Welcome, Lifeguard!
This interactive guide provides a quick overview of the key skills from the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual. Use the navigation to review critical procedures and concepts.
The Drowning Process: Key Stages
Understanding the stages of drowning is critical for early recognition and effective response. The process can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds.
Critical Timeframes
In an aquatic emergency, seconds count. These timeframes highlight the urgency of recognition and response.
10-30 Seconds
Time a lifeguard has to recognize and reach a drowning victim.
1.5 - 2 Minutes
Time until cardiac arrest can occur after submersion begins.
4-6 Minutes
Time until brain damage or death is likely without oxygen.
Prevention: The Primary Responsibility
Proactive lifeguarding is about preventing emergencies before they happen. This involves effective scanning, rule enforcement, and maintaining a safe environment.
Effective Scanning
Scanning is a deliberate and continuous process of searching your zone of responsibility to identify potential hazards and victims.
- Scan, Don't Watch: Actively search the entire volume of water, including the bottom, middle, and surface.
- Move Your Head: Avoid staring at a fixed point. Your head and eyes should be in constant motion.
- Systematic Patterns: Use a repeatable pattern (e.g., left-to-right, then right-to-left) to ensure full coverage.
- Stay Alert: Adjust your body position and posture regularly to combat fatigue and maintain focus.
Facility Safety Checklist
Conduct safety checks before opening, during operating hours, and at closing to identify and address hazards.
- Check rescue equipment is accessible and in good condition.
- Ensure water is clear and main drain is visible.
- Check decks for slip, trip, or fall hazards.
- Verify that ladders, handrails, and diving boards are secure.
- Test emergency communication systems (phones, alarms).
Recognition & Response
Recognizing the signs of distress and drowning is a critical skill. Click on a card to see the appropriate rescue sequence.
Distressed Swimmer
Able to keep their head above water but making little or no forward progress.
- Can call for help
- Floating, sculling, or treading water
- May be panicked or anxious
- Generally horizontal or vertical
Response Sequence
- Signal and activate EAP.
- Perform a reaching or throwing assist from the deck if possible.
- If you must enter, use a compact jump with a rescue tube.
- Approach victim and extend rescue tube.
- Reassure the victim and tow them to safety.
- Remove from water and assess condition.
Active Drowning Victim
Struggling to breathe with their head bobbing at or below the surface.
- Cannot call out for help
- Arms to the side or front, pressing down
- Body is vertical, no supporting kick
- May struggle for 20-60 seconds before submerging
Response Sequence
- Signal and activate EAP immediately.
- Perform a water entry (e.g., stride jump).
- Approach quickly with rescue tube.
- From behind, reach under victim's armpits and secure them on the rescue tube.
- Tow victim to safety, keeping their airway open.
- Extricate from water using a backboard.
- Assess condition immediately; provide care as needed.
Passive Drowning Victim
Unresponsive and not moving, face-down at or near the surface or submerged.
- No movement, may be floating or submerged
- Face-down or face-up
- No breathing
- Requires immediate care
Response Sequence
- Signal and activate EAP.
- Perform a water entry (slide-in if spinal is suspected).
- Approach victim and position them face-up.
- Check for breathing. If none, give 2 initial ventilations in the water.
- Extricate from water immediately using a backboard.
- Begin CPR or other emergency care as needed.
First Aid & Emergency Care
Providing immediate care can be the difference between life and death. The Cardiac Chain of Survival is the foundation of emergency response.
The Cardiac Chain of Survival
Early Recognition & 9-1-1 Access
Recognize an emergency exists and call for help.
Early CPR
Circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs.
Early Defibrillation
Use an AED to restart the heart's rhythm.
Early Advanced Life Support
Transfer to advanced medical personnel.
CPR Quick Reference (One Rescuer)
Adult
Compression Rate: 100-120/min
Compression Depth: At least 2 inches
Ratio (Compressions:Ventilations): 30:2
Child
Compression Rate: 100-120/min
Compression Depth: About 2 inches
Ratio (Compressions:Ventilations): 30:2
Infant
Compression Rate: 100-120/min
Compression Depth: About 1.5 inches
Ratio (Compressions:Ventilations): 30:2
Spinal Injury Management
Assume a head, neck, or spinal injury in any incident involving a head impact, fall from height, or diving into shallow water. The goal is to minimize movement.
In-Water Stabilization & Extrication
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1
Activate EAP & Enter Water
Signal for assistance. Enter the water carefully to minimize waves.
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2
Perform Manual In-Line Stabilization
Approach from the side. Use the head splint technique to hold the victim's head and neck in line with their body.
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3
Check for Consciousness and Breathing
Maintain stabilization while assessing the victim's condition.
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4
Backboard and Extrication
With the help of other lifeguards, submerge a backboard, position it under the victim, secure them with straps (chest first), and carefully remove them from the water.
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5
Provide Post-Extrication Care
Re-assess their condition on deck and provide care until EMS personnel arrive.
Professionalism & Responsibility
As a professional lifeguard, you are held to a high standard of conduct and care. This includes legal responsibilities, teamwork, and maintaining your health and fitness.
Key Legal Concepts
Duty to Act
While on the job, you have an obligation to respond to an emergency.
Standard of Care
You are expected to meet a minimum standard of care by providing appropriate assessments and treatments as taught in your training.
Negligence
Failing to follow the standard of care or failing to act can result in legal action. This includes failing to control or stop behaviors that could result in injury.
Consent
You must obtain consent before providing care to a conscious victim. For a minor, consent comes from a parent or guardian. Consent is implied for an unconscious victim.
Confidentiality
You must keep a victim's personal information confidential, sharing it only with EMS personnel or facility management as required.