student manual version 1

For new and developing liFeguard ServiceS

international Beach lifeguard Student Manual

name:

verSion 1

2 | international Beach lifeguard developed by idrc-B and rnli

September 2012

authors:IDRC-B: Tom Mecrow, Dr Aminur Rahman, Dr Fazlur Rahman RNLI: Steve Wills, Darren Williams, Scott Davidson,

Peter Dawes, Barry Heathfield, Brett Shepherd, Mike Lavis

The First Aid section of this manual has been adapted from the International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B) First Responder Manual and part of the RNLI Casualty Care Manual.

IDRC-B International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh

Part of:CIPRB Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh

House-B162 Lane 23 New DOHS Mohakhali Dhaka-1206 Bangladesh Tel: +88 (2) 881 4988 Web: ciprb.org

RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution West Quay Road Poole Dorset BH15 1HZ England Tel: +44 (0) 1202 663000 Web: rnli.org Email: [email protected]

Published: May 2012

ISBN:

Authors:

Tom Mecrow (IDRC-B), Dr. Aminur Rahman (IDRC-B), Dr. Fazlur Rahman (IDRC-B), Steve Wills (RNLI), Darren Williams (RNLI), Scott Davidson (RNLI), Peter Dawes (RNLI), Barry Heatheld (RNLI), Brett Shepherd (RNLI)

The First Aid section of this manual has been adapted from the International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B) First Responder manual.

Copyright

International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B)

Part of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB)

House -B162, Lane 23, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh

This document may be reproduced without the prior consent of the IDRC-B or RNLI.

The IDRC-B and RNLI take no responsibility for any outcomes as a result of this manual.

Made with generous support from the following organisations:

Additional photographs kindly donated by:

Coxs Bazar Lifesaving

and Surng Club

2

additional photographs kindly donated by:

Supported by:

The RNLI is a registered charity in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.



produced with generous support from the following organisations:

Published: May 2012

ISBN:

Authors:

Tom Mecrow (IDRC-B), Dr. Aminur Rahman (IDRC-B), Dr. Fazlur Rahman (IDRC-B), Steve Wills (RNLI), Darren Williams (RNLI), Scott Davidson (RNLI), Peter Dawes (RNLI), Barry Heatheld (RNLI), Brett Shepherd (RNLI)

The First Aid section of this manual has been adapted from the International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B) First Responder manual.

Copyright

International Drowning Research Centre Bangladesh (IDRC-B)

Part of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB)

House -B162, Lane 23, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1206, Bangladesh



Made with generous support from the following organisations:

Additional photographs kindly donated by:

Coxs Bazar Lifesaving

and Surng Club

2

DisclaimerThe content of this manual is for general guidance only. It represents best practice as at the date of publication and should not be considered as legal advice. Those using this manual should seek professional advice as and when necessary. The RNLI and IDRC-B do not accept responsibility for any errors in this document.

Coxs BazarLifesaving

and Surfing Club

Version 1:

Supported by:

3

1Student Manual |developed by idrc-B and rnli 1

contents

Introduction 5

1. Lifeguard Knowledge 8

Lifeguard role 6

What is the role of a lifeguard? 6

What is the duty of a lifeguard? 6

Personal skills of a lifeguard 7

Lifeguard uniform 7

Sun safety 8

Lifeguard fitness 9

2. Beach Environment 10

The Beach 10

Water depth 11

Wind, waves and rip currents 12

Wind 12

Waves 12

Rip currents 13

What is a rip current? 13

What does a rip current look like? 13

Escaping from a rip current 13

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2 | international Beach lifeguard developed by idrc-B and rnli2

