How to Make Beaches Safer During the Lifeguard Shortage

As summer arrives, with masses of people flocking to seaside destinations, one issue resounds again: beach safety. But there is a big problem. Across the country, the lifeguard crisis rages at many beaches. As disturbing as that could sound, public safety has hence been jeopardized, as has the urgent need to raise questions concerning the gaps these issues will address.
One of the solutions is to increase the number of people certified as lifeguards. Such people normally acquire lifesaving skills, while at the same time directly contributing to public safety when it comes to emergencies. This article discusses how becoming a lifeguard can improve beach safety, what is involved in the grant of certification, and ways in which one can be involved.

The Lifeguard Shortage: A National Crisis

Lifeguard deficiency is not just a local issue, it is a national issue. Many cities and cities are struggling for adequate lifeguards in pools, beaches and water parks. Some cities are temporarily or permanently cutting hours and/or closing pools because they do not have enough qualified lifeguards.
Because of the pandemic and the disruption it caused, competition with seasonal work, and greater training standards, there are fewer lifeguards this summer than last summer. The effects include an increased risk to patrons on the beach, longer delays in responses to emergencies, and stress on our community resources.
A part of the solution is to encourage community members to become certified as lifeguards not just as an employment opportunity but as a civic duty.

Expectations of Lifeguard Training Programs

You should familiarize yourself with how certification programs are organized if you are seriously considering becoming a lifeguard. Most American lifeguard certification programs https://americanlifeguard.com/certification/ have an educational component (theory) and a skill component (practice), and most programs conclude with an exam.
Training programs generally teach the following as part of the certification course:
Water Rescue: This module will include how to safely approach and remove victims in different aquatic environments.
First Aid & CPR: You will take a wonderful journey in preparing for a medical emergency, and get to know how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Surveillance and Scanning: You'll learn how to detect signs of distress early in a water environment, and monitor large groups of people.
Legal/Liability: You will learn about the duty of care, negligence, and other elements of the legal nature of a lifeguard.
Most training programs will ask for a swim test to be performed for a candidate prior to participating in the course. The swim test may include at minimum a timed swim, a treading water test, and retrieves from the bottom of the pool.

Lifeguarding as a Profession and a Vocation

For many people, lifeguarding begins as a summer job, but often it becomes too much. Certified lifeguards often describe the profession as meaningful and rewarding. Lifeguarding is an appealing option for students, athletes, and anyone with an interest in serving the public. There are very few careers that allow someone to save a life, achieve leadership achieve employment skills and be out.
Additionally, lifeguarding can lead to other professions in health and public safety. From emergency services to coaching to physical therapy to medicine, lifeguarding experience is recognized in these fields.
The increased need for certified lifeguards creates job security and also options. Lifeguards are hired everywhere there is water - beaches, vacation resorts, cruise ships, youth camps, and the list goes on.

Meeting the Physical and Mental Demands

It is important to understand that lifeguarding is both mentally and emotionally taxed. To be a potential lifeguard successful, they need to be strong swimmers, stay awake for a long time, and be able to make long-term decisions rapidly despite stress and fatigue. To prepare for the physical demands of lifeguarding, people should do:
Training in Swimming
Cardiovascular training
Strength training, specifically for requirements of rescues
Mental preparedness is just as important. Lifeguards need to be emotionally strong and able to be calm and focused in an emergency situation. Training courses often have simulated rescues as part of their programming so that candidates can be prepared to experience these things when performing lifeguard duties.

How Communities Can Support Lifeguard Training

Local governments, schools, and community organizations can provide significant support in addressing the shortage of lifeguards. Some of the ways local governments can help train and develop a new population of lifeguards are:
Offer subsidized training for lifeguard certification courses to lessen the financial burden on young people.
Promote awareness of the need for lifeguards and how people can become certified.
Partner with high schools to provide lifeguard training as part of their physical education curriculum.
These are some of the projects that can not only support public safety but also offer employment opportunities to young people in the community.

Final Word: Now is the Time to Get Involved

The current lifeguard shortage is alarming as it endangers the safety of millions across beaches and pools across the country... yet it offers an avenue for people to act. There is an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives by becoming certified. As a lifeguard, you will be prepared for action when an emergency arises, however, you are also equipped for prevention. Whether you are looking for a fulfilling job, a stepping-stone for a health-related profession, or an opportunity to give back, lifeguarding is a potential path.
Now more than ever our beaches need heroes. Are you willing to be one of them?

P.O Bagarji Town Bagarji Village Ghumra Thesil New Sukkur District Sukkur Province Sindh Pakistan 65200.

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This release was published on openPR.