Time to Change

Lifeguarding can undoubtedly be a demanding job; it may take a toll on you physically, mentally, or even emotionally. From long hours spent under the hot sun or in a humid, chlorine-scented setting to constantly yelling at misbehaving kids and having to clean locker rooms or pool decks, guarding is far from a day at the beach.

Due to its very nature, lifeguarding should never be a 24/7 solo kind of job. Guards will likely change shifts or at the very least rotate positions or chairs while on duty. To maintain the highest level of safety and make for a smooth transition while alternating, it is of vital importance to communicate with your co-workers and always remain conscious of the aquatic environment around you.

In terms of rotating positions, always be mindful of the time if you’re the guard in charge of initiating it. Whether you change spots hourly or every 15 minutes, it’s essential and more effective to remain consistent during rotations—especially if one of those positions is the much desired “down guard,” who gets a brief break. During the actual maneuvers, establish which person will be in charge of keeping an eye on the pool if rotations involve climbing up or down a chair.

For changing shifts, the same above rules apply. In addition, always arrive to work on time and be ready to guard as soon as the previous shift is scheduled to be done. It should be standard protocol to ask the guard you’re relieving about any pertinent information about the swimmers, weather, or any other relevant knowledge. Sharing is definitely caring.

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The Lifeguard Community and Communication

Lifeguarding is simply a team effort. In an aquatics environment, it is very important to maintain proper communication with one’s co-workers. No matter what type of emergency a guard encounters on the job, having a working relationship with one’s fellow lifeguards can make a significant difference during a rescue situation.

For an active victim (a conscious drowning patron), the second responder can help the primary guard with everything from clearing the pool of other swimmers to aiding with the rescue; for example, if the drowning victim attempts to push the guard under the surface of the water in a panic during the save, the other lifeguard will be there to assist. With passive victims (an unconscious surface or submerged swimmer), a trained guard will be able help with getting the patron out of the water on a backboard, without causing further harm. During a potential spinal save—undoubtedly the most serious type of rescue—a fellow certified guard will be of inestimable value, as it takes more than one person to correctly backboard a swimmer with a possible head or neck injury, as the risk of intensifying a life or death health risk increases.

While lifeguarding does not mean you have to be best friends with those you work with, an amicable relationship allowing for appropriate communication is undoubtedly necessary. It is important to always make a concerted effort to get to know your fellow guards both on and off the pool deck, before an emergency situation occurs. It only makes a lifeguard’s job more enjoyable, and in turn makes that person more prepared, if a rescue does occur while on duty.

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