First-aid kits used by lifeguards contain CPR and first-aid supplies like crepe and gauze bandages, antiseptic wipes, sting-relief wipes, wound closures, antibiotics, antiseptic salves for minor cuts, bruises, scrapes, and irritations.
These are some of the external live-saving materials used by lifeguards. Let us now move on to the personal protective equipment that is mandatory for them.
Personal Protective Equipment
One of the most important rules for lifeguards is that they have to make sure of their own safety before venturing to save others. This is important because lack of taking such safety precautions may result in two people needing rescue rather than just one. To this end, here we discuss some of the personal safety equipment used by lifeguards.
Use of chemical-resistant gloves is mandatory while handling pool chemicals. Similarly, nitrile and vinyl gloves may be used by lifeguards while pulling drowned victims from the sea, to protect lifeguards from exposure to blood and other body fluids. Gloves eliminate direct contact between the lifeguard and the victim, which minimizes the risk of disease transmission as well.
Breathing masks and goggles are imperative for long-distance rescues, where there is a possibility of the lifeguard exhausting himself/herself. Typically, lifeguards are trained to swim for long distances, however, goggles are a protective barrier for the lifeguard’s eyes which prevents him from being distracted from the operation.
Fins are used as propellers by lifeguards, to better aid swimming. They offer less resistance and increase power of the stroke due to their shape. Ear plugs are used to prevent the water from entering the lifeguard’s ears and hence avoid water retention.
Endnote
This completes the overview of the safety equipment used by lifeguards to protect people as well as themselves. There are several lifeguard-training associations in India, such as the Rashtriya Life Saving Society, Baywatch Lifeguards Association, which train and employ lifeguard volunteers.
It is evident that working as a lifeguard requires great strength of mind and body, as one has to deal with accidents and deaths on a daily basis. It is important that we acknowledge the noble work of lifeguards and make their lives marginally easier by conscientiously following water-safety rules and regulations.
