[Sportsandrec] I would like to hear from anyone out there who is a lifeguard.

[Judy Jones]

Exactly, totally on the same page.  Thank you very much.

Judy


-----Original Message-----
From: Sportsandrec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Erin K Work via Sportsandrec
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2016 2:13 PM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List
Cc: Erin K Work
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] I would like to hear from anyone out there who is a lifeguard.

Hi Judy,
I'm not visually impaired, and while like you I learned long ago not to make any assumptions, I did recently certify as a Red Cross Lifeguard so I can speak to the training and thought I'd share. The core duty of the job/certification involves ensuring patron safety through visual scanning of the environment. This is emphasized by protocols for switching lifeguard stations to avoid visual fatigue, and at break times the guard going on duty begins the 'watch' and then alerts the outgoing guard so that there is continuous scanning. After this basic certification you can get additional certifications in swim instruction and waterpark.
There are certifying bodies other than the Red Cross so please don't feel limited by this information and perhaps seek out information about other lifeguarding certifications.
Also, I'd like to share a concept that I learned of from Terry Kelly a former Paralympian and motivational speaker: he calls it a Dream Adjustment (http://terry-kelly.com -story at the bottom of the page). The idea is that we can look at our dreams from different perspectives - that when we encounter obstacles to our dreams (and we all do), looking at them differently can help us to find ways of achieving them. In this case, if your client isn't able to acquire a certification as a lifeguard, there are many other avenues for employment within the pool environment - a coaching certification and/or an advanced first aid/CPR for example. 
Cheers, Erin

> On May 5, 2016, at 7:47 AM, Jessica Beecham via Sportsandrec <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think it would be difficult to make the argument that a blind person should be guarding a large crowded pool.  There is so much you have to see. Some of it could be determined auditorium like kids running when they are not supposed to etc... I think it would be difficult to identify when a person is in distress and where in the open pool they are located.
> 
> I do think that a person could get certified as a lifeguard and then teach swim lessons or monitor a water slide at a water park. In those instances the person has much more knowledge and control of exactly what is going on in the pool and where people are located.
> 
> These are just thoughts. I have been around the water a lot but have not been a lifeguard so I may be missing some alternative techniques that would make it work. I never say never but I would say that in this situation, it is the blind persons very real responsibility to pick another career path if they even feel the slightest doubt in their ability to competently perform the tasks needed for the job.
> 
> Sent from Outlook Mobile<https://aka.ms/djubve>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, May 4, 2016 at 5:45 PM -0700, "Robert Moore via Sportsandrec" <sportsandrec at nfbnet.org<mailto:sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> I can not speak here from experience However depending on the 
> responces you might get. I  wonder if an assistant might also be a consideration. I don't
> know if  life  gards work in pares but if they do. I don't see any   reason
> a totally blind person could not assist in a    rescue effort and assist in
> CPR or what ever other situations they are trained for.
> I am not saying one way or the other, just thinking there might be 
> more than one option to explore.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sportsandrec [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf 
> Of Judy Jones via Sportsandrec
> Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 3:59 PM
> To: sportsandrec at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Judy Jones
> Subject: [Sportsandrec] I would like to hear from anyone out there who 
> is a lifeguard.
> 
> We have a totally blind client wanting to do that over the summer, but 
> don't know if this is realistic.  I learned long ago to never assume, 
> and wanted to check with the community.
> 
> Thanks very much.
> 
> Judy Jones
> Vocational Rehabilitation Assistant
> Phone:  (208) 736-2140
> Fax:  (208) 736-2142
> Cell:  (208) 316-7008
> E-mail:  jjones at icbvi.idaho.gov<mailto:jjones at icbvi.idaho.gov>
> 
> "Embrace the day with its mercies and blessings."
> 
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