Lifeguarding and the LAKE!!

[shandaddict]

Just a quick question for all of you lifesaving maniacs out there, Many of our camp's lifeguards for this summer were certified by the red cross recently, but are only "pool" certified. my question is, how do they become waterfront certified, so they can safely guard our lake???

Does the Red Cross have separate classes, etc.

Also, do the lifeguards at your camps have to wear life jackets when they are in canoes or boats in your lakes or ponds??

Anyone?? thanks....:)

[camper]

usually they can get certified by their local red cross chapter to do waterfront, or your camp could hire someone to come in and certify them during counselor orientation. when we certify our lifeguards when they are campers (they run a program for the oldest girls to get certified and then renew it every year for them when they're counselors) we certify them to be waterfront guards.

and our lifeguards are usually holding rescue tubes so they don't have to wear lifejackets.

[shandaddict]

our lifeguards use rescue tubes as well, but for some reason, we also make them wear life jackets. Thanks for the red cross info, i will pass that on to some of our guards.

[speedx5xracer]

Life Jackets and tubes are mandated of rguards. there are many classes... WFLG, and various other boating certs.

[tajarbud]

If the LGs are guarding a swimming area at the lake, they can add a 6 hour module to the be Waterfront certified---includes rescue board, mask , fins and snorkles....participants learn additional rescue procedures and learn how to use equipment that is not needed for pool guards/swimmers. :cool:

All guards should be guarding with rescue tube in hand or across their knees if they are in a stand. (strap across one shoulder) :cool:

Staff at boating activities should be small craft safety certified (in the craft tha they are working with) LGs are not instructed in any boating related rescues. :cool:

[Belay06]

i got lifeguard and waterfront certified all at the same time!

We don't have to wear lifejackets if we're in a canoe if we have a tube. I think it would be a bit more difficult to save someone who has gone under if you had on a lifejacket and i don't always have the easiest time taking them off either, especially if you were in the water.

[CAMPFRIEND]

I think the reason that you should wear a lifejacket when you are in a boat is it's a good example for the campers. I know that it is hard to make a save with a jacket but if need be you can take it off.

[speedx5xracer]

ive developed techniques w. my water front director to do rescues with the victim and rescuer w. lifejackest on... its difficult but it can be done and is very effective in test runs.

[code3cadet]

I think that a lifejackets should not be on lifeguard at anytime. they make thing that are like lifejackets but can be taken off fast for guards. time is eveything 10/20. You can not do a 10/20 with a lifejacket on. I do to think a gurad nids to have a lifejacket and a tub on them.

[softballkid019]

at my guards must wear a life jacket when in a small craft but we do it to follow the rules of saftey wise being a girl scout camp. i think that guards should not wear lifejackets just for the fact that if they need to make a save first they have to waste time taking off the jacket. but that is just my opinion

[Shrek]

Since we have everyones opinions here is mine: What are they guarding? If Guarding watercraft activities in which all participants have on Lifejackets, I think they should set the example by doing the same (and the chance that they woudl have a submerged victum is slight since they all have jackets on). If useing the boat as an additional ligeguard stand, guarding swimmers then they shoudl be prepaired to make submerged rescues without a jacket on. That si my opinion (for what it is worth)

[speedx5xracer]

I think that a lifejackets should not be on lifeguard at anytime. they make thing that are like lifejackets but can be taken off fast for guards. time is eveything 10/20. You can not do a 10/20 with a lifejacket on. I do to think a gurad nids to have a lifejacket and a tub on them.
at my guards must wear a life jacket when in a small craft but we do it to follow the rules of saftey wise being a girl scout camp. i think that guards should not wear lifejackets just for the fact that if they need to make a save first they have to waste time taking off the jacket. but that is just my opinion

The thing is especially in murkey water and or rivers or with boats/toys any thing can happen and i have seen guards get knocked on the head by a paddle. It is hard to preform saves w. a life jacket IF you are not trained or in practice.. I think that all guards should be trained how to rescue w. a jacket on.... In the drills i have participated in the jacket mad it easier for the rescuer to be effective especially if the victim had a jacket. And the thing about the guard needing to take off the jacket for the rescue is not necessarily an issue. Since if the victim has a jacket on this negates the need for a tube in some cases. The thing is life guards should have jackets designed for maximum mobility and floatation... We just ordered a set that allows for max mobility in water/on a craft/on shore.