Alert Insert Flashcards

1
Q

What is the National Lifeguard certification?

A

The nationally recognized training standard for Canadian lifeguards.

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2
Q

Who ensures the National Lifeguard program is comprehensive and up to date?

A

The Lifesaving Society.

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3
Q

When were the most recent revisions to the National Lifeguard program introduced?

A

June 2012.

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4
Q

What does the Alert Insert summarize?

A

Content that is new, newly emphasized, or updated in the revised National Lifeguard program.

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5
Q

Name one new emphasis in the revised National Lifeguard program.

A

Shallow water blackout.

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6
Q

What is a key focus of effective lifeguard positioning?

A

To clearly see the entire designated supervision zone.

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7
Q

What is the recommended scanning window for lifeguards?

A

10-30 seconds.

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8
Q

What should lifeguards prioritize during visual scanning?

A

The pool bottom.

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9
Q

What types of areas should be included in a lifeguard’s scan?

A
  • 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.
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10
Q

True or False: Lifeguards should allow non-lifeguard duties to interfere with surveillance.

A

False.

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11
Q

What can distort or obscure a lifeguard’s view of a victim on the bottom?

A

Disturbance of the pool surface.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: Lifeguards must not allow _________ to intrude on surveillance.

A

[non-lifeguard duties or distractions].

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13
Q

What is the primary duty of all lifeguards?

A

Constant, vigilant supervision.

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14
Q

What should lifeguards respond to immediately while scanning?

A

Unusual shadows, smudges or dark objects below the surface.

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15
Q

What may stationary guards need to be complemented with?

A

Mobile lifeguards.

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16
Q

What are some environmental hazards of pools mentioned in the program?

A
  • Pool fouling
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors.
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17
Q

What is the significance of the ‘Factors in Drownings in Supervised Areas’?

A

It provides insights into the factors contributing to drownings that lifeguards must be aware of.

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18
Q

What changes during the day that requires plans or protocols in place?

A

Bather loads, activities, and environmental circumstances

Refer to ‘Scanning’ in Alert, pages 17-19 for more details.

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19
Q

What is the STARBURST SCAN PATTERN used for?

A

A method for lifeguards to effectively scan their area of responsibility

Refer to specific scanning techniques outlined in the training manual.

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20
Q

What is the purpose of the pivot guard system?

A

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.

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21
Q

What are the three key responsibilities of the pivot guard?

A
  • 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.

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22
Q

What must the pivot guard actively monitor during an incident?

A

The number of lifeguards responding and how remaining team members reposition

This ensures adequate supervision is maintained at all times.

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23
Q

What is essential for the pivot guard to see?

A

All on-deck lifeguards and vice versa

Clear sight lines are critical for effective communication and supervision.

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24
Q

What challenges exist when scanning a waterpark facility?

A

Facility size, physical barriers, and blind spots

These factors can impede effective visual monitoring.

