Who is a lifeguard and what should they be able to do?

GUIDANCE

What is a lifeguard? 

Beyond describing what a lifeguard does and must be able to do, HSG179:2018 does not define a lifeguard. A lifeguard cannot be accurately described by a particular qualification or set of skills without the definition becoming contextually dependent.

Our definition of a lifeguard is someone who provides constant pool supervision over a programmed or unprogrammed session. This permits the definition of a lifeguard to stretch to those providing supervision over mixed sessions.

The definition in EN 15288-2 at cl. 3.13 does not allow for such a distinction resulting in applying its requirements to a broader audience, including emergency responders and instructors, which differs from the prevailing UK practice. 

Emergency responders can be differentiated by their provision of remote supervision, along with CCTV operators. Instructors can similarly be differentiated by providing constant pool supervision during only programmed sessions. 

 

What are the competencies of a lifeguard? 

Competency is described by the HSE and in paragraph 138 of HSG179:2018 as a "combination of training, skills, experience, and knowledge that a person can apply to perform a task safely". Lifeguards are said to be able to:

• Be of a minimum age (EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.2).
• Know the area of the pool they are responsible for (HSG179, para 87).
• Be alert, self-disciplined, and diligent (HSG179, para 127 and 129).
• Be physically fit and a strong swimmer (HSG179, para 129).  
• Be mentally suited to fulfil the duties of a lifeguard (EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.2). 
• Keep a close watch over the pool and scan any monitors or mirrors provided to identify those in difficulty (HSG179, para 79, 84, 121, 123, and 128). 
• Anticipate problems, educate pool users, and intervene early to prevent accidents or unsafe behaviour (HSG179, para 70, 73-74, and 128). 
• Carry out a rescue (HSG179, para 128). 
• Competent in the use of rescue equipment (EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.2). 
• Carry out first aid and perform CPR (HSG179, para 48, 128 and 130).
• Be able to use an AED (EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.2).  
• Follow procedures and respond during an evacuation (HSG179, para 128). 
• Awareness of spinal injuries and the ability to rescue and recover a casualty to poolside (HSG179, para 135). 
• Understand their responsibilities under the law (EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.2). 
• Raise the alarm if assistance is required (HSG179, para 128).
• Site-specific knowledge and skills include induction (HSG179, para 147; EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.5). 

 

Do I need a qualification to become a lifeguard? 

HSG179:2018 states that a lifeguard should have completed a course of training in the techniques and practices of supervision, rescue, and first aid by the syllabus by, or equivalent to, that produced by a national awarding body (HSG179, para 129). EN 15288-2 does not require a lifeguard to hold a particular qualification or one which is equivalent to a national awarding body qualification. 

HSG179:2018 says that an up-to-date qualification in lifeguarding recognised by a national awarding body is said to be the best way to demonstrate an acceptable level of competency in the role (HSG179, para 142).

 

Are there any requirements to remain a lifeguard? 

All lifeguards benefit from suitable refresher training (HSG179, para 145). Lifeguards should also have undergone a programme of induction before undertaking their duties and participate in a programme of regular ongoing training (HSG179, para 129).

EN 15288-2, cl. 7.4.2 states that lifeguards shall have their knowledge of safety procedures periodically validated by practical tests and recorded at appropriate intervals. Refresher training will be provided to ensure lifeguards maintain their competency. Refresher training shall be recorded. HSG179:2018 suggests certain information about refresher training should be recorded. 

This should include the following: 

• Individual and team refresher training on using aquatic extraction boards (HSG179, para 135-136 and 146). 
• Fitness training includes swimming ability (HSG179, para 146). 
• Role and responsibilities of a lifeguard (HSG179, para 146). 
• Water safety and accident prevention (HSG179, para 146). 
• Early intervention, casualty recognition, principles of rescue (HSG179, para 146). 
• Manual handling of casualties (HSG179, para 146). 
• Principles of the pool safety operating procedure (HSG179, para 146). 
• Pool observation and supervision skills (HSG179, para 146). 
• Scanning (HSG179, para 146). 
• Use of poolside rescue equipment (HSG179, para 146). 
• A dive to the bottom of the deepest part of the pool to recover a simulated casualty (HSG179, para 146). 
• CPR and first aid (HSG179, para 146). 
• Pool features and activities (HSG179, para 146). 
• Communication methods and working as a team (HSG179, para 146). 

EN 15288-2, cl. 7.8.1 states that lifeguards shall be trained in at least the following foreseeable emergencies: 

• Fire.
• Structural or component failure.
• A casualty in the water.
• Water contamination.
• Breakdown in pool clarity.
• Physical violence.
• Terrorist act.
• Contact with chemicals.
• Emissions of toxic gas.
• Electrical failure.
• Lighting failure.
• Lightning storm.
• Lost or found child. 

 

How often should lifeguard refresher training take place?

The frequency of refresher training is not defined due to individual, organizational, and functional variations between lifeguards and their roles. Skills should be repeated as often as is necessary to maintain competency, although spinal rescue skills are the only skills mentioned as requiring this in HSG179:2018 (see para 136). 

 

References

HSG179:2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. (HSE, version 4). 

EN 15288-2:2018. Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation. 

 

Citation: Jacklin, D. (2021). What is a lifeguard? (Leisure Litigation Blog, 28th December).