1- This happened my wife in a Long Island Beach-at NYC . My wife is a superb swimmer (she was in a swimming team many times.) She wanted use a floatation device just for fun...And a lifeguard came up to her and told her that she can not go into ocean with that....Because it does not appear to be Coast guard approved...
What is your opinion? Can we have fun without being harrased by lifeguards? Dont get me wrong I respect lifeguards for keeping kids and everyone safe but isnt this a little overboard? Where is the limit? I am curious...
2007-07-26 07:44:25 · 6 answers · asked by isworldflat 3 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
Where I live we don't have lifeguards at public beaches. My guess is they are afraid they will be sued if someone drowns, and they let them use a device not approved by the Coast Guard. It probably all boils down to a liability thing.
2007-07-26 07:56:48 · answer #1 · answered by Cookie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lifeguard is responsible for the safety of anyone swimming in their area. If your flotation device is not approved by the Coast Guard, the lifeguard can tell you not to use it. An inadequate flotation device is dangerous because it creates a false sense of safety. If you were to drown while using such a device, a lifeguard could be found negligent and held liable.
As a former lifeguard, I will tell you that I did not allow such devices to be used within my area. My advice to you would be to find a beach where there are no lifeguards if you do not want to be bothered or purchase a flotation device that is approved by the US Coast Guard.
2007-07-26 15:38:38 · answer #2 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
life guards can tell you whether or not a flotation device is approved when they're responsible for your safety, however if you go during a time when the life guards aren't there you can swim with whatever you want at your own risk. also, maybe the reason you werent allowed to use that flotation device was because it could get away from you and get into the ocean, not because it was dangerous.
2007-07-26 14:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by Jess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live on Long Island and I had the same problem in the past. They say people are more at risk of drownings when using floatation devices, i guess people are more likely to pay less attention to there surroundings.
2007-07-26 14:50:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can use whatever you want, it's a PUBLIC beach.
2007-07-26 14:52:34 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Twinkle♥Toes 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well I think that's bullcrap. you should have fun and not be harassed by overprotective lifegaurds.
2007-07-26 14:48:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