LIFEGUARD LIFELINE CARD

Do you rely on lifeguards to recall skill information via memory during high crisis times? I know…I did too.  

Would you perform better / feel more confident on an open book test or a closed book test? No brainer. 

There is no requirement anywhere that says lifeguards cannot use a reference guide and must act on memory alone. So why do we train this way?

Let’s move from empty memorization to understanding.  

Let’s reduce the stress.  

Let’s provide a reference point when we may not be there to personally provide guidance. 

Let’s build productive confidence.  

Let’s provide a back up in case they freeze during a real event, a completely normal response.  

Let’s spend our time on the things that matter.  

Let’s give them a lifeline in case they get confused.  

Let’s better support them by giving them access to a Lifeguard Lifeline Card…

Attaches easily to any lifeguard face mask (see photos at the top of this page!), which should always be on their person and is a quick color coded reference guide to the important care elements. When the face mask is pulled out, the card is right there as a guide. It can be easily removed it if gets in the way, but is visually in a spot to give them a quick check of confidence.  

As an operator, it is our responsibility to provide our guards with the tools and support they need to do their job effectively. Stressful situations can cause difficulty in recalling information. I’m sure you have all seen the face of a lifeguard worried about remembering next steps in training instead of really understanding what is going on and what the patient needs. We have seen these cards remove that stress from memorization and increase lifeguard confidence throughout the training process.  

We have also talked to many lifeguards post event where they admit to “freezing” or to forgetting an important detail despite their extensive training efforts.  

Features: 

• Plastic low profile card
• UV coated
• Easily attaches to face masks
• Can also be worn on a lanyard
• Visible colors to assist with where to start first
• Affordable
• Customizable to your unique lifeguard training protocols (fill in your # of breaths, etc.)
• Blank back - use this are to write reminders in sharpie (radio codes, service reminders, assigned tasks..)

How to use it: 

First, let’s acknowledge that this is a different way to approach learning these critical care steps that we all have done up to this point. If you have always been taught via the “memorize only” route without having anything to reference, it may be a little unnatural at first, because you aren’t trained to look for that lifeline if you need it. 

We recommend incorporating it into your initial lifeguard training (you will see the test out stress lower and more focus on the skill being done and less on the memorizing steps), or into your lifeguard inservice. Have experienced guards practice with the cards too! The transition takes some time, but we feel guards will be more confident and more effective in responding to real events.  

Verbally walk through the card and discuss the flow of how it is read and how the colors are easy identification markers. Review the key points and ask questions to they know where to start based on the patient’s specific situation.  

Teach guards to “double check” care during scenarios. This is a useful tool to build confidence. In real events, we commonly see lifeguards perform team CPR on a child at a 30:2 ratio. Training staff to “double check” their card for other guards provides a second layer to confirm our hands on care is correct and being performed as trained.  

Disclaimer:  

What this card won’t do: 

• Teach CPR for you
• Make a lifeguard that doesn’t understand, magically understand
• Actually provide effective care to a patient

While it won’t do those things it is an added layer of protection as a lifeline reference point for guards who are faced with a stressful or unusual situation.  It also helps build confidence and clarity! 

Interested? Want to order: 

Pack of 25 - $30*

Pack of 50 - $50*

*Plus $15 per complete order (includes shipping/handling and sales tax) 

We are limited to stock on hand - Don't wait! Save yourself time and money, we have done all the work for you! 

How to order: Click here to submit order and we will invoice for payment processing!  

Have a question?  Click the link above to visit the ordering page to submit a question!  

Enjoy!