-
I. Monitor aquatic surroundings
-
II. Organize and sort aquatic venue patronage
-
III. Scanning principle and methodology
- Scan – as a visual technique for surveying patrons through repeated sweeps.
- Sweep which lasts only a few seconds is one visual check for tracking patrons in a zone.
- Limit visual tasks to 5 minutes with only head and eyes moving continually and lifeguard rotation always in 5-minute increments, for example 15, 20, 30 or 45-minute shifts.
- Sweep eyes over entire zone to last only for few seconds, check adjacent lifeguards on each sweep for communication signals and scan swimming pool bottom regularly
- The sooner the lifeguard rotates to a new station the better in terms of alertness as movement helps prevent boredom and increases respiration, preventing fatigue towards a higher level of vigilance and attentiveness that would build excellent perception of confidence by patrons to lifeguard.
- Make an account of people in your zone scan period and check to see if each person entering water from dive, slide or diving board resurfaces
- Track patrons who are Water bobbers, Corner jumpers, Side jumpers, Gutter grabbers and rope holders, Swimmers under diving boards, Disoriented bathers doing somersaults, flip-turns, dives, or have just come down from water slides and Breath holders.
- Vantage point of Lifeguard to see directly downwards while at elevated chairs or tower
- Track patrons with specific needs or disabilities specifically on their level of swimming ability, ability to understand and follow directions, requirements for assistance in entering and exiting the pool and further assistance on medical issues or whether parents, spouses or attendant will be attending their personal needs (GSPO SU12).
- Acknowledging keys to a scanning strategy (Posture, Position, Patrons and visual Patterns in circular, rectangular, horizontal and vertical and joining the dots)
-
IV. Safety Procedures during pool activities
-
V. Recognize aquatic accidents
