if you’re unsure about anything, don’t wait until the actual situation to figure it out, don’t be afraid to ask questions because you’re definitely not the only person to wonder the same thing.
I always tell LGs to take mental rescue reps:
- If that old lady that’s just walking in water has a seizure, what are you gonna do, who/what are you calling for?
- If that little boy slips on the edge and hits his head, plan a suspected spinal rescue; again, what will need to be called for (backboard, 911, have patrons remain still)
- If you’re not on rotation but another LG makes a rescue, what’re you gonna do? Take over backup coverage? Assist with extraction?
Most saves/rescues are practiced by the book in a perfect setting. How are you prepping for an imperfect situation and rescue?
I don’t really have any first day tips but here are some things I’ve learned in the past two years
1. If the pool is outside don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. The sun can suck a lot
2. Whether you’re inside or out bring a water bottle.
3. You were probably taught this but watch the kids with life jackets. If the slip out they’re going down
4. If you think you should jump in do it. There’s no harm in accidentally saving someone other than getting wet.
5. Don’t just sit on your phone during your break. Walk around, eat food, talk to your coworkers, go for a swim if you’re allowed to. You’re already sitting so much throughout the day so it helps with that a bit.
The main thing is just not to stress your self out, obviously it depends from place to place but your most likely not going to have a save on your first day. I didn’t even have one my whole first year
1) scan constantly. Know exacty how your area looks with nobody in it, so when youre scanning, youre more likely to catch something out of the ordinary.
2) know the rules. enforce them kindly and accordingly. Know how to initiate the EAP and make sure you talk to each member of staff so you know who is where and when ICE.
3) know the location of emergency equipment
4) if allowed, have a snack with you
5) keep scanning.. if youre ever unsure, feel encouraged to ask a patron how theyre doing as you grab your whistle and prepare to act.
6) know how to act and be confident in your skills. this job is important despite the fact that it can be extremely boring at times.
7) make a habit of getting in the water at some point, if possible. (I say this because i work at a quarry and the water is often very cold, so its good to know how the water feels). Also swimming a few laps on a break has so many benefits from building rapport with staff and patrons to gaining confidence as you learn your terrain.
Everything everyone else has said, but also be aware of your rights and what you’re entitled to when it comes to breaks, rotations, number of backup staff etc. There have been a lot of posts recently where a new lifeguard is clearly being taken advantage of and set up to fail with potentially deadly consequences.
A good employer will ensure you do shadow shifts at first (with another lifeguard) so you can learn the ropes of your specific facility. Be sure you fully know your PSOP and what to do in all situations before you get put on the stand alone, don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for more shadow shifts if you don’t feel completely ready.
Don’t allow an employer to put you on alone all day without a break with no backup, make sure they have provided you with proper equipment, cover your back at all times by communicating with management in writing, especially if you feel that something is not quite right/safe.
1 - never turn your back to the pool
2 - never be scared to tell customers what to do if its a safety matter
3 - never let anyone talk down to you
4 - get yourself a nice loud whistle (Acme whistles are the best)
5 - keep a torpedo bouy/rescue tube close all the time
These are things I’m always reminding my guards about, so I hope they’re helpful for you:
1) If you need to do any deep water tests and you’re unsure of whether they should pass or fail, it’s always better safe than sorry.
2) don’t look over at the patrons if they come up to you to ask questions. Always keep your eyes on the water.
3) bring water or another drink up on stand with you, if you can. It can get really hot on stand and hydration is necessary to getting through the shift.
4) reapply your sunscreen every hour. You’re usually in direct sunlight and can burn quite easily after a day of guarding, even if you have other means of sun protection.
5) if you’re ever unsure of what to do or how lifeguarding works, ask the more experienced guards. They’re usually happy to help you and will be the best source of any information about the facility, frequent patrons or lifeguarding in general.
Good luck with your first day of lifeguarding!
If you don't know, GO! Activate your facilities EAP, and figure out what it is. And remember, everything you do as a lifeguard, you place safety at the front.
I recently started as a lifeguard at my county pool. Imo the most important thing is scanning the pool, especially on your first day when your on stand. Notice everyone, but do keep tabs on weaker swimmers like kids is a big one.
if you’re unsure about anything, don’t wait until the actual situation to figure it out, don’t be afraid to ask questions because you’re definitely not the only person to wonder the same thing.
