Lifeguard Search Techniques

Shallow Water Search

• Initiated for missing persons in water areas not visible from lifeguard chair.
• Overseen by primary lifeguard or manager/supervisor.
• Rescuers align perpendicular to shore, starting at current's direction (e.g., South for North-South current).
• Rescuers hold hands, walk forward under command, scanning for submerged victims.
• In murky water, foot and leg sweeping techniques are used to feel for victims.
• The primary guard directs the search around clear swimming areas.
• After shallow search completion, transition to deep-water line search.

Deep Water Line Search

• Conducted by lifeguards after shallow water search, patrons assist only in shallow areas.
• Line conductor (beach manager/head lifeguard) remains in waist-deep water with a rescue tube.
• Rescuers maintain an arm's length distance and line up perpendicularly to shore.
• Upon command, rescuers dive, swim three strokes underwater, then surface while scanning for victims.
• Line conductor ensures safety and the organization of the search pattern.
• Search continues until entire area covered or directed to stop by EFD Command.

Determining the Emergency Search Period

• Emergency search duration typically set at one hour.
• One-hour is intentionally longer than usual successful resuscitation timeframe due to variable factors.
• USLA acknowledges a “two-minute window” of optimal recovery after submersion, post which chances decline rapidly.

Search Procedures

• Valid missing swimmer reports trigger a coordinated search process among lifeguards.
• Initial documentation includes estimated time of submersion and last seen location.
• Immediate notification to supervisors and EFD is crucial.
• The last seen point determined using cross bearings from stationary objects.

Code X

• Code X is a signal (arms crossed overhead) indicating the last known position of a victim.
• Facilitates communication between lifeguards in water and those on shore.
• Onshore lifeguards confirm signal and notify EFD through Dispatch.
• Establish a search zone, possibly marked with a buoy, and initiate the search in indicated area.

Three General Search Methods

• In-Water Search: Lifeguards wade and swim in shallow and deep waters; utilize systematic searching.
• Surface Search: Lifeguards use boats, paddleboards, or helicopters to scan from above, effectiveness contingent on depth and visibility.
• Underwater Search: Dive teams employ systematic techniques with scuba gear to explore submerged areas.

Recovery Operations

• Immediate resuscitation efforts are vital if a viable victim is recovered within the set timeframe.
• Body recovery phase initiated per EFD Command protocols and investigation begins.
• Focus on rescuer safety heightened, with some lifeguards returning to regular duties.
• Lifeguards collect evidence and document observations; sensitivity to incident circumstances is critical.

This quiz covers crucial lifeguard search techniques for locating missing persons in both shallow and deep water. Learn how to execute effective searches while working as a team under the guidance of the primary lifeguard. The focus is on safety procedures and proper search algorithms.