Everything you need to know about lifeguards: types, uses, and more

As parents, we already have built-in the fact that children must wear life jackets. But within the category, there are many to choose from and with different characteristics. The truth is, it can be confusing to know which one is best for each individual child. Thinking about the above, we prepared this post where we answer the most common questions.

When to wear a life jacket?

Children under the age of 5 should also wear a life jacket if they are near or in the water, such as at the edge of the beach, pool, or on a pier.

Children ages 6-11 should also use it if they are on a dock or by a river.

Remember that children and adolescents must wear a life jacket whenever they are in a boat, raft, or swimming in the deep sea, river, or lake waters. (this would put him as a general)

Wearing a life jacket is an easy way to avoid hazards near and in the water.

you may visit the following link for knowing more or getting a course:

The American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ is a trademark of the American Lifeguard Association® health and safety courses and provider of Lifeguard certificate. The American Lifeguard Association has been offering lifeguard training for over 30 years and has trained over 250,000 individuals worldwide. The US Labor Department has determined our lifeguard programs are equivalent to the American Red Cross training program.

Are there types of life jackets?

Yes, there are different lifeguard classifications. With them, you can differentiate the degree of buoyancy (for example, for people of maximum 10 kilos) and the degree of expertise that the user has in the water. There are, for example, to keep afloat people who do not know how to swim or those who do.

In the case of children, classifieds II and III are recommended (we explain this because not everyone knows this information that there are types). The Type II vest is recommended for beginners and people who cannot swim. They are sold in smaller sizes and with a collar to help the child keep his head above the water.

Type III is recommended for children who already feel comfortable in the water and who need more freedom of movement.

How to choose a life jacket for my child?

Verify that it fits you. The sizes vary according to the size and weight of the child.

Don't buy it bigger thinking that "it will fit soon".

When fastening, the vest should be close to the body and comfortable at the same time. Do the following test: lift your child holding him by the shoulders of the vest. If it fits, your chin or ears should be covered.

For young children, choose a vest with a neck that supports the head and with tape between the legs.

Choose a bright color for greater visibility in the water.

What other considerations should I have regarding the lifeguard?

It must be approved by the DIRECTEMAR (General Directorate of the Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine of Chile) of the Chilean Navy (link)

Every year you should check that the life preserver still fits well and has no wear or tear.

Do not alter the vest, neither adding nor removing anything. If you do, it won't protect it in the same way.

Arm or sleeve floats, foam noodles, and other floats are not designed to protect the bather and are not a substitute for a life jacket.

Remember that while the vest can save a child, it must still always be watched.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Reference-Education/7622-Everything-you-need-to-know-about-lifeguards-types-uses-and-more.html