C. BRICK RETRIEVAL

The second pre-test assessment is the brick retrieval. A ten-pound object just as a diving brick will be dropped into the deep end of the pool at the 7-foot mark. Starting from the shallow end, individuals must swim 20 yards using either the front crawl or breaststroke to the brick. NOTE: that diving brick may be placed between 7-10 feet if the 7-foot mark is less than 20 yards from the edge of the pool. Without goggles, individuals will surface dive down and retrieve the brick. With two hands on the brick at all times, the individual must then surface and kick backward on their back using the strength in their lower body to propel themselves back 20 yards to the shallow end edge. The assessment is not complete until individuals place the brick on the edge of the pull and force themselves out without using any outside assistance such as a ladder. Individuals should be careful when exiting the pull not using a ladder since the side deck can sometimes become slippery. The entire brick assessment must be completed within 1 minute and 40 seconds. If at any time individuals feel they cannot continue with the assessment, simply drop the brick and reach for the closest side edge.

If an individual is not able to complete the above pre-course assessments, they may not continue with the course. This initial assessment is meant to test individuals’ physical skills to ensure that they will accurately be able to perform rescue skills promptly. Practice is key when building strength for the pre-test. Individuals must ensure that they have taken the proper time to rest and refuel before retrying the assessments to prevent possible injury.

Section 3

A. What it Takes to be a Lifeguard (Basic Physical and Mental)

Individuals must possess the basic mental and physical capabilities that are required for the day-to-day work of a lifeguard. Lifeguarding is not a job for those that think that it is simply an easy summer job where they can relax and soak up the sun. Individuals must possess specific characteristics before they should even consider being a lifeguard. Not everyone is cut out to be a lifeguard. Even if individuals possess certain characteristics that are needed, if they do not live up to those standards, they also should reassess their job choice. This is not a job where it is simple enough to show up on time and be present, you have to want to be there and know what to do every minute of the day.

B. Magic Number: 15

Physical and mental abilities are often associated with the age of an individual. Lifeguard students must be at least 15 years of age by the date of completion to apply for their lifeguard certification. Those individuals at least 15 years of age are seen as adults in the eyes of the association and should possess and be able to demonstrate the advanced mental and physical traits that go along with being an adult. Unfortunately, age is just a number. These desired traits do not automatically appear at a specific age if neglected. They are instead built on past learning, experiences, and behaviors. The pretest swim and brick retrieval are designed to ensure the individual has the basic physical capabilities needed to be a lifeguard, it is up to the individual to act the part and demonstrate that they also possess the desired characteristics of an effective lifeguard.

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