First Aid Kits 101

It’s inevitable to have bumps and bruises at a facility like a community pool – it happens! These facilities need to be equipped with the very best first aid kits to treat the injury. The Lifeguard Store carries everything you need from Response Kits to Cold Packs! The most common product is our Facility Complete First Aid Kit which houses 326 different supplies to clean, treat, and protect!

 

Placement

As there are not set requirements regarding the placement of first aid kits, it’s the employer’s responsibility to assess the needs of the workplace. As a general rule, always place the first aid kit unlocked in a highly visible area for easy access.

Inspection

It is the employer’s responsibility to regularly inspect the first aid kit ensuring the proper supplies and noting the expiration date. The owner should replace any expired supplies with new.

We not only carry the highest quality first aid supplies, but we offer then for the lowest price guaranteed! 

Open Water vs Controlled Water

If you have experience as a lifeguard, you know that you’re primary job is to prevent injuries. No matter where you are working, this always stays constant. However, depending on where you are employed some things may differ from job to job. For example, think of the differences between working at a community pool versus a beach! 

Typically at community pools or water parks, the lifeguard is positioned very close to the water in a lifeguard chair. This allows them to be up close to the action, able to intervene if needed. In this setting, lifeguards typically change stations every so often. Usually these lifeguards are also responsible for the general cleanliness of the pool and checking the chemicals. Lifeguards that work at a beach or a lake have completely different responsibilities. The water is usually much deeper and much bigger than that of a pool. There may even be swimming devices in the water like surfboards, floats, etc. Depending on the area, some lifeguards may even be stationed into the water on floating stations so they can be closer to the action. 

Since lifeguards in open water have different settings, they also need to have different equipment. Could you imagine trying to help someone that is out further than you can touch with waves coming in? In this scenario, a lifeguard may try using a rescue can rather than a rescue tube. This is because rescue tubes are not designed to face rough water conditions. In addition, jet skis, boats, and kayaks may be used to save those far into the water! In many cases, these individuals will not be within reach to use a pole or hook to save a struggling patron. Sometimes those in open water use rescue boards which fit multiple individuals if needed.

The common accidents that occur in community pools and parks are due to horseplay both in and out of the pool. This can range from children laughing and joking in the pool to running near the pool. Lifeguards guarding a lake or beach on the other hand have other obstacles to face to protect swimmers. Beaches and lakes typically have fish and seaweed that can cause threats as well as sharks or jellyfish! Lifeguards will need to know how to cure and treat any injury due to the marine life. As stated before, open water is much rougher than community pools. Waves are constantly rolling in as well as rip currents with no OFF switch. Individuals can be pushed underwater leaving the lifeguard to react very quickly! 

As you can see, there is no set task when you are a lifeguard. Many things can happen in a split second and it’s your responsibility to act accordingly. There are many distinct differences depending on where you lifeguard, so make sure you know the differences and the responsibilities for wherever you choose to work. 

Diving Safety Tips

The nice weather has finally arrived and the pools will be open soon! You will be keeping cool and staying active in no time. Swimming and diving are favorite summer activities for both adults and children; however, there is also the risk of injury.

According to the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation:

• As many as 1,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year due to shallow water diving
• Ninety percent of all diving injuries cause a spinal cord injury which results in paralysis
• Most injuries occur to males aged 15-25 years
• Most injuries occur while diving into six feet of water or less
• Three out of four injuries occur in lakes, rivers, oceans and other natural bodies of water

 

Tips:

First and foremost, before you dive into any depth of water - be sure to jump feet first the first time. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the waters. The recommended depth to dive from the side of a pool is 11 feet, while the recommended depth for diving from a diving board is 12 feet. If you are diving from a diving board, dive straight from the board and not from the sides. It is not advised to dive from various structures, such as ladders, slides, fences, etc. As always, follow posted water safety rules and always supervise children while diving and swimming.

A majority of pool-related spinal cord injuries result in paralysis of all four limbs.

 

Suspected Injury

If there is a suspected injury in water, call 911 immediately. Because the victim could be in pain and/or shock, approach the victim carefully. If they are not on their back, carefully hold the victim's head in alignment with his or her back and gently turn him or her onto his back. It's imperative to keep their head and back stabilized. Do not remove the victim from the water until EMS arrives.

The Lifeguard Store has all of your spinal equipment needs.

Choosing a Women’s Lifeguard Suit

Women’s lifeguarding suits come in an array of different styles which may leave you questioning which style is best for you. It’s important to learn which style suits you best because different brands offer different cuts, styles, and material. Let’s get started.

 

One-Piece Suits

The most popular women’s lifeguard suits are one-pieces due to conservative dress code policies at certain facilities. These suits are made from fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex as well as Lyrca. Lyrca is known for its stretching ability which allows you to wear it comfortably for an extended amount of time. Another feature these suits have to offer comfort is a keyhole and/or open back. This helps with the suit fitting properly and comfortably both in the water and out. These suits traditionally come in either red or blue; however, The Lifeguard Store offers them in red, navy blue, royal blue, as well as black. Reversible suits are an option as well which allow you to have two colors in one.

Two-Piece Suits

There are also two-piece suits available for women, Bikinis and Tankinis. To some women, one-piece suits can seem to give them discomfort while a two-piece aids with mobility and allows them to work at ease. Most bikinis remain modest without cutting very low to refrain from showing too much skin. These suits are made from similar fabrics as traditional suits, including Lyrca. Tankinis are very similar to bikinis except the top covers more skin, typically past the belly button. Reversible suits are also available in two-piece suits.

