Lifeguard certification - seeing underwater?

Question

I'm contemplating going for a Red Cross lifeguard training course but I have a few questions. My main question is about the part of the testing that's in the water. I have poor vision and wear contacts so I can't open my eyes under water unless the contacts are out and then I can hardly see a thing.

How big of a problem would this be? I think it would have the biggest impact on the dive to get a brick at the bottom of the pool but I don't really know. Thank in advance.

Answer 1

When I took the lifeguarding class we were not allowed to use goggles so I just opened my eyes underwater to see the brick...

if you cannot do this position yourself on top of the brick and go straight down with your eyes closed and feel for the brick



The only other part you might have problems with is when you have to do your swim...but you should be able to use goggles for that

Answer 2

Well for getting the brick i have used goggles and then i have done it with out them

but most of the time when we do like fully submerged rescues from the bottom i keep my eyes closed and feel for a shoulder ...haven't messed up really bad yet so i think you'll be ok

i dont know about red cross but for Ellis and Associates you have to pass a vision test...if thats going to be a problem

Answer 3

I was a certified public lifeguard for six years at the Waterpark level. It can be very exciting and nerve-recking at the same time. Yes, I have jumped out of tall towers, had back-board spinal rescues, as well as, boring days where I stare at an almost empty pool (and you will too). It also depends what sort of guard you are going to be. Obviously, an Ocean lifeguard can be very difficult at times due to clarity of water and patron population. The higher the difficulty, the more extensive training. My advice is listen to your instructor. Read the book and study grids of when to perform CPR vs rescue breathing on an adult, child or baby, etc. Most importantly, practice until perfect. When in time of an emergency your adrenaline is high, you don't have time to think about what to do.

Answer 4

ask if you can use goggles because you can't see underwater very well than just keep them with u all the time when you lifeguard.

Answer 5

They probably could get you some special goggles.