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25
What does Diagram 1 illustrate in the pivot guard system?
The location of guards on deck and the pivot guard's line of sight ## Footnote Dotted lines indicate communication paths between guards.
26
How do lifeguards communicate needs to the pivot guard?
By signaling whenever they need to respond to an incident ## Footnote This allows for coordinated responses and overall awareness.
27
What is particularly important when managing a missing person report?
Maintaining overall awareness of what is happening at any given time ## Footnote Effective communication is crucial during emergencies.
28
What should guards use to prevent miscommunication in large facilities?
Large and clear hand signals ## Footnote Some facilities may also use electronic devices for communication.
29
What happens if the pivot guard must leave their position?
Another lifeguard assumes the pivot position/role ## Footnote This ensures continuity of supervision.
30
Fill in the blank: The pivot guard may need to respond to an emergency if he or she is _______.
closest to the situation ## Footnote This is a reasonable expectation for effective emergency response.
31
What is critically important for an aquatic facility?
Constant supervision with adequate lifeguard coverage ## Footnote The number and positioning of lifeguards should be suitable for the type of activity and number of bathers.
32
What should a pivot guard do during an emergency?
Close the pool or waterpark feature and coordinate guard repositioning ## Footnote This is necessary when members of the lifeguard team respond to an emergency, leaving insufficient guards to cover the abandoned zones.
33
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe, often life-threatening allergic reaction affecting multiple body systems ## Footnote Anaphylactic signs and symptoms can vary and may worsen with successive reactions.
34
What may severe anaphylactic reactions require?
A second dose of epinephrine if there is no improvement after the first dose ## Footnote Predicting the severity of a reaction is not possible, leading many to carry multiple auto-injectors.
35
What should lifeguards do regarding the administration of medication?
Consult and comply with their employer's policies and procedures ## Footnote This includes guidelines on the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.
36
What causes shallow water blackout?
Insufficient carbon dioxide to activate the body's natural impulse to breathe ## Footnote Particularly affects swimmers who practice prolonged underwater breath-holding.
37
What do swimmers mistakenly believe about hyperventilation?
That it increases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and prolongs underwater time ## Footnote This misconception can lead to dangerous situations while swimming.
38
What mechanism do swimmers use to extend their time underwater?
Closing down the body's natural breathing mechanism ## Footnote This does not increase oxygen load.
39
What typically triggers the primary urge to breathe?
Rising carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
40
What happens to swimmers who hyperventilate?
They blow off excessive carbon dioxide and may not feel the need to breathe ## Footnote This can lead to loss of consciousness when oxygen levels run low.
41
What is a significant risk when a swimmer is submerged?
They may be hidden from lifeguards' view due to surface glare and ripples
42
Who are typical victims of shallow water blackout?
Competitive swimmers, underwater hockey players, fitness swimmers, and young children
43
What misconception exists about shallow water blackout victims?
They do not fit the profile of an at-risk swimmer
44
What should lifeguards be on the lookout for regarding swimmers?
Swimmers taking several large forced breaths or a series of short, fast breaths
45
What activity should lifeguards not allow in pools?
Hyperventilation or breath-holding activity ## Footnote Signs should be posted to warn against these activities.
46
What is the purpose of arm signals for lifeguards?
To facilitate communication at open water facilities
47
What are some examples of international arm signals for lifeguards?
* Submerged victim missing * Assistance required * All clear/okay
48
What is pool fouling?
Pool fouling refers to the release of diarrhea, solid stool, or vomit into the pool water. ## Footnote Of particular concern is diarrhea.
49
Which parasite is commonly associated with swimming pool outbreaks?
Cryptosporidium ## Footnote The CDC reports that most outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in pools are associated with this parasite.
50
How resistant is Cryptosporidium to standard chlorine levels?
Cryptosporidium can exist in pools for up to 10 days at 1.0 ppm and up to 24 hours at 10 ppm. ## Footnote It has been determined that effective eradication occurs at chlorine levels of 20 ppm.
51
What is the only effective disinfectant against Cryptosporidium?
Chlorine ## Footnote The effects of other disinfectants such as bromine have yet to be determined.
52
What should pool operators do after a fouling incident?
Consult public health officials and adopt procedures for disinfecting the pool. ## Footnote These procedures should be documented in facility manuals and staff handbooks.
53
What should be included in pool fouling procedures training?
All staff should review pool fouling procedures and maintain a record of aquatic staff who have participated in the training. ## Footnote This ensures that all staff are aware of protocols.
54
What are some public education measures to reduce health risks from Cryptosporidium?
Patrons should be informed through signage, flyers, brochures that: * Shower with warm soapy water before entering the pool * Do not enter the pool if they have diarrhea or stomach flu * Avoid heavy meals before swimming * Use diapers designed for swimming for non-toilet trained children * Report any kind of fouling to staff.
55
True or False: Patrons can enter the pool if they have diarrhea.
False ## Footnote Patrons with diarrhea or stomach flu should not enter the pool.
56
Fill in the blank: The CDC specifies procedures to be followed after discovering any form of _______ in a swimming pool.
fecal matter or vomit
57
What is the recommended action for patrons before entering the pool?
Shower with warm soapy water ## Footnote This should be done initially and every time after using the washroom.
58
What website can provide more information on Cryptosporidium and swimming pools?
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/Swimming/rwilillnesses/cryptosporidium.html
59
What rights do employees have regarding workplace safety?
Employees have the right to a safe, respectful workplace ## Footnote Lifeguards must also ensure they avoid violence and harassment.
60
Define workplace violence.
Any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted in employment ## Footnote Includes threatening behavior, verbal or written threats, harassment, verbal abuse, and physical attacks.
61
What are examples of threatening behavior?
Examples include shaking fists, destroying property, or throwing objects.
62
What constitutes harassment in the workplace?
Any behavior that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms, or verbally abuses a person ## Footnote Must be known or expected to be unwelcome.
63
What is verbal abuse?
Swearing, insults, or condescending language.
64
List factors that can increase the risk of workplace violence.
* Working with the public * Handling money or valuables * Working with unstable or volatile persons * Working in premises where alcohol is served * Working alone, in small numbers, or in isolated areas.
65
What is the most important component of a workplace violence prevention program?
The commitment of management expressed in a written policy.
66
What are the three categories of preventive measures for workplace violence?
* Workplace design * Administrative practices * Work practices.
67
What does workplace design consider?
Factors such as workplace layout, use of signs, locks or physical barriers, lighting, and electronic surveillance.
68
What are administrative practices in the context of workplace safety?
Decisions made about how to conduct business that can reduce risks.
69
What should employees do if they feel their personal safety may be threatened?
Use the buddy system.
70
True or False: Employees should enter any situation or location where they feel threatened or unsafe.
False.
71
What is the 'general duty provision' in Canadian Occupational Health & Safety legislation?
Requires employers to take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of employees.
72
Where can employees find more information about violence legislation in their jurisdiction?
From the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety or their employer's human resources personnel.