Lifeguarding at the camp’s lake is relatively easy, if you expect it to be hard. You will definitely need sunscreen, sunglasses, water ware, and diligence. If you want to be cool, buy a whistle from a sports store.
The procedure for a person who has never been a lifeguard before will be straightforward. But I will include extensive information for the Camp’s EAP(Emergency Action Plan). Disclaimer: The Camp’s EAP that is here, is solely mine since it is not broadcasted to each lake watcher. I think possibly, it will be communicated to you if you attend staff training.
what you do exactly seems pretty easy, but is hard to keep up the integrity for a solid hour and a half.
Heres the situation, you are assigned lake duty and have no idea what to do. you tell yourself that you’ll figure it out as you go.
This is the wrong way to go about it. Easiest thing to do is to ask a leader already there where you need to go, and what were looking for. You’ll get the short explanation then. So here:
You are assigned to be head lifeguard. This means you will stand on the dock and count children. Sometimes you will know what the number is before you step on the dock. Often times you will need to figure it out. Either ask when you arrive, or you must immediately start a buddy check so you can count. You must emphasize on safety and sticking with your buddy.
You will conduct buddy checks every 30 minutes unless instructed otherwise. This is why bringing a watch to camp is imperative.
While standing on the dock you will have a inner tube as a lifering. This is not a toy for yourself or campers. You will be facing into the sun so you are allowed to step back a few feet to be in the shade. You are to maintain a straight stance. with your back straight and feet 50 cm apart with weight evenly dispersed. You will look professional if you do it correctly. You should also have a red camp jersey to wear while on duty.
There is no usage of boats or fishing while campers are swimming in the lake. There will be float toys like a maui mat, this just makes it more difficult to count heads.
If you notice a kid struggling to keep afloat. Maybe he bobs up and down, maybe is using his arms inefficiently. You need to call that kids name, and get him to you in a quick manner. It is your job to get him a life vest located beside the dock. If it is a boy camper, you fasten everything properly. If the camper is a girl, locate the nearest female leader and direct the camper with her life vest to the leader.
If you are assigned to be rope swing attendant, the job is usually more socially strict on campers. They can’t use the rope swing in any way that will result in harm to others. The water and foot way must be cleared around the tree before anyone can use the rope swing. Landing on top of other people is a great way to get a neck or spinal injury. And the camp is not equipped to handle such a serious injury. there isn’t any backboard at camp.
In the rare occasion that someone is actually missing, you must clear the water and conduct a buddy check. identify who is missing. Sometimes it’s a false alarm because the camper left without telling anyone. They are supposed to tell you. You need to send someone into the main building to call for an ambulance.
EAP Outline:
Identify who the camper is.
Send a leader to the main building and consult with Gil about the missing camper. 911 should be called.
Locate the camper in the most efficient way.
As a lifeguard, is your responsibility to perform life saving techniques. Unless you have not been certified.
If the camper is not breathing, Perform CPR and use your PPE to induce artificial breathing.
A child needs 30 chest compressions(5 cm deep). Check if breathing, if not, induce 2 lung ventilations.
A adult or adolescent(Identify the difference between adolescent or child.) needs 30 compressions and then a breathing check. Apply 2 lung ventilations.
If you can not get the camper breathing within 4 minutes, it’s better not to keep trying. Wait for the ambulance and further instruction.
Glad Tidings Bible Camp Senior Cabin Leader's Page 