Alert Insert Flashcards
What is the National Lifeguard certification?
The nationally recognized training standard for Canadian lifeguards.
Who ensures the National Lifeguard program is comprehensive and up to date?
The Lifesaving Society.
When were the most recent revisions to the National Lifeguard program introduced?
June 2012.
What does the Alert Insert summarize?
Content that is new, newly emphasized, or updated in the revised National Lifeguard program.
Name one new emphasis in the revised National Lifeguard program.
Shallow water blackout.
What is a key focus of effective lifeguard positioning?
To clearly see the entire designated supervision zone.
What is the recommended scanning window for lifeguards?
10-30 seconds.
What should lifeguards prioritize during visual scanning?
The pool bottom.
What types of areas should be included in a lifeguard’s scan?
- Areas of bather congestion
- Fixed and portable equipment
- Hazards, blind spots, pool basin edges and corners
- Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms
- Other lifeguards on duty
- The surface, middle and bottom of pool basins.
True or False: Lifeguards should allow non-lifeguard duties to interfere with surveillance.
False.
What can distort or obscure a lifeguard’s view of a victim on the bottom?
Disturbance of the pool surface.
Fill in the blank: Lifeguards must not allow _________ to intrude on surveillance.
[non-lifeguard duties or distractions].
What is the primary duty of all lifeguards?
Constant, vigilant supervision.
What should lifeguards respond to immediately while scanning?
Unusual shadows, smudges or dark objects below the surface.
What may stationary guards need to be complemented with?
Mobile lifeguards.
What are some environmental hazards of pools mentioned in the program?
- Pool fouling
- Epinephrine auto-injectors.
What is the significance of the ‘Factors in Drownings in Supervised Areas’?
It provides insights into the factors contributing to drownings that lifeguards must be aware of.
What changes during the day that requires plans or protocols in place?
Bather loads, activities, and environmental circumstances
Refer to ‘Scanning’ in Alert, pages 17-19 for more details.
What is the STARBURST SCAN PATTERN used for?
A method for lifeguards to effectively scan their area of responsibility
Refer to specific scanning techniques outlined in the training manual.
What is the purpose of the pivot guard system?
To organize lifeguards on deck when there are four or more on duty or when they cannot maintain visual contact
Essential for managing blind spots.
What are the three key responsibilities of the pivot guard?
- Ensure adequate supervision (scanning coverage)
- Ensure appropriate back-up responds to incidents
- Close areas/pools if adequate supervision cannot be maintained
These responsibilities help maintain safety and response efficiency.
What must the pivot guard actively monitor during an incident?
The number of lifeguards responding and how remaining team members reposition
This ensures adequate supervision is maintained at all times.
What is essential for the pivot guard to see?
All on-deck lifeguards and vice versa
Clear sight lines are critical for effective communication and supervision.
What challenges exist when scanning a waterpark facility?
Facility size, physical barriers, and blind spots
These factors can impede effective visual monitoring.