Emershad- Job Description

Lifeguard

I enjoy describing the two summers I spent as a lifeguard. Sitting by the pool is a nice way to spend the day. Most people respect lifeguards because they understand that the job is difficult. Unfortunately, some people disrespect and ignore their instructions. Regardless, a lifeguard’s goal is to maintain safety while everyone enjoys the pool.

There are three main actions a lifeguard engages in while on the job:

-                 -  Prepare

-                 - Monitor

-                 - Act

I will provide an explanation and example of each.

Prepare

Lifeguards prepare the pool for attendants each day before the pool opens. Three activities are typical of each pool:

-                 - Checking the chlorine levels

-                 - Mopping the decks

-                -  Separating the pool with buoy lines

Here’s an example of the preparation phase. I arrive at the pool around two hours before swimmers arrive. My manager would dip pH testers in various sections of the pool to ensure the water is safe for swimming. I would get the buoy lines from the supply shed and separate the pool based on depth. We were expected to make three sections; shallow, medium, and deep. After preparing the pool, we would mop the decks to ensure no one would slip. At that point, we were ready for swimmers to arrive.

Monitor

A lifeguard’s main task throughout the day is to watch the pool and ensure no accidents occur. We must be sure that we are always paying attention to all aspects of the pool by doing the following:

-                 - Walking around the pool

-                 - Sitting in the lifeguard chair

-                 - Taking necessary breaks

This is a stressful part of the job because this is when things can go wrong. If lifeguards do their job perfectly, they never have to act on their training. Walking checks are one precautionary measure lifeguards take. This involves walking around the pool and making sure no one is acting dangerously. Breath holding contests and friends dunking other friends under the water are the two activities we are told to look out for. Sitting in the lifeguard chair might seem easy but it requires constant attention. Light gleams off the pool which makes seeing to the bottom difficult (this is why walking checks are necessary). The lifeguard chair also offers one of the best views of the pool so other lifeguards depend on the chair for information. Finally, taking necessary breaks is an important task. In states like Arizona, the heat can take a toll on a lifeguard so finding some air conditioning, water, and sunscreen is essential. Also, relaxing for a short time ensures we stay sharp.

Act

The final role of a lifeguard is to act when things go wrong. The three necessary actions required when engaging in a rescue are as follows:

-                 - Performing a water ejection

-                 - Giving CPR

-                 - Calling 911

The first action taken when a lifeguard sees someone drowning or suffering in the pool is to blow a whistle. This informs swimmers and other lifeguards there is a problem. Next, a lifeguard enters the pool with a floatation device and aids the victim out of the pool. More lifeguards are necessary if the accident is severe. In cases of spinal injuries, lifeguards use a water-resistant stretcher to perform a rescue. After the drowning victim is out of the pool, a lifeguard can start CPR while another calls an ambulance. These tasks provide the best chance of survival for any victim. Mastering these activities is the responsibility of all the lifeguards on duty.