Another flotation device is the rescue buoy, often referred to as a Torpedo Buoy due to its shape. This device was designed to increase efficiency during a rescue by decreasing the amount of drag on the device whilst in the water.
The new design is famously shown in the television series and movie Baywatch , is smaller, lighter and typically made of red plastic. The Rescue Tube is a device commonly used at Australian swimming pools and beaches due to its multi-purpose design. The rescue tube is made of a dense foam which makes it lightweight and extremely buoyant, whilst remaining flexible, so it can be wrapped and clipped around a swimmer or casualty.
Its longer design can be used in multiple ways, for example, a reach rescue. With the aid of the attached rope, the rescue tube can also be used to perform a throw rescue over smaller distances such as in a pool environment. To carry, or not to carry, a Rescue Tube? This is a question commonly asked by many lifeguards who are undergoing training. When first learning the basics of water safety, lifesavers and lifeguards are always taught self-preservation. Performing a rescue without rescue or flotation aids will not only put you at risk, but also endanger the drowning swimmer or casualty.
Most often, the answer is that you would just jump in without it due to reflex actions. For improved visibility in the water, life vests are available in bright colors like yellow, red, orange and royal blue. Designed for rescues in swift or rough waters, a throw bag is a nylon or polyester bag containing a buoyant foam disk and coiled rope. Also known as a rescue bag, this effective piece of water rescue safety equipment can be thrown to a swimmer in distress and then pulled back in to safely.
While a throw bag does not serve as a flotation device, it can be used to reach victims who are far away in rough waters without endangering the lifeguard. To use a throw bag, a lifeguard holds the end of the rescue line in one hand and tosses the bag underhand towards the victim with the other hand.
The throw bag should land in the water in front of the victim where they can easily reach it. While the person holds onto the bag, the lifeguard pulls the line back in. Throw bags are often carried by kayakers or paddlers, but can also be used on other watercraft, docks or from the shore of a lake or river.
Also known as a spineboard, a backboard is a life-saving piece of lifeguard rescue equipment used for victims with back, neck or head injuries or who are unconscious and unable to support themselves. Backboards are made of firm and durable plastic with hand grips that allow lifeguards to easily remove victims from the water.
Spineboards are equipped with nylon body straps and a head immobilizer that protects against further injury during rescue and transportation. Backboards should be stored in an accessible location near pools, lakes, beaches and other swimming areas. To use a backboard, lifeguards strap victims to the board and stabilize their head in the head immobilizer. The victim can then be pulled from the water safely.
For long distance rescues in lakes or oceans, lifeguards can wear goggles or dive masks to protect their eyes and help them see submerged victims in murky water. Swim masks and goggles are made of durable and flexible silicone that provides a snug yet comfortable fit. Lifeguards should select goggles or masks that fit their face properly so water cannot leak into their mask during a rescue. Another useful piece of lifeguard equipment for long distance waterfront rescues, swim fins help propel lifeguards through the water to reach victims more quickly and reduce fatigue.
Swim fins, also known as swim flippers, are made of flexible rubber and available in different sizes of blades. As with swim masks, it is essential that swim fins fit properly for effective use. Pools, beaches and other swimming facilities should have first aid kits readily available to care for a variety of minor and major medical emergencies. Safety kits should contain gauze, wipes and ointments for dressing cuts, burns, scrapes and insect bites, as well as materials to wrap and stabilize injuries to bones and joints.
To address heat- and cold-related emergencies, lifeguard first aid supplies should also include ice packs and emergency blankets. Lifeguards use single-use gloves to protect them from coming in contact with blood and other body fluids when assisting victims on land. Disposable gloves should be made of a non-latex material, such as nitrile, so they do not cause an allergic reaction, especially for persons who may be unable to communicate about an allergy at the time when care is being administered.
Gloves should always be kept on hand in a lifeguard hip pack for easy access. When working around hazardous pool chemicals, chemical-resistant disposable gloves should also be worn to keep lifeguards and other pool staff safe. In addition to disposable gloves, lifeguards may also use other personal protective equipment PPE such as masks, shields and gowns to protect against body fluids or other hazardous materials.
