Lifeguards are usually deployed near water bodies like the sea on beaches, rivers, swimming pools, and water parks for entertainment. They have the sole responsibility of safeguarding the swimmers and other people who participate in various water sports.
They are adept in dangerous situations whereby they save people from drowning, enforce multiple safety and security measures, and have proper knowledge of first aid since it is necessary for being an able lifeguard.
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Lifeguard – Job Description
A lifeguard has to be on his toes with pinpoint eyesight to detect any potential danger in or around the surrounding water body. They should be thoroughly knowledgeable about first aid and the subsequent information and safety tips that need to be dictated to the people who come to beaches, swimming pools, or water parks.
Their job includes the complete authority of supporting services like restrooms, showers, locker rooms, and surrounding areas of the water body. Lifeguards need to preach a proper code of conduct regarding the people’s behavior, the attire or clothes they wear to the water body, and other essential issues of concern. Maintenance and monitoring of the water equipment and all parts of the water body are part of their job.
Lifeguards need to stay calm and composed and have the right state of mind to react to emergencies. In addition, they should communicate well and loudly for the people’s safety and should possess proper decision-making skills, which need to be appropriate and quick at the same time.
Lifeguard – Skills Required
To be an able lifeguard, the candidate must be strong and stout to deal with people in danger. They should have a quick-thinking process and should be able to make decisions quickly since there might be emergencies. Eyesight must be proper for being a lifeguard since they have to search for people far down the water body.
They should have appropriate technical knowledge regarding equipment used for swimming, diving, and other water sports. They should thoroughly know the place where they are working. A lifeguard should also contain proper communication skills.
You need to have an immense set of skills along with being physically and mentally fit. Your stamina should be sky-high, and so should be your communicating skills. In addition, you need to be appropriately certified with supporting work experience.
Lifeguard – Job Responsibilities
- They need to inspect all activities in and around the water body closely.
- The lifeguard also needs to assist novice swimmers with appropriate lessons.
- They should also have ultimate control regarding the rules and regulations of the area for the security of the people.
- The lifeguard should also keep monitoring all areas to detect areas with danger.
- They should also alert swimmers about the hazards in swimming on certain days or in certain areas.
- They should also maintain proper law and order in the swimming area.
- The lifeguard should also take quick action to save swimmers who are drowning.
- Perform first aid and CPR actions.
- Maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of the swimming area.
- Maintaining all sorts of records, accounts, and reports.
Lifeguard – Job Requirements
- A minimum of 16 years and above.
- The candidate should be certified adequately after completion of lifeguard training.
- A minimum of a month or more of experience related to being a lifeguard.
- The candidate should know first aid and CPR certification from a recognized institution.
- Recognized certification for performing actions with AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
- The candidate should have efficient skills in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
- The candidate should be proficient in interacting with people from all age groups, ethnicity, backgrounds, and in multiple languages.
- One should also be flexible with time and sudden changes in work schedule.
- The candidate should also be physically strong, fit, and agile.
- They should also be mentally strong with their ability to judge situations and make correct decisions rapidly as this can save a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Do I need to have 6/6 eyes to apply for the role of a lifeguard?
Ans. As a lifeguard, you are supposed to have proper eyesight as you will be required to save people in the waters. It is not mentioned anywhere that you need to have 6/6 eyes to apply for this role, but the better the eyesight you have, the higher the chances of your getting recruited will increase.
2 What are the core skill-sets required to apply for the job of a lifeguard?
Ans. The basic skill is to know swimming properly:
- You should be very comfortable with swimming in deep and unconventional water.
- You should be very proactive and should possess the skill of having great decision-making skills.
- Great stamina is a must.
3 I am a minor right now; can I apply as a lifeguard if I am good with swimming?
Ans. The minimum official age which is required to apply as a lifeguard is 16 years. However, if you are 16 years and above and can clear all the rounds, you can always become a lifeguard.
