Patron Surveillance, Victim Recognition, Effective Scanning, EAP’s

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Patron Surveillance has four elements….

1. Victim recognition

2. Effective scanning

3. Lifeguard stations

4. Area of responsibility

DVD Segment: Effective Surveillance

Victim Recognition…True or False

Drowning victims always cry out for help

False!

True or False…

Active drowning victims stay straight up and down in the water while struggling.

True!

True or False

Active drowning victims use a leg kick, not their arms, to help keep themselves

afloat.

False!

True or False….

Active drowning victims may struggle for 20 to 60 seconds before going under.

True!

True or False….Passive drowning victims can be

submerged or on the surface.

True!

True or False….

Distressed swimmer and active drowning victims look very similar in the water.

False!

True or False….

Swimming can help an intoxicated person become sober.

False!

Effective ScanningScan people in your assigned areaLook above and below the surface

Scan from point to pointScan crowded areas carefully

Do not be distracted

Lifeguard Stations Lifeguards will often

switch positions to help them to stay alert

Area of ResponsibilityLifeguard supervisor determines area of

responsibilityThis may be total coverage or zone

coverageBack-up coverage

The RID FactorThree reasons for drowning in

supervised areas…R – Recognition: Failure of LG to

recognize victimI – Intrusion: Intrusion of secondary

dutiesD: Distraction: Distraction from watching

patrons

Patron Surveillance at Play StructuresPay close attention to non-swimmersWatch that patrons return to surface

after dropping into waterKeep play orderly and safe

Emergency Action PlansDetailed plans describing everyone’s

responsibilities during an emergencyShould be practiced during in-servicesShould be in policy/procedure manual