Lifesavers undergo stringent retest
Mossel Bay Surf Lifesaving Club (MBSLC) lifeguards underwent their annual retest on Saturday, 21 October.
This test is conducted by Eden Lifesaving examiners.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue protocols, swimming tests and theory are all part of this test. It is to ensure the lifeguards are prepared for the coming holiday season.
Protocol for a lifeguard retest:
Signals to communicate on the beach.
400m pool swim in under eight minutes.
Run-swim-run, 200m/300m/200m under 10 minutes.
Malibu rescue (unconscious patient) under eight minutes.
Spinal board water rescue. One-man CPR with pocket mask. Two-man CPR with a bag valve mask (BVM).
Infant CPR. Automated external defibrillator or automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) setup, use and pack-up.
Requirements for lifeguards:
A lifeguard should:
Have a high level of physical fitness. Have excellent eyesight.
Be a very strong swimmer. Understand the hazards relating to sea and inland water conditions.
Have good communication skills, for example, to move groups of bathers to safer areas and make announcements over a public address system.
Love outdoor life and athletic activity.
Be friendly and helpful.
Be alert and able to respond fast. Not be squeamish and able to administer first aid.
Be able to make quick decisions, especially in a crisis, and stay calm.
"We're not a fair-weather lifesaving club. Despite the rain, such as on Saturday, our team has to work in all weather conditions.
"They could do the swim and board rescue in the sea and the CPR training was done at our clubhouse," says Janine Fraser of the Mossel Bay Surf Lifesaving Club (MBSLC)."