The Lifeguard job description varies depending on where you are working; for instance, the job description of a beach lifeguard is somewhat different than that of a beach lifeguard, however; there are some duties that are for all lifeguards in all venues. It is the job of the lifeguard to not only provide a safe environment for all swimmers and bystanders, but to also keep the water safe and enjoyable.
Ensuring a Safe Environment
A safe environment is a must when working around water. There are so many things that can happen from medical emergencies in the water to accidental drowning’s so the lifeguard must be aware of everything going on around them. If a person who is swimming suffers a medical emergency or begins to drown, the lifeguard must be alert and ready to jump in after them, and once the lifeguard gets to the victim, they must tow them to safety. In the pool, this is only to the pool deck where another lifeguard will assist them to get the victim up onto solid ground and perform the necessary steps to ensure the victim recovers whether it is CPR or basic first aid. At the beach, it can become difficult for a speedy rescue since the open water provides a much broader area for accidents to happen; not to mention water that is not so clear, making it difficult to locate a victim if they fall under the water. The beach lifeguard has a big job, they always have to be watching everybody who is in the water and look for warning signs that someone is not a strong swimmer or may have problems. Providing a safe environment is essential to the lifeguard job description which is why they must be well trained in both first aid and CPR.
Maintaining Swimming Grounds
Another integral part of the lifeguard job description is that they must keep the swimming grounds up. This can involve either balancing the PH levels in a pool, or ensuring there is no trash or anything harmful on the beach, such as broken glass or other hazardous material. This ensures that the water and area around the water is safe for all swimmers.
Keeping the Peace
While rescues are the main part of the lifeguard job description, keeping the peace is another integral part. This consists of the lifeguard in a way babysitting those who are in and around the water. They need to ensure that those enjoying the water are not horsing around or rough housing around the pool and beach areas, but also that they are not causing problems and using profanities with other people at the venue. This is a common duty for all lifeguards; for instance, when someone is running on a pool deck, they can slip and fall, causing serious injuries from the concrete. At the same time, if a person at the beach decides they want to go past the swimming area, they are prone to much worse outcomes, such as drowning, shark attacks or even getting in the path of a boat.
