Entries

Lifeguards' main rescue equipment and lifeline can be found in their floatation rescue tubes. It should always be kept within arm’s length. Rescue tubes should be used not only as a floatation device but also as a barrier between the rescuer and the victim. The safety strap should be securely wrapped across one shoulder. It does not matter which shoulder, but the end of the safety line should match up with the same side of the tube. While on the pool surface, lifeguards must always have the excess safety line in one hand. This will prevent it from tangling or getting caught on any external objects including lifeguards’ legs.

A. External Stair Entry:

One of the safest ways to enter the water, not only for you but also for the victim, is by using the stairs. This will ensure that little to no movement of the water occurs which is key in rescues where a head, neck, or back injury is suspected. One key element to remember is to have your tube in position securely across your chest under your armpits with the excess line in hand. This line can easily be snagged on the stair railing causing unneeded motion and possible injury to therescuer.

B. External Side Entry:

One of the easiest ways to enter the pool environment at the start of rescue is by simply using the external side entry from the pool deck. The lifeguard should first make sure that the rescue tube is secure and attached across one shoulder. 1. Ease yourself at the edge of the pool so that you are seated on the edge of the pool deck.

2. Using both hands, lift your body so that you may securely slide into the water. Be cautious becausethe pool deck may be slippery. 3. Once in the water, secure your rescue tube under your armpits securely at your chest.

C. Deep Water Entry:

In the presence of water deeper than 5 feet, lifeguards should use the open leg entry technique. This will allow lifeguards to safely and quickly enter the water while staying afloat as much as possible. 1. Approach the edge of the pool with a rescue tube secured across one shoulder and an excess line secured in one hand. 2. Slightly lean forward with open legs, one leg in front of the other as if you were walking, to enter the water keeping your rescue tube in front for floatation. Do not jump or kick from the edge due to the possibility of slipping. 3. Do a strong kick, closing your legs as you hit the water. It is important not to close your legs before hitting the water, otherwise, you will sink further. 4. Make adjustments to your tube once in the water. If you submerge during the entry, quickly check to make sure the victim has not moved from their previous spot and continue with your rescue.

D. Shallow Water Entry:

In shallow water (shallow water should not go below 3 feet) and less than 5 feet or at heights from a rescue stand, it is important the lifeguard safely enter the water so as not to cause injury to their feet, knees, or legs. In shallow water, lifeguards must enter the water almost in a seated position with knees bent and feet flat to absorbthe impact if contacting the bottom.

1. Approach the edge of the pool with a rescue tube secured across one shoulder and an excessline secured in one hand.

2. With secure footing, jump from the edge in the direction of the victim. This should not be used if the victim is close to the side or under the lifeguard stand.

3. With knees bent and feet flat, brace yourself for possible contact with the bottom. Do not leave backward due to possible impact with the side of the pool.

4. If you submerge during the entry, quickly check to make sure the victim has not movedfrom their previous spot and continue with your rescue.

External and Internal Tube Extensions

Lifeguards can often help a victim without even entering the pool. Through the use of external side extensions, a lifeguard can safely pull the victim to safety while remaining on the pool deck. The most basic extension is using the rescue tube.

1. Remove the strap from your shoulder. This will ensure that you are not pulled into the water by the struggling victim. 2. In a crouched position, extend the rescue tube to the victim. Be cautious not to throw the tube or hit the victim’s head. 3. If the victim does not grab on right away, shout to get their attention to the tube. 4. Using a hand-over- hand motion, pull victim to the nearest pool edge for assistance. Lifeguards may also use other equipment such as a shepherd’s crook or reaching pole to assist. Internal tube extensions may also be used in the water where the rescuer extends the tube to the victim and tows them to safety while in the water. This is a good technique to avoid possible confrontation with a drowning victim.