A step-by-step guide on the essentials of lifeguarding
By Colfax Lauter
Imagine that a group of friends are enjoying a trip to the lake on a hot summer day when for some reason, one member of the group falls unconscious in the water and is left in life-threatening danger. In the US, more than 3,500 people drown every year. It’s impossible to know when one might need the skills to save someone’s life, but it’s always good to be prepared.
I interviewed expert Maegan Schoppe, a Furman Aquatic Center lifeguard for insight on how to rescue someone from drowning. Maegan has assisted in preventing numerous drownings in her time at Furman. “I started off working at Furman for money, but later I realized that I was learning a valuable skill that I could use to help save someone’s life.”
Maegan identified five steps to follow when someone is in danger of drowning. The first step is to alert anyone around you so they can offer assistance. The second step is to assess the situation for any potential dangers. You must ensure that you are not putting yourself in danger as well. Once you’ve discerned that it is safe to proceed, the next step is to hastily make your rescue attempt. It’s important to not waste time during an emergency. Once you safely reach the victim, there are many ways to proceed with your rescue, depending on the situation and what tools are available. If you have a floatation device, you must get it below the victim’s shoulders to lift them. The task is much more difficult without a floatation device. You need to safely approach the victim and extend your arms out to reach them and hoist them up. You need to make sure that your arms are extending and locked to prevent the victim from pulling you down with them. The fourth step is to get the victim to safety. Once the victim is safely out of the water, you may proceed with the final step. Assess whether the victim needs CPR and perform accordingly. You must also alert Emergency Personnel if needed.
It’s important to stay vigilant and prepared for emergencies when near a body of water. Being prepared to respond in the event of someone drowning can allow the salvation of that person’s life. Knowing how to react is an important skill that everyone should know.
“A lifeguard saves a child from drowning” prompt, Gencraft, 4 Mar. 2024