Module
The Water Rescuer Role
Who is a water rescuer?
A person trained under a specific programme to rescue people from water, give first aid during rescue, and supervise pools, beaches, and wild waters. Your appearance, behaviour and competence project authority — users will follow your instructions because they recognise you as a professional.
The 10/20 rule (memorise this)
You are responsible for an area you can visually scan in 10 seconds and physically reach a person in within 20 seconds. Bigger than that → you cannot do the job properly.
Core duties
- Continuous surveillance of bathing surfaces
- Rescue exhausted, drowning, or drowned persons
- Provide first aid within your authorisation
- Inspect the facility before opening
- Maintain order according to facility rules
- Eliminate hazards (slippery surfaces, etc.)
- Keep the rescuer logbook
- Monitor water quality
Marks of professionalism
- Preparedness — equipment, whistle, uniform, fluids, sun protection ready
- Continuous training and skill upkeep
- Personal safety and PPE use
- Focused attention on the assigned zone
- Visible identification (uniform with markings)
- Punctuality and respecting break/handover times
- Teamwork
- Maintaining your own physical/mental fitness
Marks of UNprofessionalism
- Phones during duty
- Poor zone supervision
- Long unnecessary radio chatter
- Skipping training
- Working under alcohol/drugs influence
- Leaving post without handover