For cleaning up blood, facilities must have a biohazard response kit that complies with OSHA requirements for protection from exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Resuscitation masks are another essential piece of safety equipment for lifeguards that should always be on hand. Also known as pocket masks, resuscitation masks are small transparent masks that allow a lifeguard to breathe air into a victim without coming in direct contact with their mouth.
This will make it easier for you to safely swim to shore. Place the victim on the rescue tube or other flotation device, and ask the victim to help you kick if you need it.
Your rescue tube should be under your arms and between you and the victim. Try to calm them by telling them who you are, and that you are here to help. Before you find yourself in an emergency situation, it is a good idea to practice this movement.
In the safety of a pool, ask a friend or family member to volunteer to be your practice buddy. Practice swimming from behind and firmly lifting the "victim" onto the tube. Tow the victim to shore. Once the victim is on the device, you need to get them back to land. Wrap your arm around their waist and begin to swim to shore using a sidestroke.
You want to make sure they remain safely on the flotation device. If necessary, pause to reposition them so they are stable. If the flotation device is easy to grasp, you can pull the victim to shore by holding onto the device and towing that while you swim.
Once you have reached shore, you need to continue to help the victim. If you have not already, call for medical help. It is very likely that the victim will still be having difficulty breathing, due to the water inhalation. Be sure to use ABC to check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. First, check their airway by looking into their mouth and throat to see if you see anything lodged in it.
Then, check to see if they are breathing and check for a pulse. You can also look at their chest to see if it is rising and falling due to breathing. If you cannot see or hear breathing, check their pulse. Place your two first fingers on the wrist or neck and hold them there for 10 seconds.
If you cannot detect a pulse, begin CPR. Place the heel of your hand in the center of their chest, in line with the nipples. Make sure not to press on the ribs. Begin chest compression by pressing down at the rate of at least pulses per minute. Complete 30 compressions, make sure the chest is going all the way down and coming back up. There is a high chance of breaking their ribs, so be prepared for that. Check for breathing. If they are not breathing, start CPR again.
It is very important to take CPR classes through your local Red Cross so that you can practice this technique. Method 3. Strengthen your swimming skills. It is important to remember that only extremely competent swimmers should attempt rescues. If you do not know what you are doing, it is possible you could make the situation worse, despite your best intentions. If you are going to be near water, or plan to be, it's a great idea to take an advanced swimming course. Check with sources such as your local YMCA for options.
Don't attempt a rescue if you cannot easily swim 50 yards doing a breaststroke or front crawl. You must be a strong swimmer and confident in your swimming skills. Make sure that you are capable of treading water for at least 2 minutes without struggling. Some protocols state that you should be able to treat 2 minutes in the water with a 10 lb weight. If you cannot do this, it is unlikely you are a strong enough swimmer to conduct a successful rescue.
Practice caution. Accidents happen, and it is certainly not possible to ensure that drowning incidents don't occur. However, there are many steps you can take to reduce the likelihood. By practicing caution and observing general safety rules, you can help keep those around you safe. For example, make sure that when you are near water that you have a flotation device with you. Immediately after assessment point to someone and tell them to call EMS immediately.
Make sure that people who aren't strong swimmers have a life vest to wear. Be aware of your surroundings. Even if you do not plan to swim, know that accidents can happen even when you are on the shoreline or by the side of a pool. Watch for people falling in the water accidentally.
Swim in designated areas. It is always best to swim with a lifeguard on duty. This is important for everyone, even strong swimmers. If you are going to be swimming in a pool, look for one with a regular lifeguard. You can also find beaches that employ lifeguards. For example, do not go in a lake if it is especially windy and the waves are strong. You should avoid going in the ocean when the tides are aggressive.
Many beaches post signs or flags advising you of conditions. Do not swim if a warning is posted. Teach children the rules. While anyone can drown, children are especially susceptible. If you have kids, make sure that you teach them to act responsibly around water. Have a set of rules for family swim excursions, and make sure that your children understand them.
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