contents

3. Lifeguard Operations 14

Flags 14

Red and yellow flags 15

Black and white flags 15

Red flag 15

Patrolling 16

Scanning 16

Rotation 16

Casualty identification 17

Weak swimmer 17

Distressed casualty 17

Injured casualty 17

Unconscious casualty 17

Lifeguard communication 18

Whistle 18

Hand signals 19

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contents

4. Rescue 20

Rescue equipment 20

Water container 20

Surfboard 20

Conducting a rescue 21

Land-based rescue 21

Reach rescue 21

Throw rescue 22

Wade rescue 23

Swimming rescue 24

Entering the water 24

Swimming to a casualty 25

Towing a casualty back to shore 25

Towing using a floating object 26

Towing with no floating object 26

Cross-chest tow 26

Extended chin tow 26

Close chin tow 26

Swim rescue with floating object conscious casualty 27

Swim rescue with no floating object conscious casualty 28

Swim rescue with floating object unconscious casualty 29

Swim rescue with no floating object unconscious casualty 30

Board rescue conscious casualty 31

Board rescue unconscious casualty 32

Removing a casualty from the water 34

Single-person carry 34

Two-person carry 35

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contents

5. First Aid 36

Casualty assessment 36

Check for Danger 36

Check airway, breathing and signs of life (circulation) 36

Check Airway 36

Check Breathing 36

Action for vomiting 36

If the casualty is breathing normally 37

Recovery position 37

If the casualty is not breathing normally 38

Open airway and initial breaths 38

Check for signs of life (Circulation) 38

If there are no signs of life 39

Chest compressions 39

Summary casualty assessment 40

Notes 41

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New and developing lifesaving organisations can struggle

to implement effective coastal drowning prevention

strategies due to limited training and resources.

Together, the International Drowning Research Centre -

Bangladesh (IDRC-B) and the Royal National Lifeboat

Institution (RNLI) have developed a beach lifeguard

course, specifically designed for use in areas where

specialist equipment and facilities are unavailable.

This International Beach Lifeguard Student Manual is

a simple learning aid for both new and experienced

lifeguards to refer to.

Organisations and individuals are free to copy parts

of the manual for teaching and learning purposes.

We hope that by sharing knowledge and understanding

of the beach environment and lifesaving skills we

can help save more lives from drowning worldwide.

The IDRC-B is a leading research organisation focused

on reducing drowning by developing appropriate and

fit-for-purpose solutions.

The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea by

operating a lifeboat and lifeguard service around

the UK and RoI. It trains more than 1,000 lifeguards

each year, who patrol more than 180 beaches.

introductiondrowning is a major but under-recognised public health problem in the developing world, and a leading cause of death in many countries.

introduction


1. lifeguard Knowledge lifeguard role

what is the role of a lifeguard?The role of the lifeguard is to maintain the safety of people

using the beach and the water.

Lifeguards take responsibility for a defined area or activity to

ensure that it is safe to use.

what is the duty of a lifeguard?It is the duty of the lifeguard to:

prevent incidents from occurring

respond to developing incidents

respond to emergency incidents by providing

rescue and emergency care skills.

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lifeguard uniform Yellow T-shirt.

Red shorts.

Suitable footwear.

personal skills of a lifeguardA good lifeguard must be able to interact well with

members of the public and other services. To do this

a lifeguard must be:

a good communicator able to communicate well

with members of the public and other lifeguards

reliable and trustworthy regularly attend training

and always be on time for lifeguard duty.

lifeguard Knowledge

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Sun safety Shade.

Sunscreen.

Cover up.

Water drink water often to avoid dehydration.

always look out for other beach users who may be at risk.

give advice on sun safety.

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lifeguard fitnessA good lifeguard must be able to:

1. run to an incident, and for further assistance. 2. Swim to a casualty in difficulty in the water.

3. Tread in water stay stationary with a casualty in 4. Tow to bring the casualty back to shore. the water to give them appropriate medical assistance.

lifeguard Knowledge

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2. Beach environmentThe Beach

Sand

dangers:

quicksand

tides

rip currents.

rocks

dangers:

falling

entry and exit for

swimmers and lifeguards.

Stones

dangers:

beach can change

very quickly

steep slope of beach.

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LIFEGUARD Beach environment


water depth

A shallow sloping beach is best for weak swimmers.

A beach with a steep slope can be dangerous for weak

and non-swimmers as they can easily slip into the water

out of their depth.

Holes in the sand close to shore can be particularly

dangerous for small children playing or bathing in

shallow water.

Beach environment

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12 | international Beach lifeguard

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developed by idrc-B and rnli12

wind, waves and rip currents

windInflatables should not be used during a strong offshore wind.

waves

Waves are formed by the wind.

There are three main types of wave:

Spilling

Spilling waves are the safest to swim in.

plunging

Dangerous for swimmers.

Surging

Dangerous for swimmers and people near the water.

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13Student Manual |

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13

rip currents

what is a rip current?Rip currents can be found on any beach with breaking

waves and are the main reason for lifeguard rescues.

