Lifeguard
Nature
A lifeguard is responsible for the safety of a swimming area or designated aquatic area. Whether for a pool or open water or ocean, he/she must watch all patrons and communicate to them any potential risks or dangers. On the beach, the lifeguard must establish a swimming surveillance area, reserved for swimmers, thus ensuring a safe separate surfing area. He/she must rescue and provide first aid to any patrons in need and contact appropriate emergency response units as soon as possible. This position implies a lot of responsibility and therefore, lifeguards must know how to communicate potential hazards and risks (strong currents, whirlpools, sun ...) in order to reduce the number of interventions, by putting as much effort into prevention as possible.
Mission
Information and prevention
Ensuring safety of swimming areas
Intervention and evacuation
Skills
Responsibility
Availability
Reactivity
Communication/people skills
Access
Life guarding certification (Brevet National de Sécurité et de Sauvetage Aquatique (BSSA)) and CPR and first aid certification (CFAPSE) are mandatory. Certification must be renewed every 5 years. Most waterfront towns offer year round training and certification preparation. To teach, the National Swimming Activities Athletic Certificate is mandatory.