lifeguard training: discussing professionalism

"Can your posture in the lifeguard stand affect how well you guard?"

Ask your class to slouch forward in their seats with their torso diagonal and legs out stretched.

Ask "what message are you sending out to people?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

I'm bored.

I wish my shift was over.

I wish the summer was over.

I'm too cool for this job.

These swimmers are so good they really don't need me.

Nothing ever happens at this pool.

"What would pool patrons think of a guard in this stance?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

pool patrons won't think you are paying attention

pool patrons won't think you care about your work

pool patrons won't think they and their children are safe

patrons don't think they can take you seriously

reinforces the notion some people have that guards are just immature teenagers doing a simple summer job, rather than professional rescuers

they wonder why the manager or other guards won't do something about this

"What would other guards on your team think of you?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

other guards won't think you care

other guards won't think you are ready to act

other guards will think you are overconfident

other guards would think you can't watch/aren't watching all of your zone properly

some might think you're 'cool' just because you look so 'confident'. For those who think about team work and doing a good job, your appearance may have detrimental effects.

"How do you feel about yourself like this?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

not alert

not ready to respond in an emergency

not confident

(If participants did not touch on this subject, mention it:

From a teenage guard's point of view, some adults do not have a lot of respect for teenagers and this would make it worse.)

"Besides posture, what else can negatively affect how the public/other guards view you?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

not holding your rescue tube across your lap, for example using it as a footrest or sitting on it

twirling your whistle

unshaven face, unclean clothes

vigorously chewing gum, especially blowing bubble gum bubbles

tapping on the rescue tube as if it were a bongo drum

tapping feet/nodding head to heard or unheard music

dancing while on walking patrol

playing with your hair

not moving your head as you scan

slurping a drink through a straw

"Do you think it would be easier to enforce rules if the pool patrons think all the guards are totally professional? Why?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

You get more respect.

Patrons take you more seriously.

You really are more ready to respond.

"What other things can contribute to being professional?"

Answers: Responses could include the following:

(refer to the Characteristics of a Professional Lifeguard pages in the lifeguard manual)