They are caused by waves pushing water on to the beach,

and the water flowing back to sea.

what does a rip current look like? Rip currents can be very difficult for a lifeguard to

identify. However, there are a number of features that

could be used as clues:

a channel of churning, darker, choppy water

an area having a difference in water colour

a line of foam, seaweed or rubbish moving

steadily seaward

a break in the incoming wave pattern.

escaping from a rip current Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they

simply pull people away from the shoreline.

The easiest way to escape a rip current is to stay calm

and float or swim parallel to the beach, often into

breaking waves that can help with the return to shore.

always inform the public about the location of rip currents and adjust your swimming areas to keep swimmers away from rip currents.Sometimes the only sign of a rip current may be the casualty moving out to sea.

Beach environment

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3. lifeguard operationsFlagsA patrol zone is the area of the beach where the lifeguard

is responsible for keeping beach users safe.

Flags are used to tell people where to swim and surf.

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red and yellow flagsLifeguarded area. Safest area to swim, bodyboard and use inflatable objects.

Black and white flagsCan be used for:

a buffer zone to protect swimmers from colliding with hard craft such as surfboards or boats

an area for surfboards and other craft.

red flag Danger! Never go in the water under any circumstances when the red flag is flying.

lifeguard operations

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patrolling

Scanning Lifeguards should be able to see all beach users in the

flagged areas.

High chairs and binoculars may be used to see people

far from shore.

rotationLifeguards should regularly rotate their position so that

they do not get tired or lose concentration.

During breaks they should drink water and stay out of

the sun.

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17

weak swimmer The distressed casualty is a person who struggles to keep

their head above water using only basic swimming strokes.

Signs of a weak swimmer include:

shouting for help

weak swimming stroke

look of panic.

distressed casualty A distressed casualty is a person who is unable to

use basic swimming strokes to keep their head above

the water.

Signs of a distressed casualty include:

unable to call for help

vertical in the water

no effective leg kick and vigorous arm movements.

injured casualty Many different types of injury can occur in the sea,

including muscle cramps, bruises and broken bones.

Signs of an injured casualty include:

shouting for help

staying still in the water

holding the injured part of the body.

unconscious casualty There are many reasons a person may become

unconscious:

a bang to the head, perhaps from a surfboard

a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke

unaided, a distressed casualty will soon lose

consciousness.


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casualty identification


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lifeguard communication

whistleIf a whistle is used too often then its significance will

decrease and people will take no notice when it is used!

The following combinations of whistle blasts should

be used:

1 whistle blast = attract the attention of beach users.

2 whistle blasts = attract the attention of another lifeguard.

3 whistle blasts = lifeguard taking emergency action.

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19

Hand signals The following hand signals should be used by a lifeguard on the shore to communicate with another lifeguard

in the water:

The following signals should be used from a lifeguard in the water to a lifeguard on the shore:

Return to shore. Proceed further out to sea. Stay stationary. Message not understood.

Move that direction. Move that direction. Investigate an object in the water.

Pick up swimmers

Assistance required. Danger. All clear.

(spin upper arm and point in the direction of swimmers).


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rescue equipment

water container

Surfboard

Description Positives Negatives

Standard liquid container, ideally 5-litre capacity or above.

Widely available. Durable. Can attach a rope to the handle to give the lifeguard distance from the casualty.

Can be difficult to hold when wet.

Possibility of leakage.

Description Positives Negatives

Often found at tourist beaches around the world.

Quick to reach casualty and return to shore.

Effective in surf. Can support multiple casualties.

Can be difficult to manoeuvre in large surf.

Needs significant skill and practice.

Easily damaged and difficult to transport.

Relatively expensive.

Unavailable in many countries.

4. rescue

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conducting a rescueIt is important to let another member of the lifeguard team know that you are conducting a rescue. They can then

provide appropriate assistance with the rescue or go for further help if necessary.

land-based rescue

reach rescue

when? When the casualty is close to shore.

why? It is the safest type of rescue.

How? Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 below.

Step 1Reach the casualty using a long rigid object, such as

a stick or pole.

Step 3Pull the casualty into the side.

Step 2Stay low on the ground so that the casualty cannot

pull you into the water.

rescue

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Throw rescue

when? If the casualty is close to shore, but too far to conduct a reach rescue.

why? Reduces the risk to the rescuer no need to swim.

How? Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.

Step 1Attract the attention of the casualty.

