lifeguards are not above peeing in the pool. It's a testament to how potent the chemicals are in pools that some lifeguards offering swim lessons don't mind relieving themselves when nature calls and they don't feel like getting out.
The reason for the head “bob” is that you cannot see with just your peripheral vision and must directly move the eye to see blind spots — the biggest one is always directly at the guards' feet. So the only way around this is to actually move their head to get direct vision where would usually just be peripheral.
Pool chemicals kill most germs within minutes, but some live for days. Chemicals also break down pee, poop, sweat, dirt, and other gunk from swimmers' bodies.
The right lifeguard footwear can make a big difference for both your comfort and your effectiveness. While tennis shoes are cozy and protective, they offer no waterproofing and may slow you down during a rescue. You'll most often want to wear a pair of flip-flops, which are easy to kick off whenever needed.
Lifeguard surveys continually indicate that boredom is a lifeguard's primary enemy. Although lifeguarding is an extremely important job and has many rewards, it can quickly become very tedious depending on the situation.
Background Lifeguards may face many life-threatening situations during their careers and may be at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So, while mundane tasks may be difficult to focus on, others may be completely absorbing.” As you can see, devoting attention to a passion is easy for someone with ADHD, and that definitely comes out in my lifeguarding.
Hip packs are small bags that lifeguards wear around their waist while on-duty. They are also known as lifeguard fanny packs. Hip packs are typically designed with a zipper enclosure and snap around the lifeguard's waist via a durable, extendable belt.
The weather during pool season isn't always warm. Some days get cool and foggy, and while the sun may hide away, people still want to swim. On those days, your lifeguards need a sweatshirt to keep warm when they step away from guard duty.
Lifeguards need to be in shape, and part of being in shape is allowing your body recovery periods. Arm muscles: Strong swimmers, something all lifeguards need to be, rely on their biceps and triceps to help pull them through the water.
The average backyard swimming pool could have about two gallons of urine in it. You know that sharp odor of chlorine from the swimming pool you can recall from earliest childhood? It turns out it's not just chlorine, but a potent brew of chemicals that form when chlorine meets sweat, body oils, and urine.
Enzymes can work to break down organic matter such as urea and noticeably improve the water quality. Secondary disinfection systems such as Ozone and UV can reinforce the sanitizing effects of chlorine. UV deactivates micro-organisms, and Ozone continuously “shocks” the pool.
High ketone levels cause your blood to become acidic and your body odor to be fruity. In the case of liver or kidney disease, your odor may give off a bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup in your body.
Why do you see Lifeguards walking around with white (or Pink) noses? Zinc Oxide, most likely. Sunscreens can be classified into two categories: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and absorb UV rays to protect the skin from the sun.
Oh, and you'll be needing some zinc oxide to protect your nose from sunburn. You know zinc oxide. It's that slimy white stuff that surfers and lifeguards have been smearing on their proboscises since Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon first hit the sand in “Beach Party.”
A rescue buoy or rescue tube or torpedo buoy is a piece of lifesaving equipment used in water rescue. This flotation device can help support the victim's and rescuer's weight to make a rescue easier. It is an essential part of the equipment that must be carried by lifeguards.
This lets the lifeguard in the water know that the signal has been seen and understood. It is noted that some agencies have developed a separate hand signal to convey that a message has been understood. One arm waved to and fro above the head The lifeguard in the water needs further assistance.
The most widely used uniform colour scheme is the use of uniforms coloured red and yellow. These colours have proven to be readily distinguishable against the many people and colours they may be wearing while in, on or around these aquatic environments.
The Lifeguard Bumbag includes resuscitation mask with oxygen inlet, gloves and "pealess" whistle. Available in Blue.
“Many pools don't have janitors so the bulk of making sure the pool looks presentable is up to the lifeguards.” They'll even set up tables for parties and clean the bathrooms.
Basic apparel for lifeguards consists of an approved lifeguard swimsuit for females and swim trunks or Bermuda shorts for males.
No excuses. While text messaging is the hot topic with lifeguarding right now, there are countless distractions in pools across the country. More and more pools have decided to play music in or around the pool. Music is great, but lifeguards should NEVER have the ability to change or adjust the music selections.
Let's face it: lifeguarding can be stressful. The need to respond at a second's notice is constant. If you've ever needed to make a rescue, the experience stays with you. Knowing what can happen when others don't know (or don't care) can be anxiety-inducing.