Lifesaving Society: Distraction-Free Lifeguarding Position Statement
The Lifesaving Society, British Columbia & Yukon Branch have released a position statement on distraction-free lifeguarding:
STATEMENT
Lifeguards must perform no duty other than pool surveillance and must not engage in activities which distract them from active surveillance.
Any distraction that takes the lifeguard away from active surveillance of bathers for more than a brief period must be viewed as a serious disruption in safety supervision. The lifeguard must detect the surface struggle of a drowning non-swimmer within seconds to keep a routine rescue from becoming serious or fatal.
Lifeguards must perform no duty other than pool surveillance and must not engage in activities which distract them from active surveillance.
BACKGROUND
Any distraction that takes the lifeguard away from active surveillance of bathers for more than a brief period must be viewed as a serious disruption in safety supervision. The lifeguard must detect the surface struggle of a drowning non-swimmer within seconds to keep a routine rescue from becoming serious or fatal.
If you have any questions, please contact the Lifesaving Society Education Manager, Kyle, at kylek@lifesaving.bc.ca