Whether you're looking to become a lifeguard, love the beach, or just prefer poolside relaxation, safety matters most in any aquatic environment.
That's why lifeguards are there -- to ensure everyone enjoys their time by the water while staying safe, whether it's a lively waterpark pool or a serene beach setting.
In this blog post, we'll compare the roles of lifeguards at beaches and pools and go over the important aspects of each style of lifeguarding. We'll also cover important things to consider if you are contemplating a career as a lifeguard.
So join us in celebrating #NationalLifeguardAppreciationDay as we explore the key differences between lifeguarding on the sandy shores and beside the calm pool waters.
1. Environment
Beaches: Lifeguarding at the beach means constantly observing a highly expansive and dynamic environment. Guards stationed at beaches must monitor vast stretches of shoreline, and deal with changing tides, currents, and weather conditions. This diverse setting requires a keen understanding of oceanography, weather patterns, and specialized swimming techniques.
Pools: Pools provide a more controlled and confined environment, where water conditions remain relatively constant. However, attention to detail is still crucial to ensure swimmers' safety by recognizing and preventing drownings, especially in crowded pools and busy waterparks.
2. Training and Certification
Beaches: Beach lifeguards undergo comprehensive training that encompasses ocean rescue techniques, first aid, CPR, and other specialized training for identifying and handling marine life encounters. They must also be highly skilled swimmers to navigate through challenging water conditions.
Pools: Beyond the standard certification required by all lifeguard agencies, pool lifeguards also concentrate on water rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid, with an emphasis on managing pool-related emergencies such as slips, diving accidents, health emergencies and shallow-water incidents.
3. Equipment and Tools
Beaches: Lifeguards patrolling beaches often rely on an arsenal of equipment like jet skis, paddleboards, and personal watercrafts to quickly and safely reach distressed swimmers. They also use tools like megaphones and radios to communicate with beachgoers and other guards over the noise and commotion of the beach.
Pools: Pool lifeguards mainly utilize one-man equipment, such as rescue tubes, rescue floatation devices, and reaching poles to provide immediate assistance to swimmers in need. Regarding communication, they usually use whistles to signal warnings and instructions.
4. Crowd Management
Beaches: Crowd management is a significant challenge at beaches, due to the large number of visitors and ever-changing conditions. Guards have to pay close attention to tide and weather charts to make sure they stay ahead of any environmental hazards. To help protect beachgoers, beach lifeguards use flags to designate areas for different types of water recreation.
Pools: Pool lifeguards maintain order in and around the water by enforcing pool or facility rules, managing the number of swimmers, and ensuring that diving boards and slides are used safely. For lifeguards at waterparks, this means also making sure that guests are properly preapred and informed when riding the water attractions.
5. Hazards
Beaches: Beaches, as a natural environment, come with their own natural hazards such as rip currents, jellyfish, and aquatic wildlife. Lifeguards must be vigilant in quickly identifying and responding to these potential dangers to protect the public.
Pools: Pools have their own set of hazards, including diving accidents, slippery surfaces, and the potential for waterborne illnesses if water quality is not properly maintained. Pool lifeguards, along with monitoring swimmers at all times, must therefore also assist in maintaining safety of the pool facility.
Navigating the Waters
Whether it's the vast expanse of the ocean or the tranquil waters of a pool, lifeguards play an essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers and beachgoers.
The demands and challenges of lifeguarding differ between beaches and pools, each requiring unique skills and expertise.
So, the next time you slip into your favorite pair of boardshorts and head to the water's edge, take a moment to appreciate the dedicated lifeguards who work tirelessly to make your aquatic adventures enjoyable and safe!