Section 1- Element 3 Flashcards
Example of early intervention
Stopping a weak or non swimmer entering deep waters by crawling along lane ropes or the edge of the pool
How can lifeguards prevent accidents?
Reporting potential hazards to pool operator
Supervising pool users and intervening early when accident looks as though it may occur
What is a critical intervention?
A person’s life is in danger- relevant EAP must be followed
What is non-critical intervention?
An accident could happen or events may lead to something more serious
What is the difference between programmed and un-programmed swimming sessions?
Programmed sessions have qualified instructors present
Un-programmed are monitored by lifeguards alone
What is a zone?
The particular area of the pool the lifeguard is assigned to watch
Where are zones detailed and displayed?
NOP
What could impact on the area or type of zone?
A programmed session
Recreational area split into a number of overlapping parts
Zones around inflatable or fun session
Areas around diving boards, flumes or wave machines
What is an individual zone?
An area of the pool that is being monitored by you and only you
What is a shared zone?
Area of the pool monitored by two or more lifeguards at once
What typical information may be included within a lifeguard zone card
Current activity
Number of lifeguards needed
Area of pool and zone
Specific hazards, rules and control measures
Explain the 10:20 system
10 seconds to scan the zone
20 seconds to reach an incident
What are scanning patterns and how are they used?
Scanning patterns are the different ways to scan your zone in 10 seconds
Used to view every aspect of the pool in great depth
When scanning, how do you ensure the full zone is covered?
Scanning back and forth with different patterns so you have reached all corners, edges, bottom and surface fo the pool
What lifeguard activity or behaviour could impact on your ability to maintain a suitable level of concentration required to supervise the pool?
Talking on poolside
Working in an unfit state (tired or hungover)
No mobile phones
What techniques can be used to stay alert?
Checking your posture, position and scanning patterns
Head count
What factors may affect the amount of lifeguards needed on poolside?
Size and design of pool Activities currently happening Pool features (wave pool) Number of pool users at one time Hazards
Give examples of when a lifeguard might need to patrol
Intervene where there may be an occurrence of dangerous behaviour and educate the pool user BUT only when knowing static lifeguards are covering the full pool area and zones within.
Benefits of using a high chair
Wide field view
Less reflection and from the surface of the pool
Clear view of bottom of pool, in all depths
Distances you from distractions, noise, splashing
Makes you more visible to pool user
What can impact on the visibility of a zone?
Glare Reflection Blind spots Poor lighting Turbulence Water clarity
What actions could you take if your zone visibility is impaired?
It is essential to inform your line manager immediately so suitable actions can be made to ensure swimmers safety
What factors will affect the maximum pool user’s loads?
The type of session and equipment being used at the time
Floats, inflatables
How can different types of sessions in the pool effect the maximum pool users?
Certain sessions appeal to more customers than other sessions.
For example many customers attend the floats session whereas the numbers of attendance in a morning un-programmed swim is very low in comparison
Explain how life guards rotate through a high chair position
One watches the pool whilst the other comes down the steps. Then one leaving the poolside then watches the pool as the other goes up to the chair.
What might be detailed in the ‘Lifeguard duties and responsibilities’ section of the NOP and what would be the lifeguard role?
Principles of safe entries Starting blocks Diving boards, pools and areas Safety signs Ongoing training Lifeguard role- Understand and apply the rules of your pool communicating with the pool users to ensure the understand and act on the pool rules Attend staff training Follow training procedures
An example of a type of communication and when it might be used
Whistle- Gets attention then you can give instructions
Verbal- Politely when instructing or educating pool users
Hand signals- When guiding a swimmer to a more comfortable area of the pool for their ability
- When gesturing an injury suspected spinal), the need stop something etc
Why is good communication essential during your day-to-day duties or during an emergency?
Ensuring other lifeguards know what is currently happening in the pool when poolside duties are swapped
Being able to receive help from other lifeguards
When and why would you uses a whistle?
One short blast- Calls for attention of pool user
Two short blasts- Calls for attention of another lifeguard
Three short blasts- Indication that lifeguard is taking emergency action
One long blast- Used to indicate to pool users that the pool is about to be cleared
When might a poolside assistance alarm be used?
You or another lifeguard is carrying out a rescue
Serious first aid incident
Threat of violence or personal assault
Sudden lack of water clarity
Give an example of a hand signal and explain what it means
Above head, fist to palm= Press assistance alarm
One hand pointing at incident, one finger pointing at your eye= “Look over there”
(4 MORE- Stop, Ok I understand, First aid assistance needed, call for attention)
Give an example of an alarm system found witin a swimming pool
Poolside assistance alarm
Evacuation alarm
Audible alert (features to begin eg-wave pool)
Example of emergency equipment and when it may be used
Two way radio systems
Telephones - Informing other lifeguards of recent events
Alarm systems- Alerting whole building an event has occured