 

Lifeguard Apparel

Because the weather not always be nice, it’s important to wear other Lifeguard Apparel in layers. Such items include shorts, t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets. These items need to be quick to pull off in an emergency situation and must be labeled with Guard or Lifeguard.

How to: Choose the Right Life Jacket

With the sun beaming down on you and the water spraying you, there will be those moments where not wearing a life jacket is tempting. Luckily, modern life jackets come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes for you to choose the best fit. With that said, how do you choose!? 

 

Your life jacket must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, the proper size, in good condition, and needs to be properly stowed when not being used.

Sizing

The proper size of your life jacket depends on your height and weight, check the manufacturer's label to make sure you have the correct size. Once you have done so, make sure you fastened the jacket properly. You want to be able to move freely and comfortably. To ensure you have the correct size, hold your arms above your head and ask a friend to pull up from the tops of the arm openings. If there is excess room above the openings or your jacket rides up past your chin, you have the wrong size.

Common Life Jackets

 Vest Type II - These are the most common styles that are typically found on boats of all sizes. They require little maintenance, offer good flotation, and are less bulky than offshore vests. These types of vests can even turn unconscious wearers face up.

Children's Life Jackets - These are specially designed for smaller stature as well as possible immersion in mind. Similar to the original vest type, these offer very little maintenance. Depending on the brand, some of the children's life jackets offer special safety features for children.

Vest-Type Floatation Aid - As with the other vests, this vest requires little maintenance and is designed for possible immersion. This style is designed for high impact, high speed activities such as waterskiing. These type of jackets may not turn unconscious wearers face up.

If you are still having trouble which life jacket would be best for you, we would love to help you out!

Swimming Pool Safety Tips

Whether you are at a public or private pool, there are many things to keep in mind to keep children of all ages safe.

Children under five and adolescents between the ages of 15-24 have the highest drowning rates.

1. Lifeguard on Duty

The most common swimming safety tip is to only swim when there is a lifeguard or responsible parent present. Accidents do happen from time-to-time and can be fatal. Be per-cautious and take the steps needed to ensure the safety of your child. Even the most experience swimmers can be overwhelmed or distracted by others. Using the buddy system is another great idea!

2. No Horseplay

You know how the lifeguard is usually saying, "No Running!" right? There is a reason for that! A lifeguard's job is to ensure the safety of the individuals at the pool. As adults, you know that running on slippery surfaces can be very dangerous. In addition to this, someone could accidentally fall into the pool, run into a smaller child, etc. All of these things can cause injury, so be sure to set guidelines when you are poolside.

3.Stay Near the Pool

We are all busy and have a list of things we need to get done, but it can wait. The risk of stepping away can result in serious consequences. Trust me, it's not worth it. If something is immediate, have everyone get out of the pool for a quick break.

4. One Word: Sunscreen

Who likes a sunburn? No one! Children may try to get away without sunscreen, but don't let them. Sunscreen is one of the most important items when swimming. It's best to choose a water-resistant sunscreen and it should be applied every 2-3 hours (or simply follow the instructions on the sunscreen). Applying sunscreen to your children can preemptively stop the pain and agony of a sunburn. There are even SPF Lip Balm and SPF Nose Balm to keep you safe.

5. Water Breaks

If you notice someone getting tired, weak, etc - call a water break! It's better to be safe than sorry. Swimming can be very tiresome, so it's important to call breaks when needed. Have them rehydrate with some water and rest a bit - then let the fun commence!

If you have a pool of your own, it's important to have these rules enforced as well as a first aid kits on hand. The Lifeguard Store can also equip you with your pool maintenance equipment such as rakes/skimmers, water test strips, pool vacuums, and much much more!

Product Spotlight: Rescue Tube

Also known as a Rescue Buoy, the Rescue Tube is a vital piece of equipment when it comes to water rescue. Lifeguards worldwide use these flotation devices when rescuing victims from harsh waters or foul play. The Rescue Tubes not only make  rescue easier by supporting an incredible amount of weight, but it also serves as identification of certified lifeguards.

Rescue Tubes come in various sizes, but typical tubes are either 40" or 50". The size of the swimming area determines which size Rescue Tube would be best. For example, the 40" Super Rescue Tube is preferred if a swimming pool is fairly small or if there is 10 or less people swimming at one time. For a larger pool, our 50" Super Rescue or our 50" Standard Rescue Tube would be ideal! Our Standard Rescue Tube comes in a various amount of colors which include Red, Yellow, Orange, Navy, Tropical Blue, Aqua Blue, or Hunter Green.

Most of the typical rescue tubes are red, but why not switch things up? We have unique designs that will make you stand out. Do you love animal print? If so, you will absolutely love our 50" Zebra Rescue Tube or our 50" Giraffe Rescue Tube! If animal prints aren't your thing, but you still want something unique we have a one-of-a-kind 50" Splash Rescue Tube that offers just enough character. All of our rescue tubes are reliable, durable, and long lasting.


 
Early versions were constructed of aluminum, wood, cork, and fiberglass, with rope rails.





Do you want to show your love for Lifeguarding outside of the water? What about your love for swimming? The Lifeguard Store has Mini Swim and Mini Guard Rescue Tube Key Chains that make the perfect accessory.

As always, all of our Rescue Tubes are Low Price Guaranteed.