What are some lifeguard hazards?

Answer 1

As a lifeguard some of the disadvantages i have experienced are: -rude customers who think they know best -long, hot work hours -early starts, late nights -when working outside - sunburn! -continuous training assesments -flipflop marks -continuous, never ending cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Normally, customers will act rude only because they are older than you, and believe they don't have to listen to some snot-nosed kid. If they give this lip, tell them: "Sir/Ma'am, I'm afraid you will have to follow our facility's regulations if you wish to remain here at our facility. If you refuse to follow our regulations, and you refuse to leave the facility, the facility will be required to file criminal trespassing charges against you and any other involved parties." That will usually get them to shut-up and go about their ways. But be sure to follow through on your promise if they refuse to follow your orders. If they refuse to follow your mandates, contact your manager and have them call 9-1-1 and report an act of criminal trespassing at the facility. I work at a large municipal pool where there is normally a police officer on-duty. If the situation becomes hostile, get down from your stand and walk towards a fellow guard and then to your manager's location with the fellow guard by your side the whole time. Over the years, I've noticed that the best way to avoid an argument with a patron is to take off your sunglasses before ever speaking with them. This will help A LOT. The patron can better discern your emotions, and there will be less miscommunication between the two of you. Making eye contact with the individual lets them know that you are diverting all of your attention to them and their concerns, and that you are trying to formulate an adequate response to their situation. Try it, it really does work!!

Answer 2

Verbal & physical abuse

Infectious/communicable diseases

Bad back/sore legs & feet (from standing all the time)

Muscle strain/sprain from moving heavy equipment

Cuts from working with/handling sharp objects eg. lane ropes

Becoming overheated/feeling faint (indoor pool environment esp.)

Post-traumatic stress after a major incident eg. heart attack

Fatigue

Boredom

Surf lifesaving:

Sunburn/heatstroke

Stings/bites from marine creatures

Exhaustion

Answer 3

There are surprisingly many hazards for lifeguards. Some are =

In places like beaches: animals in the water, currents, rip tides, and waves.

Anywhere: weather (lightning), upset guests, slippery decks or floors, getting dehydrated (not drinking enough water), too much sun exposure (heat stroke), a guest trying to grab on you in the water when making a rescue and pushing you under, getting stung by bees or bit by Spiders or other insects, being exposed to bodily fluids (blood, vomit, spit, etc)

Answer 4

Depending where you lifeguard at, usually good pay, good resume, community service hours and other community benefits.