We train Lifesavers and Lifeguards – so what’s the difference?
A lifesaver provides assistance wherever they happen to be, a lifeguard provides assistance in a dedicated place be it pool or beach
An article on the BBC shows what can happen to a lifeguard when they operate outside their area of responsibility or “zone”. In the article “Florida lifeguard fired for helping drowning man“ they tell the story of beach lifeguard Tomas Lopez who was sacked after helping save a man in trouble in an unguarded area of the beach. You can read the article here.
If you want to become a lifeguard or already are one this is worth discussing.
Why the issue?
If a specific area is Lifeguarded we might expect that the levels of personnel / equipment are agreed in advance. A lifeguard leaving their area of responsibility reduces the levels of cover available. An example of bad lifeguard practice might be if they snuck off to the shops while they were supposed to be on duty.
Planning for eventualities
We would expect that their training and written instructions, known as normal operating plans (NOPs) and emergency operating plan (EAPs), would state what they should do. For example after a rescue a Lifeguard may be committed to providing aftercare and would not be watching their zone, is there a mechanism for covering them. In this circumstance it might state what to do if an incident occurs outside the rescue zone. Might it include engaging the Coastguard or RNLI Lifeboat.
Is it any different if they are outside their zone doing a rescue?
If the area being protected by the Lifeguard is compromised is there is a threat to water users? That’s the issue here
Think of it this way; a lifeguard in a swimming pool leaves to assist a collapsed person in a shop next door and while they are away someone gets into difficulty in the pool.
To encourage debate think about other possibilities say
- A lifeguard on Claremont Beach attending a rescue on Ireland’s eye
So who is in the right?
It’s hard not to support the employer, Ellis & Associates. They employed the Lifeguard to do a job at a specific place and time. But it’s impossible not to have sympathy for a lifeguard who rescues someone.
Tomas, without question, is the lifesaver you want if you are in trouble, is he the lifeguard you want on your beach?
Let the debate begin
next swim
Saturday 2.30 Claremont Beach
Tuesday 7 Claremont Beach