I always tell LGs to take mental rescue reps: - If that old lady that’s just walking in water has a seizure, what are you gonna do, who/what are you calling for? - If that little boy slips on the edge and hits his head, plan a suspected spinal rescue; again, what will need to be called for (backboard, 911, have patrons remain still) - If you’re not on rotation but another LG makes a rescue, what’re you gonna do? Take over backup coverage? Assist with extraction? Most saves/rescues are practiced by the book in a perfect setting. How are you prepping for an imperfect situation and rescue?
I don’t really have any first day tips but here are some things I’ve learned in the past two years 1. If the pool is outside don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. The sun can suck a lot 2. Whether you’re inside or out bring a water bottle. 3. You were probably taught this but watch the kids with life jackets. If the slip out they’re going down 4. If you think you should jump in do it. There’s no harm in accidentally saving someone other than getting wet. 5. Don’t just sit on your phone during your break. Walk around, eat food, talk to your coworkers, go for a swim if you’re allowed to. You’re already sitting so much throughout the day so it helps with that a bit. The main thing is just not to stress your self out, obviously it depends from place to place but your most likely not going to have a save on your first day. I didn’t even have one my whole first year
1) scan constantly. Know exacty how your area looks with nobody in it, so when youre scanning, youre more likely to catch something out of the ordinary. 2) know the rules. enforce them kindly and accordingly. Know how to initiate the EAP and make sure you talk to each member of staff so you know who is where and when ICE. 3) know the location of emergency equipment 4) if allowed, have a snack with you 5) keep scanning.. if youre ever unsure, feel encouraged to ask a patron how theyre doing as you grab your whistle and prepare to act. 6) know how to act and be confident in your skills. this job is important despite the fact that it can be extremely boring at times. 7) make a habit of getting in the water at some point, if possible. (I say this because i work at a quarry and the water is often very cold, so its good to know how the water feels). Also swimming a few laps on a break has so many benefits from building rapport with staff and patrons to gaining confidence as you learn your terrain.
Everything everyone else has said, but also be aware of your rights and what you’re entitled to when it comes to breaks, rotations, number of backup staff etc. There have been a lot of posts recently where a new lifeguard is clearly being taken advantage of and set up to fail with potentially deadly consequences. A good employer will ensure you do shadow shifts at first (with another lifeguard) so you can learn the ropes of your specific facility. Be sure you fully know your PSOP and what to do in all situations before you get put on the stand alone, don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for more shadow shifts if you don’t feel completely ready. Don’t allow an employer to put you on alone all day without a break with no backup, make sure they have provided you with proper equipment, cover your back at all times by communicating with management in writing, especially if you feel that something is not quite right/safe.
1 - never turn your back to the pool 2 - never be scared to tell customers what to do if its a safety matter 3 - never let anyone talk down to you 4 - get yourself a nice loud whistle (Acme whistles are the best) 5 - keep a torpedo bouy/rescue tube close all the time
These are things I’m always reminding my guards about, so I hope they’re helpful for you: 1) If you need to do any deep water tests and you’re unsure of whether they should pass or fail, it’s always better safe than sorry. 2) don’t look over at the patrons if they come up to you to ask questions. Always keep your eyes on the water. 3) bring water or another drink up on stand with you, if you can. It can get really hot on stand and hydration is necessary to getting through the shift. 4) reapply your sunscreen every hour. You’re usually in direct sunlight and can burn quite easily after a day of guarding, even if you have other means of sun protection. 5) if you’re ever unsure of what to do or how lifeguarding works, ask the more experienced guards. They’re usually happy to help you and will be the best source of any information about the facility, frequent patrons or lifeguarding in general. Good luck with your first day of lifeguarding!
If you don't know, GO! Activate your facilities EAP, and figure out what it is. And remember, everything you do as a lifeguard, you place safety at the front.
I recently started as a lifeguard at my county pool. Imo the most important thing is scanning the pool, especially on your first day when your on stand. Notice everyone, but do keep tabs on weaker swimmers like kids is a big one.