The term lifeguard brings to mind the famous series Baywatch. That series has glamourized this one of the most important jobs in what can be categorized as lifesaving jobs. But this job does not come without proper lifeguard certification. So let’s try to define the term lifeguard.
Table of Contents
What is a Lifeguard?
The term lifeguard is very obvious in describing its importance. Etymologically speaking the term lifeguard is a combination of two words, life and guard. After getting to know the two words that form a combination to make this term. It becomes easy to get a definition of a lifeguard.
According to the composition of the word, a lifeguard is a person who guards life, in other words, the one who is responsible for saving lives is called a lifeguard. There are some reputed associations that are training people with lifeguard certification.
This article will specifically talk about the lifesavers who work in aquatic conditions. The aquatic condition such as pools, water parks, beaches etc. The lifeguard that we are talking about is the person who is making sure that people who have come to enjoy the water or if at the beach it can be said the people who want to enjoy the water and the weather, are safe and enjoying their time.
What Does A Lifeguard Do?
At first glance, this question does not appeal much as we all have some idea that the lifeguard is at the water facilities to save the lives of the people when they are in trouble in the water. This is an obvious thing and this makes us think that the lifeguard sits at a long chair at the poolside and watches people enjoying the water and if someone needs help or is in danger of drowning, then the lifeguard gets up from his chair and saves the person who is in danger.
Well, let me tell you that is just the tip of the iceberg that is what you just see. Actually, the lifeguard has a lot to do to make sure that the environment in which you are enjoying water day is safe and everyone there is going by the rules so that others do not get disturbed.
Here we will look at some of the responsibilities and duties that a lifeguard has to perform while on the job.
Patrolling
One of the most important jobs for a lifeguard is to patrol the beach and keep an eye on the water conditions and the swimmers to make sure they are in the safe zone and not doing anything that is against the rules set for their safety.
For this purpose, they have boats with radios and speakers. They always have a first aid kit with them for any emergencies might have to deal with while patrolling the waters. When you are training for a lifeguard certification, these things are taught in the course.
Swimming Hazards
People like to swim long and deep on the beaches, especially the young people who like adventurous things and they go to all sorts of lengths to impress their friends and make a mark within their groups. Besides all that excitement one must not forget that the water can be dangerous and favors no one.
Lifeguard training programs for beaches have special exercises for this kind of situation where swimmers get into deep waters and different temperatures of water can surprise them, so the beach patrolling especially keeps an eye on such swimmers who miscalculated the water power and got into trouble.
Lifeguards are responsible for warning people about the temperatures of the water whether it is at lakes, pools or beaches.
Keeping Discipline
The duties of a lifeguard include keeping discipline and order at the beach or swimming pools. They must make sure that everybody is complying with the rules and not causing any disturbance for other swimmers and even for themselves. Lifeguards warn swimmers of hazards while at the beach of swimming pools, lakes and rivers.
Conclusion:
After reading this article, I am sure you must be able to think that there is more than what meets the eye in the job description of a lifeguard. Lifeguard certification training is not just a swimming practice, it is a far more responsible and serious thing. The lifeguards are trained in a very professional way to serve people in any kind of water hazard and medical emergency.
If you are thinking of getting involved in this life-saving service, you must get lifeguard training to be prepared to help people in or near the water. The American Lifeguard Association is offering lifeguard certificate programs all year round. Contact us to find lifeguard certification training near you.
