Beach Lifeguard

All equipment must be checked daily, each morning, to see that it is in working order and ready for use. Any defects noted should be reported immediately to the Council. Inspect all lifesaving and first aid equipment on arrival for duty to ensure that adequate stocks are available and in good working order.

Indication flags should be placed in prominent positions. The following flag system is to be used: i. Red flag signifies that bathing is considered temporarily unsafe. ii. Red over yellow flag signifies that bathing between any two such flags is under supervision of a Beach Lifeguard. iii. No flag is flown if there is no Beach Lifeguard on duty. iv. Ensure that from the start of the duty period the appropriate flags are flown and are changed or relocated as necessary during the day. v. At the conclusion of the duty period each evening ensure that all flags are removed and that all equipment is checked and securely stored in the appropriate place.

Except when the beach is empty, the Beach Lifeguard should be on patrol or on lookout outside the hut. The Beach Lifeguard should never be inside the hut except when relieved for meals or when certain there is nobody on the beach. Concentration should not be diverted by conversations with the public or reading. The primary duty is to prevent accident situations from developing. The rescue board should be strategically placed for immediate use. Special vigilance is required near rocks or river outflows where undertows or currents are likely.

Where Beach Lifeguards leave to partake of meals, arrangements should ensure one Beach Lifeguard remains on duty during the other’s absence and patrols both areas. Where only one Beach Lifeguard is employed: i. No flag should be flown while off duty for meals. ii. The meal must be arranged outside peak bathing hours.

Where two Beach Lifeguards are on duty: i. One shall remain at a vantage point with full view of the beach on constant lookout. ii. The other shall patrol the beach so that any given point is visited at least once every 15 minutes. iii. Brief reports should be exchanged when they meet. Lifeguards should not congregate together or with other groups.

Maintain a beach patrol along the beach and, when the tide is in, as close to the waterline as possible.

Provide constant observation and supervision to prevent drowning accidents.

Inspect the patrol area and remove dangerous or offensive items where possible. If unable to deal with the matter, report immediately to the supervisor.

Keep the lifeguard station clean, tidy and ready for emergencies.

Except for emergency assistance or official business, no one other than lifeguard personnel is permitted in the station.

Where required, assist in opening and closing public toilets and report on their condition in Log Books, notifying serious uncleanliness or damage.

Check ring buoys and other safety equipment at appropriate times.

Assist in conducting aquatic events and water safety programmes where required.

Carry out all appropriate duties as laid down in the Water Safety Ireland Lifeguard Handbook.

Record times of commencing and ceasing duty, including meal times, and note any incidents such as rescues. Log Book must be available for inspection by authorised County Council staff.

Record daily: i. Names and attendance times of all guards on duty. ii. General weather and tidal conditions. iii. Flags flown and times changed. iv. Any information to assist Authorities in improving the service.

Maintain an Accident and Incident Record Book.

The Head Beach Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring compliance with duties and regulations.

Assist the Water Quality Section, Environment Department, and report debris, offal or water discolouration.

Complete all appropriate rescue and first aid forms.

All reports are public records and may be released under Freedom of Information legislation.

Be courteous and provide information regarding tides, currents and unsafe areas.

Warn bathers entering dangerous areas and provide reasons.

Practice prevention over reaction.

Provide emergency rescue service.

Assist persons in difficulty and render first aid when possible.

Provide advice on facilities, hazards and water safety, including Public Relations and Educational patrols during quiet times.

Report indecent behaviour to the Garda Síochána at the earliest opportunity.

Have overall responsibility for operation of the Lifeguard service on appointed beaches, compile weekly rotas and notify relevant officers.

Ensure team dynamic within the Beach Lifeguard team.

Monitor weather and sea conditions when compiling rotas.

Submit wage timesheets weekly and notify rota changes.

Ensure weekly training exercises and notify Water Safety Development Officer of training and fitness concerns.

Ensure team familiarisation with service on appointed beaches.

Inspect Log Books and Statistics Books daily.

Handle complaints by reporting in writing to the Water Safety Development Officer.

Act as mentor by: a) Setting example through actions. b) Answering questions and addressing concerns. c) Ensuring duties meet required standards and Health and Safety legislation.

Have final decision regarding: a) Restriction of lunch times. b) Number of Lifeguards on patrol. c) Other operational considerations requiring judgement.

Report misconduct to the Water Safety Development Officer.

Act as primary contact between team and Water Safety Development Officer.

Monitor equipment and report wear, tear or shortages. Conduct daily inspections and report missing or broken equipment immediately.

Complete end of season evaluation report with team input covering: a) Positive and negative aspects of the season. b) Potential improvements to the Lifeguard service.