element 3 Flashcards
Why is early intervention so important?
It is important to supervise pool users and intervening as early as possible to prevent a dangerous activity or accident from occurring.
how can lifeguards prevent accidents?
Examples of early intervention:
* Asking a swimmer not to hyperventilate prior to swimming underwater
* Asking a swimmer to follow the direction of the lane swimming signs
* Stopping a weak swimmer from moving to the deep end by crawling along a lane rope or the side of the pool
* Taking immediate action if you see a member of the public with a concerned expression on their face - find out why and act accordingly
what time should a lifeguard be able to reach any part of their zone?
Pool operators must ensure lifeguards can get to any area within their zone within 20 seconds.
What is a zone?
A zone is the area of the pool a lifeguard is responsible for supervising
why is it important to ensure you scan your specific zone?
It is essential that you know the boundaries of your zone to ensure no area of the pool is left unsupervised with potentially disastrous effects. It is good to use physical features to mark out zones within the swimming pool environment.
What should you look, listen and smell for when scanning?
Lifeguards must ….. (insert word) scan the pool and/or zone they are responsible for.
Give 4 benefits of a high chair lifeguard position?
The benefits of a high chair are:
* A wide field of view
* Less reflection and glare from the surface of the pool
* A clear view of the bottom of the pool, even in deep water
* Distances you from noise, splashing and other distractions
* Makes you more visible to pool users
What could cause blind spots?
Blind spots can be caused by:
* Equipment in the pool e.g. inflatable, play mats etc
* Pool design e.g. irregular shape, walls and pillars
* Swimmers (influx of high numbers)
What are maximum user loads?
The pool user loads for a pool can vary by type of session and equipment in the pool as some activities are higher risk and others may restrict the amount of water space available.
Name three methods a lifeguard may use to communicate:
Types of Communication
* Whistle
* Verbal
* Hand signals
* Communication equipment and alarms
Explain the whistle communication system recommended by the RLSS UK
The signals listed below are widely used and are recommended by the RLSS UK:
* One short blast: calls for the attention of a pool user
* Two short blasts: calls for the attention of another lifeguard
* Three short blasts: indicates that a lifeguard is taking emergency action
* One long blast: used to indicate to pool users that the pool is about to be cleared
When should a lifeguard use a poolside assistance alarm?
The lifeguard should use the assistance alarm when:
* You or another lifeguard on poolside are carrying out a rescue
* There is a serious first aid incident
* There is a threat of violence or personal assault
* There is a sudden lack of water clarity
Name one advantage to using technology systems
Extra vision underwater
What training should you receive to lifeguard using technology?
Training should include:
* How to use the system
* If using the system is included in your scanning pattern
* How the system will alert you
* What the alerts)/alarms) sounds like and/or look like
* What action you should take when the system alert/alarm is raised
* What actions you should take if the system partially/fully fails
