Lifeguarding 101

A Brief History of lifeguarding

Early 1900’s

* Original rescues were executed from attached-line life rings and rowing dories by the United States Lifeboat Society. The Society eventually evolved into the United States Coast Guard.
* As “red cars” (trolleys) began to bring more people to the beach and beach towns began to develop, the need for better lifeguarding techniques increased.
* A bell was placed next to each dory to enable a fisherman to signal an emergency.
* Buoyed swim lines soon replaced the bells for more efficient surf rescues.
* Surfing had once been viewed as a pagan rite in which the Hawaiians worshipped the Kahunas, the gods of surf.
* The first lifeguard was George Freeth. He attempted to reintroduce and legitimize surfing as a sport. Freeth also introduced the rescue paddleboard and the rescue can.

1920’S

* Prohibition, nightclubs and the entertainment industry grew, creating a new glamorous image of Southern California and lifeguards (the “bronze savage” image)

1930’S

* Reorganization of lifeguards. Formal training increased and motorized vehicles were adapted by the organization to improve lifesaving efficiency.
* Lifeguard competitions developed to showcase lifeguard knowledge and skill.
* Lifeguard relays called “The Taplin” began. Lifeguards competed to become the “King of Surf.”

1940’S

* Lifeguards were of a great service to the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were an integral part of the U.D.T. (Underwater Demolition Team), helping to advise and instruct recruits in underwater survival.
* Beaches were restricted and used for military purposes
* Lifesaving devices were improved

1950’S

* In 1956, the L.A. County Lifeguards sent a team to compete in the first International Surf Life Saving Competition in Australia. This provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge about new information, equipment and skills.
* CPR was first introduced into the L.A. County Lifeguard Program.

1960’S

* Junior Lifeguard programs increased
* Improved facilities at the beach (i.e., bike paths are constructed)

1970’S

* Paramedic services were initiated
* Police beach patrols increased

1980’S

* Lifeguard administration is reorganized
* New ethic and motto: “Once a lifeguard, always a lifeguard.”

The Basic rules of Lifeguarding

Watch the water
Always carry a can or tube
Prevent problems before they occur
Always survey your assigned area
While attempting a rescue, tell other swimmers to leave the water so that they don’t attempt the rescue themselves
Body language is crucial to inform another lifeguard of your status or need for help while attempting a rescue
Understand how to “read the water”
The color of water can help to determine depth
When in doubt, go!
In case of emergency, knock the telephone off the hook

Lifeguard Lingo

Beat-off–an untrustworthy lifeguard, often used in jest
Blitz–multi-victim rescue
Bogus–phony, weird
Bud–one of the guys
Buffasorus–one who is in shape and “looking good”
Buffed–in shape, “looking good”
Can Flip–a technique of spinning the can one or two revolutions and catching it (used to impress)
Crew–the guys/girls that work a certain beach (for example., the Will Rogers Crew)
Cruiser–a pickup artist, usually male
Didge–parking free
Dip–a break on a hot day when a lifeguard walks into the water to cool off
Dirt Bag–bum
Dumped–knocked over by a wave
Find The Bottom–(before you find the air)
Fluff and Buff–to get ready, shave and shower
Give Me Some Air–lifeguard frogmen diving in from overhead chopper
Go-out–a session. Usually a surfing, surfskiing, windsurfing or other form of fun exercise
Inside–close to shore (“stay inside, will ya, kid!”)
L.D.–long distance swimmer. Usually one who does not know what he/she is doing
Mini–shift less than eight hours
Out of Tower Brass–lifeguards that have risen to a position away from the beach
Outside–past the surf line
Patrol–walk
S & R–search and recovery
Schedule–the tower hours and days off that a lifeguard works
Set–a group of waves
Shine–forget it
Towelside Manner–the attitude/rapport that a lifeguard has with the public, especially women
Tumble Dry–to get caught in the circular force of a big wave after it has broken; a very humiliating experience
Watch the Water–lifeguarding
Workout–a physical break from the pressure of watching the water

Lifeguard Equipment

Audiohailer–used to warn and inform
Boat Tow-line–used to aid a boat in trouble that is about to come to shore
Buoy–old-fashioned lifesaving device, circa 1940-1960
Call Car–a truck with paramedic
Can–The current lifesaving device used, new school. It is used so that the lifeguard is out of reach of a panicky victim.
Foam Rubber Tires–effective for non breathing victims.
Hovercraft–used in rescues where time is critical or victim must be immobile (neck or back injuries). Runs on a cushion of air that allows it to go directly from the ocean over the beach to a waiting ambulance
Lifeguard Dory–used for moving buoys, dragging bodies, diving
Medievac–helicopter
Pocket Mask–Used in mouth-to-mouth as a precaution against transmitted diseases, including AIDS
Ramp–wooden walkway to an elevated tower
Rescue Board–good for long distance rescue and for flotation for mouth-to-mouth
Riding Bit–on the foredeck of a large vessel where a lifeguard can attach a towline to aid a boat in trouble
Ring–old-fashioned lifesaving device, circa 1920-1940
Rubber Ducky–boat with outboard motor noted for its maneuverability in stiff currents. Used mainly by lifeguards in Australia
Scarab–largest boat in lifeguard fleet; used for rescuing victims far offshore
Tube–old-fashioned lifesaving device, old school. Circa 1960-1975
Unit–truck
Wave Runner–small, two-person craft used for offshore rescues

Technical Terms

Closing Day–Labor Day
Code 1–respond
Code 2–respond quickly
Code 3–respond, red lights and siren
Code 4–cancel
County Shower–an on-duty shower
“Mayday”–used to signal a boat in distress
Opening Day–Memorial Day
Ten-four–the message has been received and understood
Title 17–The Los Angeles County Beach Ordinance (main ordinance)

Rescue Terms

Blitz–multiple rescues with three or more victims
Buffer Zone–used for a rescue under a pier. A way to prevent swimmers and surfers from being pushed into the pier by the current
Climbing the Ladder–swimming straight up, a sign of a poor swimmer
Cross-Chest Method–used when a victim is unconscious. Only used if there is no neck or back injury
Porpoising technique–a rescue technique in which the lifeguard springs off of the ocean bottom into a shallow dive, grabs sand and pulls himself forward to his feet
Saddleback Carry–used when a victim is unconscious
Sky Genie–a device used for a cliff rescue. It helps the lifeguard to control the speed of his descent
Towing a Victim–using the can to perform a rescue