Beach Life Guard

Beach Life Guard

A pool lifeguard is one of the most crucial safety elements in any swimming pool. They are responsible for protecting swimmers and ensuring their safety while in the water. This role requires strong swimming skills, quick reflexes, and a solid understanding of first aid procedures.

 

Introduction to the Pool Lifeguard Role

A pool lifeguard is one of the most crucial safety elements in any swimming pool. They are responsible for protecting swimmers and ensuring their safety while in the water. This role requires strong swimming skills, quick reflexes, and a solid understanding of first aid procedures.

The Importance of a Pool Lifeguard

Having a professional lifeguard can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Lifeguards constantly monitor the pool, identify potential hazards, and intervene immediately when necessary to rescue someone or provide first aid.

Essential Skills for a Pool Lifeguard

To qualify as a pool lifeguard, a person must possess several key skills, including:

  • Excellent swimming ability and endurance in the water for extended periods.
  • Knowledge of various rescue techniques for both adults and children.
  • The ability to provide first aid and perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
  • Strong attention to detail and continuous focus on monitoring all pool users.

Lifeguard Candidate Prerequisite

1. Minimum Prerequisites

To enroll in a lifeguard course, candidates must:

1.1 Age Requirement

  • Be of age according to UAE laws.

1.2 Swimming Skills

  • Shallow Water Lifeguard (max depth 1.5m): Swim 50m nonstop in a comfortable manner.

  • Pool Lifeguard (depth over 1.5m): Swim 100m nonstop in a comfortable manner.

  • Beach/Waterfront Lifeguard: Swim 200m nonstop in a comfortable manner.

1.3 Surface Dive and Weight Recovery

  • Shallow Water Lifeguard: Recover a 4 kg weight at 1.5m depth.

  • Pool Lifeguard: Recover a 4 kg weight at 3m depth, or the facility’s maximum depth.

  • Beach/Waterfront Lifeguard: Recover a 4 kg weight at 5m depth.

1.4 Treading Water

  • Pool Lifeguard: Tread water for at least 5 minutes.

  • Beach Lifeguard: Tread water for at least 10 minutes.

Note: Certification bodies may set higher prerequisites but not lower.

2. Lifeguard Training Requirements

2.1 Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid

Training (theory and practical) must cover:

  • Scene assessment

  • Barrier use / Standard precautions

  • Primary assessment

  • CPR (Adult, child, infant – including 2-person CPR and use of resuscitation mask)

  • Rescue breathing

  • Choking (conscious & unconscious, all age groups)

  • Serious bleeding and shock management

  • Spinal injury management (inland and in-water with spine board)

  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use

  • Emergency oxygen use (per DCAS classification)

  • Injury and illness assessment & response

  • Basic bandaging

  • Immobilization (dislocations or fractures)

If a candidate has prior CPR/First Aid certification, they may be assessed on these skills or trained again as per the training provider.

3. Minimum Education Requirement

  • Basic Conversational English

4. Lifeguarding Course Content

4.1 Theory Topics (May include)

  • Incident management

  • Incident prevention

  • Hazard recognition

  • Basic risk assessment

  • Pool lifeguard duties

  • Equipment usage

  • Communications and signals

4.2 Practical Skills

Basic Water Rescue Skills

  • Effective water entry with equipment

Assists and Rescues

  • Surface, underwater, and bottom rescues

  • Conscious/unconscious victim handling

  • Spinal injury rescues using backboard and rescue tubes

Escapes

  • Front and rear escapes using rescue tubes

Inland Casualty Care

  • Use of oxygen, AED, and first aid tools as per BLS training

5. Examinations

5.1 Written / Oral Examination

All candidates must take:

  • Core Lifeguard Exam (general duties)

  • Specialty Exam(s) for:

    • Shallow Water Lifeguard

    • Pool Lifeguard

    • Beach/Beachfront Lifeguard

Format: Multiple Choice.
Mode: Written, oral, or translated (for special needs or literacy issues).

5.2 Practical Exam

Scenarios to assess:

  • In-water rescue

  • Water exits/extrications

  • Poolside and beach rescues

  • Use of spinal board and rescue tube

  • First Aid/BLS (Adult, child, infant)

  • Use of AED and emergency oxygen kit

6. Certification Requirements & Validity

To be certified, a candidate must:

  • Hold a valid international lifeguard and BLS certification, unless included in the lifeguard course

  • Hold a valid Occupational Health Card (if required by DHA)

  • Comply with the Substance Abuse Policy

  • Pass both Written/Oral and Practical Exams

  • Certification is valid for 2 years

  • Attend at least 4 hours of in-service training per month

  • Candidates have 30 days to pass both exams from the test date

7. Recertification

To renew certification:

  • Must be completed within two months before expiry

  • Must pass Recertification Written/Oral and Practical Exams

  • Must meet current medical requirements by local health authority