Duties of a Lifeguard – Beyond Life Saving

Whether at a beach or a pool, you can always see lifeguards standing guard on the watch out platforms.

You may question: is swimming the only requirement for recruiting lifeguards? Is saving drowned people their only daily duty?

Here are 8 other duties of lifeguards that you may not know:
1.    Keep the venue clean
2.    Maintain the order of the venue
3.    Conduct equipment inspection to ensure they are sufficient and functioning
4.    Carry out tasks assigned by superiors
5.    Perform routine training
6.    Clean the beach
7.    Remove rubbish from the sea
8.    Check whether the tiles and rubber bumpers are in good condition 

Lifeguard Leung Wing Yin said, “Many people see lifeguards as simply enjoying the sun when they are on duty.” In fact, they are responsible for rescuing swimmers and providing first aid in cases of drowning, in addition to all the duties listed above.

At the beach, lifeguards have to clear oyster shells on the stairs of floating platforms and mosses on float balls, as well as to remove rubbish from the sea. Lifeguards serving at swimming pools have to check whether the tiles and rubber bumpers are in good condition. Lifeguard Ho Wing Yin said, “Taking precautions is more important than lifesaving.”

Regular training and team drills for rescue operations are also conducted to keep lifeguards best-fit for emergencies at all times.

The daily job of lifeguards is not simply lifesaving, but also preventing swimmers from injury. This is why they always keep themselves well-trained and work at their best.

Contributing Editor: Sophie