SV11 - Pool Lifeguard Health Assessments

Purpose

To provide guidance on the minimum health requirements of persons employed to be performing the role of a Pool Lifeguard (or part thereof).

Pool Lifeguard Health Assessments

To minimise the risk of a Lifeguards health affecting the safety of aquatic users the owner or operator of an Aquatic Facility should ensure that all persons performing lifeguard duties:

1. Undertake an annual medical assessment by an Authorised Health Professional (registered Medical Practitioner or General Practitioner) or;
2. Complete an annual self-declaration medical questionnaire (which may be further assessed by a General Practitioner if the employer deems it necessary)

The owner or operator of an aquatic facility should ensure that the medical assessment or self-declaration medical questionnaire is consistent with the requirements of the Pool Lifeguard Health Criteria.

Records of a Pool Lifeguard Medical Assessment or self-declaration medical questionnaire should be maintained by the employer of the Pool Lifeguard and the Pool Lifeguard themselves.

The owner or operator of an aquatic facility should ensure that as a result of a medical assessment or self-declaration medical questionnaire a Pool Lifeguard is categorised using the following assessment categories:

• Category 1 – Fit Unrestricted
• Category 2 – Fit with restrictions
• Category 3 – Unfit pending further assessment
• Category 4 – Permanently Unfit

If a Pool Lifeguard falls into category 3 or 4, the employment of the Lifeguard should not commence until further assessment is undertaken or further medical evidence is provided.

Reassessment should be after a 30 day period.

Pool Lifeguards should notify employers in writing of any deterioration of their health that occurs during their employment and after a medical assessment.

Pool Lifeguard Health Criteria

Vision

Pool Lifeguards rely greatly on vision when supervising. As a result it is vital that lifeguards have normal 20/20 vision.

If a Pool Lifeguard has, or becomes aware that he/she does not have 20/20 vision, then the lifeguard must take measures to facilitate his/her vision, such as the wearing of the appropriate corrective lenses. This also extended to ensuring that corrective lenses are not affected by water entries when performing a rescue.

Hearing

Hearing plays a vital role in lifeguarding, particularly in communication.

Pool Lifeguards who have impaired hearing should take measures to facilitate their hearing such as the appropriate hearing aid.

Pool Lifeguards who are hearing impaired should ensure, in consultation with their management, which the appropriate procedures are in place to ensure adequate supervision of pool users and communication with staff, particularly in an emergency situation.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common condition affecting about 1 in every 200 of the population. It is characterized by recurring muscular seizures with a loss of consciousness.

A seizure occurring in, or even near the water, may result in drowning unless rescue is affected very promptly. Epilepsy does not preclude a person from being a lifeguard, however there must be guidelines to ensure safety.

Persons suffering from epilepsy are eligible to participate in lifeguard activity provided they have the approval of their medical practitioner who is fully aware of the nature and duties of pool lifeguarding.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their epilepsy at all times rests with that person and the medical practitioner concerned.

Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a common disorder of body metabolism that can occur at any age. It is controlled by a combination of diet, exercise and perhaps medication.

In general, Diabetes should not preclude a person from any of the activities of a pool lifeguard.

Diabetics, who require insulin treatment, should seek advice from their medical practitioner regarding their ability to perform the duties of a pool lifeguard.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their diabetes at all times rests with that person and the medical practitioner concerned.

Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a common condition within the community and may affect any age group. Asthma is a variable condition and it is recognised that a lifeguard with asthma may be fully fit at some times and not fit for duty at other

Persons with acute asthma are eligible to participate in pool lifeguard activity provided they have the approval of their medical practitioner who is fully aware of the nature of pool lifeguarding.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their asthma at all times rests with that person and the medical practitioner concerned.

Pregnancy

It is recognised that a pregnant lifeguard may be fully fit for duty at some times and not fit for duty at other times. On becoming aware of a pregnancy, pregnant lifeguards should consult with, and make their medical practitioner fully aware of the nature of pool lifeguarding before continuing to work as a lifeguard.

It is recognised that pregnancy may preclude a lifeguard from fulfilling certain part of their duties for periods of time. In cases such as this, the lifeguard should consult with facility management about being able to alter the duties they are expected to carry out.

Immunizations

A lifeguard may come into contact with blood and other body fluids during the course of their duties. These body fluids may transmit infectious diseases such as Hepatitis and Influenza, amongst others.

It is recommended that lifeguards keep their immunizations up to date as recommended by their medical practitioner to minimize the chance of becoming infected.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their immunization levels at all times rests with that person and the medical practitioner concerned.

Reference

• SU6 Lifeguard Health and Fitness 14 November 2005
• International Lifesaving Federation Pool Lifeguard