LG SUP 7 Recommend Integration of Multiple Scanning Techniques for Lifegaurd Training Agencies
Recommend that lifeguard training organizations integrate multiple scanning strategies into their training.
Rationale:
Having more and better scanning skills and strategies can help make lifeguards more aware of internal noise and in-attentional blindness, and increase their effectiveness.
Anticipated Impact:
After implementing this recommendation, you can expect to experience the following outcomes.
- Integrating multiple scanning strategies into lifeguard training leads to more effective scanning skills and an enhanced awareness of internal noise and in-attentional blindness.
Evidence:
The safety of the public at guarded swimming sites, is largely dependent on effective scanning by lifeguards (Fenner et.al., 1999). Circumstances surrounding drownings indicate that the majority of drownings are preventable (Fenner et.al., 1999). Scanning has been identified as the primary function of lifeguards (Safe-Wise, 2007). However, Griffiths et al. (1995) provide evidence that lifeguard training in scanning techniques is inconsistent, and that the majority of guards feel more training in effective scanning techniques would be helpful. 73% of lifeguards surveyed by the authors indicated that they used a specific technique, while 27 % said they had no special technique. When asked where they learned their technique, 39 % said lifeguard training (no agency was specified), 30 % said Ellis and Associates, 12 % said American Red Cross, 14 % said in-service training, 2 % said colleagues and 3 % said other/miscellaneous.
Evidence Sources:
Blackwell, A., Dillon, T., McCready, C., & Talbot, J. (2012). National Pool Lifeguard Qualification: The Lifeguard. RLSS UK: Warwickshire. https://www.rlss.org.uk/national-pool-lifeguard-qualification
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) (2023). Code 6.2.1.1.1. Model Aquatic Health Code. 4th Edition, February 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mahc/pdf/2023-MAHC-508.pdf
Fenner, P., Leahy, S., Buhk, A., & Dawes, P. (1999). Prevention of drowning: Visual scanning and attention span in lifeguards. The Journal of Occupational Health and Safety. 15(1), 61–66.
Griffiths, T., Chambers, V., and Steel, D. (1995). Systematic scanning for lifeguards: Survey results. Parks & Recreation. 30(2), 40–47
Hunsucker, J., & Davison, S. (2008). How lifeguards overlook a victim: Vision and Signal Detection. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.02.01.08
Lanagan-Leitzel, L. K., & Moore, C. M. (2010). Do lifeguards monitor the events they should? International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.04.03.04
Laxton, V., Crundall, D., Guest, D., & Howard, C. J. (2021). Visual search for drowning swimmers: Investigating the impact of lifeguarding experience. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 35(1), 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3756
Lim D, Wiggins M, Porte M, Bayl-Smith P, Curby KM, Olsen KN, Taylor M. 2023. Virtual reality lifeguarding scenarios as a potential training solution for pool lifeguards. Applied Ergonomics; 108, 103954. ISSN 0003-6870, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103954.
Vansteenkiste P, Lenoir M, Bourgois JG Bourgois. 2020. Gaze behaviour of experienced and novice beach lifeguards - An exploratory in situ study. Applied Cognitive Psychology; November 2020. DOI: 10.1002/acp.3760
High Risk Populations Addressed:
All populations can benefit from implementation of this recommendation.
Evaluation Metrics:
Indicators of long-term impact:
- Lifeguard training agencies include multiple scanning methods in all lifeguard training courses
Indicators of initial impact:
- Lifeguards use a variety of scanning methods while surveilling patrons
Implementation:
Consider the following to ensure successful implementation:
- Gain support from, and acceptance of, this recommendation from lifeguard training agencies.
- Reinforce concepts from lifeguard managers.
Challenges to Implementation:
When implementing this recommendation, you might encounter challenges related to the following factors.
- Timely implementation of this recommendation may be a challenge. For example, most updates to lifeguard management training programs generally occur every 3-5 years. Some agencies may not move as quickly as others to implement.
Potential Facilitators:
The following factors might facilitate the implementation of this recommendation.
- Gathering support from lifeguard training agencies and organizations involved with drowning prevention will be a key factor in the success of this recommendation.
GAP Recommendation:
None