What are some of the common safety procedures used by lifeguards?
Lifeguards and aquatic safety supervisors should ensure that they are positioned to provide maximum security coverage for their patrons. This may require the use of stationary chairs, “dry-land” lifeguards as well as in-water personnel. The lifeguards should also be familiar the 30-Second Rule, the 10/20 Rule, and the 10×10 Reaction Rule: 30-Second Rule The lifeguard surveys one extreme of his/her zone of responsibility to the other and back within a total of 30-seconds. 10/20 Rule Once the lifeguard identifies a potential incident (i.e. victim, hazard, risk), he/she must determine within 10 seconds whether or not intervention is required. If required, the lifeguard must be positioned in order to intervene within 20 seconds. 10 x 10 Reaction Rule The lifeguard must be able to survey his/her zone of responsibility within 10 seconds and, if required, must be able to intervene within 10 seconds.
