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Lifeguard's Role and Technology
In 2002 15 people died in swimming pools in
the UK* and for each drowning death there are many more near
drowning incidents serious enough for the swimmer to require
professional medical attention; many suffering serious neurological
injury. Statistics like these highlight just how important
a lifeguard’s job is, however, fears of litigation, increasing
pressure from safety bodies, ever more complex pool designs
and difficult working conditions are just some of the reasons
why a lifeguards job is more stressfull and actually getting
harder.
The professional work of the lifeguard and their
commitment to the safety of swimmers should not be underestimated
but human beings are not without limitations, particularly
when it comes to the observation/supervision of swimmers in
busy, hot and noisy swimming pools. While technology should
never replace a lifeguard or try to do their job for them,
by trying to pre-empt a dangerous situation, it can be used
to make their job easier and provide them with greater confidence
of supervision.
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