Focus On Water Safety At The Y

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - June 16, 2015 - PRLog -- On Sunday, June 7^th 2015 the YMCA of Orange County held a county-wide lifeguarding class.

Over 75 lifeguards attended the class, representing the Mission Viejo Family YMCA, the Fullerton Family YMCA, the Yorba-Linda Family YMCA, the Newport-Mesa YMCA, and the Santa Ana Family YMCA. The focus was on preparing the aquatics team to commit to the highest standards for water safety. Training was led by Aquatics Directors, Coordinators, and Lifeguard Instructors.

Lifeguards were broken up into six groups.  We offered the following stations to prepare all lifeguards for the warmer weather and summer months.  Every action we take in or around a pool, or body of water impacts lives.

1.          Spinal management – shallow back boarding; how to handle a suspected neck/spinal injury

2.          Bloodborne pathogens management, incident reporting and HAZMAT usage

3.          Submerge victim rescue and 25 yard swim

4.          First Aid station – splinting, seizures, strokes, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, bee stings, and other accidents

5.          Scanning from guard tower – demonstrated entries stride and compact jump as well as approaches and escapes

6.          CPR and rescue breathing

Every action lifeguards take in or around a pool impacts lives.  The YMCA focuses on communication with peers and preventative guarding in order to stay alert and save lives.

The YMCA offers CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification as well as Lifeguard Certification at four Orange County locations. These classes are open to the public for ages 16+.  For more information and schedules visit www.ymcaoc.org/swim .