Step 2Throw a floating object to the casualty, such as a

water container or rescue tube.

Step 3Tell the casualty to kick their legs and swim in

to the side.

Step 4Help the casualty out of the water.

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wade rescue

when? If the casualty is close to shore and in shallow water. The casualty may

have stepped into a hole.

why? Reduces the risk to the rescuer no need to swim.

Does not require a floating object.


Step 1Attract the attention of the casualty.

Step 3Pass one end of a stick/pole to the casualty.

Step 2Enter the water carefully, taking a stick/pole with

you if possible to test the water depth and for the

casualty to hold onto.

Step 4Help the casualty out of the water.

rescue

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Swimming rescue

entering the water

Look for the casualty.

Choose the shortest and safest route.

If the depth of water is unknown then run or wade up

to chest depth before starting to swim.

If the depth is known then a shallow dive can be used.

large waves

dive through the base of the wave with hands in front to protect your head. dig your fingers in the sand. pull yourself forward to surface the other side of the wave.

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Swimming to a casualty

When swimming to a casualty the lifeguard should swim on their front, regularly looking up for the casualty.

The lifeguard should communicate with the casualty so that they know help is coming.

On approaching the casualty, try to keep a safe distance of 3 metres.

Towing a casualty back to shore

3 metres

Sidestroke is an efficient way for a lifeguard to

swim while towing a casualty.

rescue

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Towing using a floating object

when? If the casualty is conscious and a floating

object is available.

why? Safest type of tow. Gives support to the

casualty and allows the lifeguard to keep

a safe distance.

Towing with no floating object

cross-chest tow

when? If the casualty is panicked or injured.

why? Gives the lifeguard good control over

the casualty.

extended chin tow

when? If the casualty is unconscious or cooperative.

why? It is simple, efficient and allows the lifeguard

to look where they are going.

close chin tow

when? If the casualty is conscious and needs support

or monitoring.

why? It gives extra support to the casualty

and greater control to the lifeguard.

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27Student Manual |developed by idrc-B and rnli

Swim rescue with a floating object conscious casualty

when? If the casualty is conscious and too far away from the shore to throw a

floating object or wade.

why? Does not put the lifeguard in direct contact with the casualty.

Suitable floating objects are commonly available.

How? Follow steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 below.

Step 1Communicate with the casualty to tell them you

are coming.

Step 4Keep a safe distance from the casualty. Reassure the

casualty and pass them the floating object.

Step 5Encourage the casualty to swim to the shore,

or tow the casualty to shore and give

appropriate aftercare.

Step 2Enter the water with a floating object.

Step 3Swim to the casualty with the floating object.

rescue

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Swim rescue with no floating object conscious casualty

when? If the casualty is conscious and no floating objects are available.

why? Allows the lifeguard to conduct a rescue with no floating object.


Step 1Enter the water. Swim to the casualty and keep

checking the position of the casualty.

Step 2Keep a safe distance from the casualty.

Reassure the casualty.

Step 3Ask the casualty to turn around, or swim behind

the casualty.

Step 4Tow the casualty to shore and provide


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Swim rescue with floating object unconscious casualty

when?If the casualty is unconscious and too far away from shore to throw a floating

object or wade.

why?Does not put lifeguard in direct contact with casualty.

Suitable floating objects are commonly available.


Step 1Enter the water with a floating object, swim to the

casualty and keep checking their position.

Step 3Turn the casualty onto their back and if possible

secure the floating object or hold in a position that

supports the casualty. Ensure that their face is out

of the water.

Step 4Tow the casualty to shore making as much use

of the flotation as possible and provide


Step 2Use the floating object to support the casualty.

rescue

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Swim rescue with no floating object unconscious casualty

when? If the casualty is unconscious.

why? Allows the lifeguard to rescue a casualty who is unconscious in the water.


Step 1Enter the water. Swim to the casualty and keep

checking the position of the casualty.

Step 3Keep their face out of the water.

Step 4Tow the casualty to shore and provide


Step 2Turn the casualty onto their back.

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Board rescue conscious casualty

when? If a board is available.

why? Fast response to reach the casualty and rapid return to the shore.

Effective in surf and can support multiple casualties.


Step 1Enter the water with board. Paddle to the casualty

and approach on the shoreside of the casualty.

Keep checking their position.

