Beach patrolling and rescuing lives are forefront duties of the lifeguards and the knowledge of CPR and first aid can mean the difference between life and death in rescue situations.
This article illustrates a lifeguard’s work in beach patrolling CPR and first aid, and the training and guidelines for handling emergencies effectively, led by the American Lifeguard Association (ALA).
The Importance of Beach Patrolling
Those marginalized by society and thus pushed to serve spontaneously at the beach are perhaps the only ones who see the process of patrolling to watch over the public using the art of prevention and crisis intervention. Lifeguards watch the waters to identify hazards to swimmers, and they maintain constant communication. If a hazard manifests itself- whether a rip current, a drowning swimmer, or a medical emergency onshore-they respond.
It is not enough to sit on the stand all day. They move actively about the scene, observing and communicating. They are more proactive and premised their warning on avoiding potential states of affairs that, if unchecked, will culminate in a prevailing emergency. Warnings may go from surf conditions for players sharing the beach, to helping someone that looks like they are struggling to get to safer areas or complete rescues under great conditions.
Even with perfect surveillance, there will always remain the possibility of an emergency nevertheless. At that particular point, when anything happens, the lifeguards will swoop into action. Here, CPR and first aid become vital.
The Lifesaving Power of CPR and First Aid
CPR and first-aid are beneficial skills any lifeguard needs to know. They often come between life and death in critical situations.
Let’s explore their significance:
- CPR-In the Moment: Restoring Life
CPR is executed in emergencies when the victim’s breathing and/or heartbeat have stopped. This could happen in cases of drowning, cardiac arrest, or any medical emergency. Recognizing vital signs considered gone already within this highly critical period, lay rescue breathing, and chest compressions can keep the blood circulating and the oxygen flowing to the brain until professional help arrives to take over.
The American Lifeguard Association has always stressed the importance of training in high-quality CPR. The lifeguards will obtain not only the skills to perform CPR, but also the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in cardiac emergencies, which provides an additional chance of survival.
- First Aid: Injury and Illness Management
First aid covers a wide variety of activities-from cutting a finger to taking first aid steps with a person suffering a spinal injury or dealing with heatstroke. In case of beach injuries, lifeguards were mostly involved with jellyfish stings or dehydration at times.
Moreover, training in first aid would ensure that the lifeguard would provide initial victim stabilization, thereby preventing further injury and providing the victim with comfort until the arrival of emergency medical personnel. Detailed training, offered by the ALA on first aid preparation, will have appropriately prepared lifeguards deal competently and confidently in such situations in the real world.
Real-Life Scenarios: CPR and First Aid Action
To appreciate what CPR and first aid mean in someone’s life, consider the following examples where these skills have saved lives:
- Scenario 1: Drowning Rescue
A young swimmer is caught in a rip current and pulls underwater. The lifeguard reaches them and sees they don’t breathe and aren’t responsive. The lifeguard immediately starts CPR with rescue breaths and chest compressions. After a few minutes of suspense, the swimmer continues breathing again. A tragedy is avoided with timely action by a lifeguard with CPR training.
- Scenario 2: Cardiac Arrest on the Shore
An older beachgoer suddenly collapsed on the sand. Bystanders call for help, and a lifeguard rushes over. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, the lifeguard begins CPR and shock with an AED. The victim’s heartbeat is restored, and they’re rushed to the hospital for further treatment.
- Scenario 3: Jellyfish Sting
A child is stung by a jellyfish and is in extreme pain. The lifeguard quickly rinses the area with vinegar (to neutralize the sting) and applies an ice pack to reduce swelling. The child will be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction and is given reassurance until paramedics are called.
These scenarios show the importance of CPR and first aid in beach emergencies. Without trained lifesavers, these situations could have turned out very differently.
Setting a Standard in Lifeguard Training: The American Lifeguard Association
This website contains information about the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), a recognized authority for the development of water safety and lifeguard training standards with particular emphasis on CPR and first aid as part of the training for lifeguards.
So What Else is Different about ALA?
- Comprehensive Training Programs: The ALA includes courses covering materials from water rescue skills to advanced CPR and first aid in their programs that are made to fulfill stringent safety and effective standards.
- Real-World Application: ALA includes practical skills and real-world scenarios during training. They teach the lifeguards to calm down and make quick decisions.
- Continuing Education: The ALA enhances the continuation of the education of lifeguards so they are up to speed on the latest techniques and protocols.
- Credentialing and Recognition: ALA certifications gain recognition in the field and respect, enabling every lifeguard to work anywhere.
Cooperation with ALA will ensure that the training lifeguards of any beaches, swimming pools, or other water parks will provide the best possible training available in the industry.
Water Safety Tip for Beachgoers
Just as lifeguards protect beachgoers, so should beachgoers protect themselves in relation to safety. Here are the following tips:
- Swim Near a Lifeguard: Go to a beach where a lifeguard is on duty.
- Learn to Recognize Rip Currents: If you find yourself being carried by one, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of it.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to heat illnesses.
- Have a Basic Knowledge of First Aid: Some are trained professionals, but your knowledge in first aid can help you give assistance in times of an emergency.
- Learn and Respect Water: The ocean can be extraordinarily powerful and unpredictable. Always exercise caution.
Final Word: The Effect of CPR and First Aid in Saving Lives
Beach patrolling and rescuing people is a draining task, highly skilled and demanding immense dedication and jungle or street-smart fitness. CPR and first aid form the foundation of each and every successful rescue. These are not mere skills, they are a lifeline that can save a person’s life in the most critical moments.
The American Lifeguard Association trains lifeguards such that they can handle emergencies with stability and preparedness. Comprehensive training at ALA has thus helped create a beach environment that is safer for everyone who enjoys visiting beaches.
So, the next time you visit the beach, appreciate the lifeguards who watch over the water. And if they inspire you to, seek CPR and first-aid training yourself. You never know when you might need to save a life.
Be safe, but feel free to have some fun!