to them on your break.
These are just a few tips on staying attentive. If you have any advice of your own for lifeguards, feel free to comment!
1 comment:
i always make sure to leave my cell phone in the car or at home, so i'm never tempted to look at it or preoccupied by texts i'm waiting to read on my down shift.
Post a Comment