Lifeguard Responsibilities

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Typically, lifeguards are employed by community pools, public beaches, hotels, resorts, water parks and recreational organizations that provide swimming and other water-related activities. When you go to an aquatic facility that has a lifeguard, you expect the lifeguard will be alert, observant and responsive in case of an emergency. Every lifeguard has a duty to ensure the safety of all swimmers, water-goers and guests alike.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of negligent lifeguard accident attorneys is highly experienced, aggressive, tenacious and hardworking. We are dedicated to obtaining the best possible results for those seriously injured as a result of careless or negligent lifeguards in New York State and throughout the United States. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C., recognized as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm, employs a devoted team that will fight to obtain the best result for your injuries. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. at least $1,000,000.00, or more, 44 times to compensate his clients for their injuries, including a $7,000,000 settlement for a woman who nearly drowned in a public pool due to the negligence of the on-duty lifeguards. Call us today at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation.

Lifeguard Responsibilities

Lifeguards are responsible for effectively supervising and monitoring those in and around the water to ensure that everyone follows the rules and safety precautions to avoid any incidences, drownings and other injuries. Lifeguards may explain safety rules to guests, caution them regarding unsafe situations or risky actions and enforce general policies. In case of an accident or other unfortunate event, it is a lifeguard’s job to rescue anyone in danger and respond to all emergencies that may arise in a quick and timely manner. Once a victim is rescued, a lifeguard must use his or her knowledge and extensive training to provide vital first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

To ensure success and efficiency, lifeguards must assess situations quickly and make prudent decisions concerning the safety and wellbeing of water-goers. While most people may think that a lifeguard’s only job is to rescue drowning victims, lifeguards may have numerous other duties. Most lifeguard duties can be separated into principal and supporting responsibilities.

Examples of a lifeguard’s principal responsibilities may include:

1. Monitoring the weather forecast, including tides at the beach, to ensure safety of patrons;
2. Overseeing all activities at the pool or beach to help prevent accidents;
3. Clarifying and enforcing established policies, rules and regulations to ensure the safety of guests;
4. Warning swimmers about any unsafe practices or risky situations;
5. Monitoring all designated zones in and around the water;
6. Maintaining order in the swimming areas;
7. Acting appropriately in response to any emergencies that should arise;
8. Rescuing anyone in the water that is in danger of drowning;
9. Enforcing emergency action plans and procedures in the event of an emergency situation; and
10. Carrying out first aid procedures, CPR or using automated external defibrillators (AED), when necessary.

Although supporting responsibilities are important too, they must never stop a lifeguard from meeting his or her principal responsibilities. Further, lifeguards should never perform supporting duties, while they are tasked with the above principal duties. Common examples of a lifeguard’s supporting responsibilities may include:

1. Inspecting the water area and surrounding vicinities for any possible hazards;
2. Maintaining cleanliness in and around the water;
3. Ensuring that all safety and emergency equipment is working properly and readily available for use (this may include backboards, rescue tubes, AEDs, life jackets, first aid kits and life hooks);
4. If at a pool, monitor, measure and record pH values, pool temperatures and chlorine content of water;
5. Treating the pool water with the appropriate chemicals when necessary;
6. Maintaining adequate safety records and accident reports;
7. Participating in regular and recurring lifeguard training;
8. Maintaining appropriate fitness levels;
9. Posting warning signs when needed; and
10. Answering all the guests’ questions.

If you, or loved one, drowned or suffered serious injuries caused by the carelessness or negligence of a lifeguard, we have the experience, resources and reputation to fight for your rights. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has been handling serious personal injury cases since 1999 and has the experience and proven results to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form for your free consultation with our team of careless lifeguard drowning and injury lawyers. Our team is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week to assist you.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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