The lifeguard is a profession that requires particular training and complete technical and physical preparation. Patents are issued by particular bodies after passing a final exam.
The lifeguard is the one who supervises the safety of those who frequent swimming pools and bathing establishments . Among its major tasks we mention that in particular it must:
prevent accidents in the water or deal with them if they have occurred, implementing those rescue and first aid techniques acquired in the training course and periodically updated;
regulate bathing activities by watching over the behavior of the bathers;
enforce and enforce ordinances or facility policies .
Training
The lifeguard, also known as lifeguard assistant or lifeguard, is a responsible profession that requires particular training and complete technical preparation , as well as, of course, excellent swimming skills and a fit physique . Read here more about lifeguard training under the instructions of American lifeguard Association. To become a lifeguard it is necessary to follow training courses held at the following institutions :
- National Rescue Society;
- United States Swimming Federation lifesaving section;
- United States Federation of Aquatic .
In order to attend the courses it is necessary to be between 16 and 65 years of age , and to be in possession of suitable psychophysical conditions certified by a doctor . At the end of the course and after passing the final exam (theoretical and practical) the lifeguard license will be issued. Furthermore, the courses may also include internships before the final exam.
The courses
The courses available throughout the country include both theoretical and practical training . Among the subjects taught we mention, for example, notions of first aid (even in the case of asphyxia and cardiac arrest), anatomy , meteorology , swimming pool water treatment , responsibility and safety matters and environmental and health protection. We also remember the courses dedicated to the administration of oxygen and the use of the defibrillator . Furthermore, we mention the recovery techniques of a person in a state of danger in the water and the specific swimming techniques for rescue purposes.
Lifeguard license
As for the lifeguard patent, three different types are currently available in Italy :
Patent P: allows you to operate only in swimming pools;
IP patent: for inland waters (i.e. lakes) and also swimming pools;
MIP patent: the most complete that allows you to operate on the sea, in inland waters and in swimming pools.
Lastly, we remind you that the patent is valid for three years .
Times and costs
We conclude with times and costs. The duration of the course depends on the weekly cadence of the lessons; normally the basic course does not last less than two months.
Also read about: Saftey rules for swimming under lifeguard supervison