C. Characteristics of a Lifeguard

(Advanced Decision-Making Skills, Deal with Pressure and Stress, Personable, Team Player,Responsible)

1. Possess Advanced Decision Making

Lifeguards must possess advanced judgment and decision-making skills. Lifeguards must be able to know when to act and when to restrain themselves from premature or irrational action in certain situations. Action should be taken once all the facts have been gathered so that nothing is done prematurely or in haste. Lifeguards' first key step in decision making is fully and entirely assessing the situation from all angles. Ask yourself, how many people are involved, what is the age of the individuals, what might have been the cause of a certain situation, does it seem to cause injury or further injury to any individuals. All the facts of the situation should be taken into account. Next, the lifeguard must consider the variety of different actions that can be taken depending on the severity of the situation, make sure that the infraction fits the punishment, and always give individuals the choice of leaving the pool area if they so wish.

2. Able to Deal with Pressure and Stress

Individuals must possess the ability to accurately deal with stress and know where to go for help or assistance if needed. The stress that goes along with being a lifeguard often does not leave once you leave the pool facility. Stress from the job and different emergencies and situations that occur may follow lifeguards to their homes and into their everyday lives if not dealt with properly. A good lifeguard will not let this stress and pressure build-up but will instead look to the lifeguard team and others for assistance. (Must be able to deal with it on the job and after, depression, feeling worthless, etc.)

3. Physical Strength

Lifeguards must possess physical strength and stamina in and out of the water. In some cases, victims may be much larger in size compared to the rescuer. Although assistance from fellow lifeguards is often available, individuals must have the adequate strength to perform a rescue from start to finish without assistance (leg strength to kick and pull victims, removals from the water).

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