Beach lifeguards have various responsibilities, including patrolling the beach on foot or in vehicles, teaching safety classes, and performing CPR. They must also enforce beach rules and keep a log of rescues and events. Qualifications and tests vary by region.
A lifeguard on the beach usually has a lot more to do than watching swimmers from a tower. Plenty of lifeguards must patrol the beaches on foot; some are responsible for directing and maintaining the safety of large stretches of coastal beaches. Teaching safety related classes as well as obtaining and renewing first aid/rescue qualifications are other common activities of a beach lifeguard.
The activities and tests required for beach lifeguards to maintain their professional qualifications vary according to the standards set in different regions and countries. A beach lifeguard may be tested on their knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or open water skills. Open water lifeguards supervise swimmers far from shore, such as those jumping into the ocean from a yacht or cruise ship. All types of lifeguards must be ready and able to give CPR to victims of drowning or heart attack. CPR is also called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, as the rescuer blows air into the patient’s mouth while applying pressure to the chest to try to restore proper heart and lung function.
Some beach lifeguards may teach CPR and other safety techniques to the public. Safe boating lessons can also be provided by a lifeguard on the beach. Lifeguard crews are usually responsible for keeping various beaches in a regional area safe for the public. They can operate inflatable boats or four wheel drive vehicles to patrol the coasts. A member of the lifeguard team at the beach can communicate with other members using cell phones or other wireless communication devices.
On smaller beach areas, the lifeguard may have tasks such as cleaning. When the beach is open to the public, all lifeguards must supervise swimmers and be prepared to provide emergency rescue services or first aid as needed. A lifeguard on the beach watches swimmers for signs of weakness, distress or panic, to prepare to catch up quickly to avoid drowning. Lifeguards may use poles or ropes to help weaker swimmers reach shore.
Most beach lifeguards patrol the beaches on foot and monitor swimmers from a chair in the lifeguard tower. They must enforce the beach rules if anyone is involved in illegal or unsafe activities on the property. A lifeguard on the beach will usually send out signs indicating beach regulations. Beach lifeguards can be paid or volunteer. They can work on river, ocean or lake beaches. Keeping a log of rescues and other important events is one of the main responsibilities of many beach lifeguards.
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