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Summertime, for most people, means to have fun time in the water. Having their towels with them, dressed in swimming costumes they spend most of their time in swimming pools or at the beach. Most people, when heading for the water bodies. Don’t think about the dangers that can be faced on the beaches or swimming pools. It is largely due to the presence of the certified lifeguards keeping a watch over the swimmers and having fun in the water.
The lifeguard training makes these over watchers work as lifesavers inside and near the water bodies. Here are some of the guidelines from the lifeguards to the people who want to enjoy swimming in the large water bodies to be safe in the water
Avoid alcohol before going into water
Even small amounts of alcohol have a negative effect on your judgment. You’re convinced that you can swim well, that the water isn’t very deep, you haven’t swum out far, or that holding your breath is a fun game. But these perceptions can be wrong because of the alcohol and you ignore a dangerous situation or don’t even recognize it as such. Alcohol can also dehydrate you, making you more prone to heatstroke. A large proportion of swimming accidents can be traced back to alcohol consumption.
Stay in sight of the lifeguards
The risk of drowning is many times lower in a monitored bathing area. Therefore, only go swimming where there are persons who are certified lifeguards and have undergone the lifeguard training, who can keep a close eye on you. They are there for a reason because they know the risks on the beach or outdoor pool inside out – in contrast to many bathers. Especially at the sea, there are currents in or under the water that cannot be seen at first glance. Try to find a fixed point on the beach, for example, the lifeguard tower flag, towards which you keep swimming back. This keeps you in the lifeguard’s field of vision and you’ll also notice if you’re being carried away by the current.
Stay away from piers!
Young people in particular feel attracted to piers, whether as a test of courage because they want to jump off them, or because of the mistaken belief that the water is particularly shallow there. But the truth is that the currents there are stronger than expected, as the waves break on the pilings and don’t slowly run out to the shore. Sprains, broken collarbones, dislocated shoulders or spinal injuries are common as a result of this recklessness.
Lifeguards don’t like inflatable swim gear.
During the lifeguard training, it is made clear that Inflatable swimming gear such as tires or air mattresses can slip and float away in an instant. They give children, in particular, a false sense of security and the little ones often misjudge their swimming skills through them. The life jacket is still the safest utensil for inexperienced swimmers or small children. However, it is only useful if it is designed for the correct size and weight of the user.
Watch out for signs of sunstroke or heat stroke!
A few hours in the blazing sun can lead to all kinds of heat damage. Sunstroke, heat stroke or even a heat collapse can occur as a result of dehydration and strong sunlight. Therefore, you should always make sure you drink enough fluids. Avoid alcohol and coffee, as both drinks also deprive you of water.
Watch out for symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, drowsiness, inner restlessness, fatigue, and increased heart rate and neck pain. But even a severe sunburn can become a danger on the water. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, immediately sit in the shade, remove all unnecessary clothing, stay hydrated, and cool the body with a shower or wet rags. However, if you have severe symptoms such as unconsciousness or a very severe sunburn, you should definitely see a doctor.
The American Lifeguard Association has many different lifeguard training programs to offer. if you are interested to find a lifeguard training near you then please visit one of the training centers of The American Lifeguard Association.
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