LIFESAVING POSITION STATEMENT- LPS 08

Lifeguards are generally responsible for observation of a beach or recreational water area to anticipate problems and identify an emergency quickly, carry out rescues, give immediate first aid, communicate with swimmers and recreational water users, enforce regulations where appropriate, promote awareness of specific and general hazards and report incidents (WHO 2003). Setting an appropriate minimum age is critical to the safety of lifeguards, their co-workers, and the public they serve. Since 1980, the USLA has maintained the position that lifeguards serving natural environments, whether surf or non-surf beaches, should be at least 16 years of age. In 1980, the USLA co-sponsored a national conference, the final report of which became the Guidelines for Establishing Open-Water Recreational Beach Standards. This was a consensus-based process incorporating existing research and expertise. Participants included representatives of the American Camping Association, American Red Cros