Lifeguards are not Babysitters

Here's an interesting article which not only applies to Beach Lifeguards but all Pool Lifguards.

Parents must understand that their Children must be supervised at all times and they are responsible for them.

Parents have been warned to stop treating lifeguards in Galway as babysitters – many leave their children near rescue huts on beaches while they go on errands, which could distract them from saving lives on the water.

“I have spoken to lifeguards – people leaving their children (beside the huts) is a problem, “They continue to leave their children close to the lifeguard huts while they go to get sandwiches from the car, or money from the ATM, or buy ice cream – it is not a babysitting service, lifeguards are there to effect a rescue and to prevent accidents.”

Irish Water Safety also says that the 25 lost children who were returned to their parents and guardians on Galway’s beaches during the month of July equates to as many tragedies that could have happened. Mr Sweeney said that last month’s heat wave brought many people onto the beaches for the first time this year; people who were, unfortunately, unprepared for the hazards that water can bring. “When the weather is warm, people forget that there are hazards,” he says. “For most people in Galway, July was their first open water swim of the year. They should recognise that there are risks specific to water.

“In Galway, there were 25 children unsupervised close to the water – it’s one thing having them playing in the garden at home, but accidents happen very fast in water. It can happen in seconds, and in a few inches of water.” There were also over 30 rescues by lifeguards from the water, and 191 accidents prevented. “In these cases, the lifeguard interjected before they got to a stage where a rescue had to happen,” Mr Sweeney added.

“There were 33 rescues where the lifeguard got involved – that’s 33 more lives that could have been lost. Ideally, the lifeguard should not be getting into a situation where they get into the water.”