Step 2Lifeguard moves to the back of the board and

assists casualty onto the middle of the board.

Step 3Paddle the casualty to shore and assist off

the board.

Step 4Provide appropriate aftercare.

rescue

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Board rescue unconscious casualty

when? If a surfboard or rescue board is available.

why? Fast response to reach the casualty and rapid return to the shore.

Allows for rescue breathing in the water.

How? Follow steps 1 to 7 below.

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Step 2Support the casualty. Check breathing for

10 seconds. If not breathing, cover the mouth

and give 5 rescue breaths through the nose.

Step 3Turn the casualty onto the board.

Step 1Enter the water and approach the casualty.

When at the casualty, turn the board upside down

and lean over the board. Keep the board facing

into the wind/waves.

Step 4Move the casualty fully onto the board and paddle

the casualty to the beach.

Step 5Assist off the board and provide aftercare.


large waves

1. roll the board upside down. 2. Hold down the front of the board while the waves pass over you.

rescue

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Single-person carry

when? If a casualty is unconscious, injured or exhausted.

If no other assistance is available/if the rescuer is alone.

why? Removal of casualty from the water for treatment.


Step 1Rescuer secures the casualty by putting their

arms under the casualtys shoulders and holding

their wrists.

Step 3Rescuer walks backwards up the beach and out

of the water.

Step 4Rescuer brings the casualty up the beach to a point

of safety and lowers the casualty to the ground

carefully, minimising movement of the head.

Step 2Rescuer lifts the casualty up and out of the water.

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removing a casualty from the water


Two-person carry

when? If a casualty is unconscious, injured or exhausted.

If another lifeguard or member of the public is available to assist.

why? Fast removal of the casualty from the water for treatment.


Step 1Call for assistance. Rescuer secures the casualty by

putting their arms under the casualtys shoulders

and holding their wrists.

Step 3Rescuer lifts the casualty up and out of the water.

Rescuer walks backwards up the beach and out

of the water.

Step 4Rescuer brings the casualty up the beach to a point

of safety and lowers the casualty to the ground

carefully, minimising movement of the head.

Step 2Second person lifts casualtys feet off the ground.

rescue

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casualty assessment

check for danger

Check for danger before approaching and assessing a casualty.

check airway, breathing and signs of life (circulation)It is very important to keep the airway clear, to ensure breathing is present, and to check for signs of life (making sure

the heart is still circulating blood).

In first aid these priorities are called the ABC: airway, Breathing, circulation.

check Airway

check Breathing

action for vomiting

If the casualty starts vomiting, roll them onto

their side immediately to reduce the chance of

them choking.

5. First aid

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recovery position

if the casualty is breathing normallyIf the casualty is breathing normally then they need to be kept in a comfortable position that keeps their airway open.

Step 1

Step 3 Step 4

Step 2

Place the casualty in the recovery position. This:

allows fluids to be drained from the mouth keeps the casualty in a stable position while help can be found.

If they are kept in the same position for more than 20 minutes then they should be turned to the opposite side.

First aid

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if the casualty is not breathing normally

open airway and initial breaths

Step 1Pinch the nose of casualty.

Step 2Give 5 breaths.

check for signs of life (circulation)

After giving 5 initial breaths it is important to find out if the heart is still working

and blood is circulating around the body.

if there are signs of life put the casualty in the recovery position.

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chest compressions

if there are no signs of lifeIf there are no signs of life then the blood needs to be pumped around the body by the rescuer:

compressions on children In children (aged approximately 18 years), use a single hand to compress the chest to approximately one third of the chest depth.

Step 1Check for signs of life.

Step 2Compress the chest 30 times.

Step 3Give 2 breaths.

continue Steps 2 and 3 for 30 minutes.

First aid

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Summary casualty assessment

repeat for 30 minutes before stopping

2 breaths

30 chest compressions

recovery position

unresponsive?

check for signs of life (circulation)

Breathing

5 breaths

open airway and check Breathing

Shout for help

no breathing

check for danger

If there is no immediate help available, someone should go and get help at an appropriate time.


notes

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43Student Manual |developed by idrc-B and rnli

notes

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For new and developing liFeguard ServiceS

student manual version 1

Documents

fazlur rahman idrcb

aminur rahman idrcb

tom mecrow idrcb

steve wills rnli

peter dawes rnli

scott davidson rnli

darren williams rnli

barry heatheld rnli