Lifeguard Essay

“Safety is more important than convenience”(Don Hambidge). When swimming, there are multiple things to be aware of, ways to survive, and ways to help others. Knowing lifeguard requirements and training, rescue techniques, and rip current survival strategies are important when swimming.

“A lifeguard must always provide for his or her own safety and the safety of the victim when making a rescue”(Rescue). Being a lifeguard is a very important job. It means that you are able to be trusted with the lives of others. One must be patient, attentive, and well trained/equipped. To become a lifeguard, there are numerous ways to gain information on how to become a lifeguard all around you. The school a person is enrolled in is a great way to start. Job fairs are also a good way to look for information and apply to be a lifeguard if a person is
Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. They normally form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures, such as jetties and piers, as well as cliffs that jut into the water. Rip currents are very common and can be found in most surf beaches, including the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. To survive a rip current, there are specific rules to follow. The first rule is to not fight the current. It is a natural treadmill that travels at a speed of one to two feet per second and will tire anyone out fast. The current is faster than an Olympic swimmer. The second rule is to relax and float to conserve energy. Being able to stay calm is an important tool to survive a rip current. Also, do not try to swim directly to shore. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current. When out of the current, swim at an angle towards shore, but away from the current. If you can’t reach the shore, relax and wave for help. There are many rules and steps to follow when trying to survive a rip