I just got transferred to beach patrol because of an officer injury and it includes two shifts per week of lifeguard duty. I can't even swim! My first shift is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
2006-08-23 05:02:40 · 12 answers · asked by I'm that asshole down the st 1 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
You can't learn everything you need, however I can give you some tips:
- the lifeguards MAIN duty is to prevent accidents, so if you see anything unsafe or pushing and such, stop the people and INFORM them WHy it's dangerous, and re-direct them by bringing their attention to some other fun(safe) thing to do
- when you are "just standing and watching" what you're really suppose to be doing is scanning. What you want to do is start at one end, and slowly move to the other end. - while doing this, make sure to look at each person in the water's face because that's the first give-away of a drowner.
- Not being able to swim is not much of a problem being a lifeguard. As long as you know how to tread water for a LONG time, you basically good to go. Since you aren't a trained lifeguard, your main goal if someone should need rescueing, is to save them WITHOUT any physical contact.
- Not being trained as a lifeguard and having physical contact is EXTREMELY dangerous seeming as how you aren't aware of how to save yourself if the victim turns on you. If someone drowns, (concious) throw them a floating object and ask them to swim to shore. If they drown and become unconsious, you must go into the water to save them. Swim to their side and use your furthest hand to cover their mouth and pinch their nose. And roll them over and take them to shore. (again, you NEED to be able to tread water for a long time in order to sustain a person and yourself)
* remember if you are distracted or are talking to someone while monitoring, accidents don't take long to happen, and as a lifeguard..if witnesses say you were talking with people on your job, you may be sued. Becaues as a lifeguard it is your duty and you can be held liable.
Keep focused and aware. Nonetheless I wish you the best of luck! =]
2006-08-23 17:39:47 · answer #1 · answered by iD2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically you just have to be able to spot trouble and deal with it. At the very least, you should have some sort of Standard First Aid qualification.
Bring a whistle so you are able to get the attention of another lifeguard if you spot trouble. They're probably going to be the first responder as (I'm hoping) they'll be able to swim.
If you can't swim, DO NOT GO IN THE WATER. You are trying to help others, not create another problem for your team.
I'm still uncertain as to how you can get transfered to do lifeguard duty if you cannot swim :S
2006-08-25 12:19:57 · answer #2 · answered by fallfromgrace_90 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, if you can't swim, you can't be a lifeguard. You might never have to, but if it's a busy beach you probably will have to. .
if you're serious about keeping this job, you'd better learn to swim quickly and go buy yourself a lifesaving "water safety" book, find a pool and a partner and learn and practice the stuff in the book (I was a lifeguard at one time). .
Also, you'd better learn to swim quickly ( in a pool, not a lake or ocean). . a pool is much safer . .
2006-08-23 05:09:36 · answer #3 · answered by Wayne A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the fastest way is to have someone sign something for you. I guess this isnt likely unless you now someone.
but first off have you ever been a lifeguard? not enough information.
and if u have never been a lifeguard you should not go the 1day route.. too much to learn and you dont want to be held for liability issues.
my lifeguard session was 3 days and i dont think it was enough. Im just glad nothing extreme like a drowning ever happened!
2006-08-24 03:15:21 · answer #4 · answered by Kroog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Red Cross and Ellis certifications both require 24 hours of class time. Quite frankly, I'd suggest learning to swim before lifeguarding. You'd be more use if you won't drown yourself!
2006-08-24 08:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can swim and pass all the physical tests and written tests within 24 hours -you will succeed in a day. However, the hours required for the afore mentioned far exceed the 24 hr. limit.
2006-08-23 06:03:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can go to the same school they use to teach you how to be nuclear engineer in one day...
sarcasm off
sorry, you got a lot to learn first. swimming, cpr. life saving.
2006-08-23 05:08:04 · answer #7 · answered by digital genius 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
U need to watch Baywatch
2006-08-23 05:06:20 · answer #8 · answered by Phil-A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the local YMCA. i think they have classes for that stuff.
2006-08-23 05:07:57 · answer #9 · answered by flip4urkandi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a red banana hammock and then you're done!
2006-08-23 05:14:35 · answer #10 · answered by boop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