Lifeguard

:For the British Army regiment see the Life Guards

Ocean lifeguard

On shore, an ocean lifeguard can typically be seen watching the water from an elevated chair or tower, or patrolling the water's edge on foot or with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. And some of the better equipped lifeguard services operate inflatable or rigid hulled patrol boats that can provide added support in the event of a Rip Current situation or other emergency. Additionally, some also have rowboats, and specially marked personal watercraft equipped with Marzol rescue platforms (a reinforced oversize bodyboard) available to respond from the beach.

Related Topics:
Rip Current - Personal watercraft - Bodyboard

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An individual lifeguard tower will typically be staffed with one or two lifeguards responsible for a specific length of beach. Equipment used will vary depending on the area. This will normally include communications equipment and a well stocked first aid kit. Additional equipment may include a large rescue board, an oxygen rescuscitator, a semi automatic defibrillator or simple scuba diving equipment. A lifeguard vehicle or patrol boat will be equipped with two way radios and may also carry cardiac care medical equipment, an oxygen tank, and more advanced scuba gear.

Related Topics:
Rescue board - Rescuscitator - Defibrillator - Scuba diving

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In some communities, the lifeguard service also carries out mountain rescues, or may function as the primary EMS provider.

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