While lifeguarding is mostly thought of during the summer, their duties last all year. There are difficulties that are specific to lifeguarding during the winter.
We will cover the issues that lifeguards deal with in winter and the ways they make sure beaches are safe for guests when the weather becomes cold.
1. Cold temperatures that are hard to endure are common there.
Winter conditions can be severe which requires lifeguards to work in very cold weather. Spending hours on the beach or in the towers means lifeguards deal with gusty winds, cold air and the danger of hypothermia.
2. Reduced Visibility:
The days are shorter in winter which makes it harder to see for people at the beach. Lack of bright light can make it difficult to see anyone in distress and spot hazards in the water.
3. There is now less traffic going to physical stores.
Winter tends to have fewer people using beaches and pools. This is good for the lifeguards but it means you have to pay even better attention in case something happens due to the reduced number of people around. Even if the beaches are almost empty, lifeguards cannot relax on their job of assisting people in danger.
4. People Who Are Not Experienced Swimmers
Winter is a time when people with less experience swimming are likely to use the beach. I didn’t have enough experience in swimming which put me at risk quickly. They may be involved in crashes that lead to higher work volume for lifeguards.
5. It Can Be Hard To Predict The Weather:
Because winter weather is inconsistent, sudden storms and rough seas appear more regularly. Lifeguards have to watch the weather closely and be fast in their reaction when needed.
6. Limited Resources:
A lot of beaches have fewer lifeguards working in the wintertime since people usually visit less. This situation means that if an emergency happens, lifeguards might find it harder to do their duty because equipment and tools could be in short supply.
7. Problems and Concerns With Ice and Snow:
In some areas where it gets cold, lifeguards must deal with extra potential hazards involving ice and snow. The slickness of a wet beach is dangerous for all who visit and requires lifeguards to know how to handle it.
8. Being thrown into cold water:
Jumping into cold water during the winter can cause cold water shock which could be life-threatening. Anyone who is a lifeguard needs to know how to respond when people are affected by cold water shock since this requires special instruction.
9. Proper Equipment:
Lifeguards need certain equipment to do their job properly. In winter, diver’s cold protection involves an insulated wetsuit, gloves and a thermal hood. It is very important that first-aid personnel have the proper equipment for keeping people safe.
10. Continuous Training:
Being always prepared and rehearsing training is important for lifeguards in case of a situation. They have to learn about the newest safety methods for water. Winter weather and other issues are covered with special training for lifeguards.
11. Communication Challenges:
Because of the winter weather, it can be tough for lifeguards to speak with their teammates and nearby help. Secure and stable communication is always an issue.
12. The ability to put in effort over a long period:
It is hard for a lifeguard to overcome the difficulties of cold weather. It takes a lot of focus to remain attentive when it is freezing outside and lifeguards must focus on taking care of themselves to do well.
13. First Aid in Weather That Is Very Cold:
It is sometimes harder to give first aid when the weather is very cold. Both people who swim and those trying to rescue them are exposed to hypothermia and frostbite. Adjustments to first aid techniques have to be made by lifeguards in cold water environments.
14. Public Awareness:
Spreading information to people about the risks in cold water and why it’s important to listen to lifeguards is very important. Nearby lifeguard training usually stresses the importance of teachers and communicators in lifeguarding.
15. Lifeguard certification:
It takes a lot of effort to become a certified lifeguard and this is even more important in winter when the risks go up. Being certified makes sure lifeguards understand and can manage emergencies at any time of year.
Conclusion:
Being a lifeguard is tough and the obstacles encountered in the winter place even more demands on them. Because of the chill, less visibility, changing weather and not having as many resources, being a lifeguard in the winter asks for teamwork, training and flexibility.
American Lifeguard Association (ALA) helps by making sure that lifeguards are equipped to handle problems and secure the safety of our beaches, even in low-light conditions.
