Water rescue and lifesaving methods

Water Rescue: Water rescue refers to the actions taken by trained individuals to save people who are in danger while in or near water. It plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of swimmers and is considered a noble profession dedicated to saving lives. The core principle behind water rescue is “prioritizing prevention, assisting in emergencies, combining prevention with rescue, and being prepared for all situations.” Establishing a strong organizational structure and emphasizing safety education can significantly reduce the risk of swimming-related accidents. This not only protects swimmers but also supports the broader goals of the National Fitness Program, highlighting its importance on a societal level.

Application and Operation of Swimming Lifesaving Methods
(1) Causes of Drowning Accidents and Self-Protection

1. Causes of Drowning Accidents
(1) Technical factors – such as inadequate swimming skills or improper technique, which may lead to exhaustion or loss of control.
(2) Physiological and pathological factors – including fatigue, hunger, illness, or conditions like heart disease or hypoglycemia that affect physical performance.
(3) Environmental factors – unfamiliarity with the swimming environment, such as currents, depth changes, or poor visibility.
(4) Injury factors – risky behaviors like diving into shallow water or jumping from unsafe heights.
(5) Lack of knowledge – insufficient understanding of how to handle cramps, drowning, or emergency procedures.
(6) Psychological factors – fear, anxiety, or panic during an emergency can impair judgment and movement.
(7) Organizational management factors – lack of proper supervision, insufficient lifeguard staffing, or unsafe facility conditions.

(b) How Lifeguards Observe the Water Surface
“Observation” is a crucial skill for lifeguards, often referred to as “seeing the water.” It involves monitoring the water surface, analyzing potential dangers, and making quick decisions. Here’s how it's done: 1. Lifeguards must maintain high concentration and divide their observation area into fixed zones to ensure full coverage. 2. They should combine pool surface and bottom observations, as well as shore and water areas, for a comprehensive view. 3. Pay attention to swimmers showing signs of distress, such as struggling or floating motionless. 4. Look for unsupervised children or swimmers who appear weak or disoriented. 5. Track swimmers who seem to be in trouble without losing sight of the rest of the area. 6. Use methods like the “straight line cutting method” or “arc cutting method” to divide the pool into manageable observation zones. 7. Recognize early warning signs of accidents, such as sudden movements, confusion, or abnormal behavior in swimmers.

(c) Rescue Techniques
1. **Approaching the Victim**: There are two main approaches—indirect and direct. (1) **Indirect Approach** – Using equipment like lifebuoys, ropes, or floats to reach the victim without entering the water. For example: - A lifebuoy can be thrown to the victim, who then pulls themselves to safety. - A rope with a float can be used to guide the person back to shore. - A plank or floatable object can be used if no other equipment is available. (2) **Direct Approach** – Entering the water to perform a hands-on rescue. This includes: - Observing the victim before entering the water. - Choosing the right entry method (e.g., head-first dive or feet-first jump). - Approaching the victim from behind to avoid being grabbed. - Performing a safe tow back to shore and providing first aid upon reaching land. 2. **Rescue Techniques** – Specific methods include: - Removing a grip using techniques like elbow relief or finger pull. - Towing the victim using side-rolling or anti-breaststroke methods. - Safely bringing the victim to shore and administering CPR if needed. 3. **Post-Rescue Care** – After bringing the victim to safety, immediate medical attention is essential. Ensuring the victim is breathing and stabilizing them until professional help arrives is critical. These techniques are essential for any lifeguard to master, as they can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.