To help water watchers respond in an emergency, we have included a few skills to help a swimmer that may be struggling and need some help. All of the information being provided is for demonstration purposes only. There is no required practice for the course. To become proficient, we encourage you to practice these skills before helping as a water watcher.
We have only included skills where a water watcher helps a swimmer get to the wall. We are not providing or recommending any rescue techniques taught to lifeguards, which need regular practice for proficiency.
Assists with Equipment
Assists are the most common help given to customers and are best used for distressed swimmers who need assistance. As a reminder, a distressed swimmer can call out for help and may have some ability to swim. Assists are not normally used for active or passive drowning victims.
Swim Extension from Deck (With Rescue Tube)
Remove the shoulder strap and get down on one knee. Hold the strap in one hand while extending the rescue tube to the victim with the other hand. The water watcher should put as much weight as possible on the back leg and pull the victim to safety.
Swim Extension from Deck (With Noodle)
Hold the Noodle in one hand while extending the rescue tube to the victim with the other hand. The water watcher should put as much weight as possible on the back leg and pull the victim to safety.
Note: Water Watchers have the option to lie prone on the pool deck as an alternative to kneeling.