Our primary goal in lifesaving is to reduce drowning. One of the best means we have of reducing drowning is preventing it from happening in the first place. This requires vigilance and skill in identifying and managing situations before they become rescue operations.
Surveillance of the beach
From wherever you are positioned, whether in a lifeguard tower or walking along the water’s edge, you should be able to see the surface area of the water in your surveillance zone (or ‘section’) and as much as possible of the sea floor (conditions permitting). Remember: if you can’t see someone, you cannot save them.
In general, your surveillance priorities will be primary and secondary zones.
Primary zone
- Area 200m either side of the flags
- Between the flags
- Determined by patrol service agreements or equivalent
Secondary zone
- Beyond the surf zone
- Designated training area
- Other activity areas
Binoculars are a useful tool for monitoring people over distance, and should be available for water surveillance. The lifesaver should first visually scan an area—without binoculars, which limit peripheral vision—and then use binoculars to zoom in on potential problems.