The Ministry of Labour, Govt. of India has declared “Lifeguarding” as a professionand a lifeguard a trained professional whose job is to ensure the safety of people in and around aquatic environments, such as swimming pools, beaches, open waters like lakes, reservoirs, river banks and water parks. They prevent accidents by monitoring signs of distress, educate the public on water safety, and are prepared to perform water rescues, administer first aid, and perform CPR AED and Oxygen Therapy if an emergency occurs. Lifeguards are highly skilled swimmers equipped with specific first aid and rescue training.

A LIFEGUARD, being a professional, who with his team has a duty to perform with responsibility, whereas a LIFESAVER is a volunteer, who acquires the same expertise as a lifeguard and can affect a rescue to add to safety in aquatic environment.

Duties of a Lifeguard

• Supervise and Monitor:

Lifeguards continuously watch swimmers and other water sports participants to maintain safety and identify anyone in danger. 

• Rescue and Provide Care:

They are trained in water rescue techniques and emergency response, including using various aids and equipment. 

• Administer First Aid and CPR:

Lifeguards are certified in first aid and CPR to provide immediate care in the event of an injury or medical emergency. 

• Ensure Safety Regulations:

They enforce safety rules and policies, warn of unsafe conditions, and ensure that the aquatic area is free of debris or danger. 

• Provide Community Education:

Lifeguards often promote water safety awareness to prevent accidents. 

LEARNING TO BE A LIFEGUARD

Anyone can learn to be a Lifeguard with the following prerequisites:

  • Be able to work as a member of a team.
  • Have communication skills.
  • Be able to swim half a KM in 15 minutes. For beach and open water, a lifeguard should do so in 12 minutes.
  • Acquire knowledge and details of location, where a lifeguard is to perform with emphasis on specific requirements like recognising a RIP current off a beach.

The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) trains Lifeguards as per details below”

  • Basic & Advance Life Support (BLS& ALS) comprehensive training in First Aid procedures including CPR, use of AED and Oxygen therapy.  
  • Lifesaving Skills in water including water rescue technique and emergency care.
  • Spine and injury management.
  • Use of Safety Equipment.
  • Hand Signals.
  • Safely reactions to changes in weather conditions.

 May with additional training specialise:

o In Pool Safety Audits and Safety Compliances.
o Strategies for effective supervision of swimmers and guests.
o Guidelines for drafting reports and communication during emergencies.
o Emergency Action Plan and injury prevention strategies.
o Maintenance of Safety Equipment.
o Water management.
o Users’ desk management like making entry passes and monitoring Entry and Exit flow of users of the facility.

Career prospects for a lifeguard

Team member > Team Leader > Supervisor > Captain of the Deck > Manager > Gen Manager.

PROGRESS WILL LARGELY DEPEND ON EFFECTIVENESS IN ADDITIONAL SPECIALISATION, WHICH CAN BE HONED WITH SELF-STUDY OR DURING TUTORIALS AT THE FACILITY.

Lifesaver