The Life Guard Profession Is Invaluable To Society



by Gnifrus Urquart


How underrated the life guard profession seems to be. For it is only when we are on holiday at the beach that we become aware of their presence and as they sit there on their outlook towers, we hardly give them a thought as we tan and swim.

This seldom-noticed niche in the market for work has possibly not been much considered either. We look for jobs as teachers, on cruise ships, as health carers and such, but who would ever think of becoming a lifeguard?

These important people have become a necessity with the overcrowding of popular beaches and swimming spots and they have a very responsible job. Often working as a team at peak seasons, they have to keep their skills well honed and are often seen performing life-saving drills together.

They are our first defence when it comes to life-threatening situations in the water. They must be fit and strong in order to come to our aid when we need them. Their work is indispensable and their training is hard. Lifesavers are trained to have a full knowledge of rip-tides, undercurrents, sink and blow holes. They are to expected to close the beach when dangerous seas prevail such as choppy seas, high tide and rapidly approaching storms.

They are needed worldwide and not only at the seaside. You can find them on large cruising ships, at social venues at swimming pools, at municipal pools and holiday resorts. They are heavily relied upon to keep vulnerable small children safe from drowning. They keep watch at beach resorts for advance warnings of any dangers. Marking the beach considered safe for swimming with posts, they will quickly respond if any swimmer fails to keep within the designated area and will stand and blow their whistles with a shrill and flag them back to safe waters.

Lifeguards need to be well trained to cope with any situation. This could entail anything from a missing toddler on the beach to a person abusing alcohol. They need to be equipped to handle emergencies such as shark bite victims or jelly-fish stings. Armed with a strong knowledge of the area where they work and an eye for noticing rip currents, tidal changes and water depths, they will not be slow in coming forward to close the beach when breakers become unstable, tides are unusually high and lightning storms occur.

There is always the possibility of Jet Ski users, harpoon divers, boats and other craft being used in the designated swimming area of the seas. Lifesavers are usually aware of every underwater obstacle that could endanger bathers, such as unseen rocks and sharp corral. They may prohibit the use of flotation devices beyond 50 meters from shore, knowing that people can be unexpectedly carried out of their depths. At the blink of an eye the life guard must be able to call emergency medical personnel and police patrols to the area. The Life Guard Profession must work as a team and fall under the directions of a supervisor worldwide.




About the Author: