Being a Lifeguard is hard work. The word lifeguard may be self explanatory, but the actual meaning of what it is to be a lifeguard is much more complicated. Having the tile of lifeguard is no easy task, even though it is the one that stays with that person in his/her entire life. When the word lifeguard comes to mind most people imagine cute lifeguards with hot bodies. Sure Lifeguards have their perks, but lifeguarding isn't just hard bodies, sun, sand, parties, and white zinc on your nose. Lifeguarding is not just a glamorous summer job, it is a lifestyle that only the most mentally strong can endure.
While performing patron surveillance, Lifeguards try to prevent drowning or other injury and death by looking for swimmers in these categories and conditions. 1: Swimmers who are inactive in the water, submerged or otherwise (Passive drowning victim). When a lifeguard sees this kind of swimmer he/she performs an emergency rescue. 2: Swimmers who are taking in water while attempting to stay at the surface (Active drowning victim). Lifeguards look for swimmers in this condition by looking for arms flailing vertically, with the body vertical and perpendicular to the water, for the curious reason, that when swimmers begin to take in water, they stop kicking with their feet. Lifeguards perform an emergency rescue to assist this kind of swimmer. 3: Swimmers who have become tired and are having trouble swimming (Distressed swimmer) and may or may not be calling out for help. Lifeguards usually swim out and help these swimmers to the side. They may or may not require additional assistance. 4: Normal swimmers (Healthy swimmers). Problems may occur at any time, so a lifeguard must be in good physical and mental condition in order to pull someone from the water and possibly perform rescue breathing, CPR, or First Aid
Lifeguards are never really off-duty. For example look at any veteran lifeguard, he or she will not turn his or her back on the water. Whenever a lifeguard comes by their work off-duty, they will be looking around making sure everything is okay and is always aware of their surroundings. Ask any lifeguard, they are always watching because sometimes the most critical rescue he or she has made the best rescues while off-duty. Sure lifeguards like taking time off from work, but where they are if they are at an event or on a trip they are looking to make sure no is hurt.
Lifeguards are never really off-duty. For example look at any veteran lifeguard, he or she will not turn his or her back on the water. Whenever a lifeguard comes by their work off-duty, they will be looking around making sure everything is okay and is always aware of their surroundings. Ask any lifeguard, they are always watching because sometimes the most critical rescue he or she has made the best rescues while off-duty. Sure lifeguards like taking time off from work, but where they are if they are at an event or on a trip they are looking to make sure no is hurt.