
The Science of Beach Lifeguarding - Edited by Mike Tipton, Adam Wooler
The World Health Organization’s recently published Global Report on Drowning found that drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide—making the information presented in this new book an important part of the global effort to reduce this health risk.
Written by leading researchers and academics from around the world, The Science of Beach Lifeguarding focuses on the scientific evidence that underpins what is taught to and practised by beach lifeguards. It is the first book to pull together all the different areas involved in beach lifeguarding and evaluate their evidence base.
An accessible and informative reference underpinned by the best current research, the book’s key themes cover the context of beach lifeguarding, the physical environment in which lifeguards work, medical aspects, practical lifeguarding techniques, physiological standards for lifeguards, safety education, and future developments in beach lifeguarding.
The book presents groundbreaking work quantifying the scientific rationale behind a universally accepted fitness standard. It supplies an in-depth examination of the risks and hazards associated with the beach environment, including rip currents and cold water immersion.
The book includes a state-of-the-art review of drowning and a comprehensive chapter on first aid. Detailing the recently announced 2015 European Resuscitation Council Guidelines, this book is a must-have for beach lifeguards, beach lifeguard managers, search and rescue personnel, paramedics, sports scientists, health and safety practitioners, and occupational health practitioners.
Table of Contents
HISTORY AND CONTEXT
History of Beach Lifeguarding
Chris Brewster
Lifeguard Effectiveness
Julie Gilchrist and Christine Branche
Data, Risk Analysis and Evaluation: Their Role in Advancing the Science of Beach Lifeguarding
Michael Wright
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Beach Types, Hazards and Risk Assessment
Andrew Short and Adam Weir
Science of the Rip Current Hazard
Robert Brander and Tim Scott
Cold Water Immersion
Mike Tipton
MEDICAL ASPECTS
Injuries and Risks While Lifeguarding
Peter Wernicki and Christy Northfield
Beach Lifeguard First Aid
Kevin Moran and Justin Sempsrott
Drowning
David Szpilman
Resuscitation Techniques for Lifeguards
Joost Bierens
PERFORMANCE
Recognition, Vigilance and Surveillance Techniques
Jenny Smith
Lifeguard Swimming Performance in Surf
Mike Tipton and Andrew Byatt
STANDARDS
Medical Standards for Beach Lifeguards
David Anton
Eyesight Standards for Beach Lifeguards
Polona Jaki and Mike Tipton
Occupational Fitness and Strength Standards for Beach Lifeguarding
Tara Reilly and Mike Tipton
SAFETY EDUCATION
Beach Safety Education: A Behavioural Change Approach
Michael Wright
Beach Safety Education
Kevin Moran
Establishing Beach Safety and Lifesaving Programmes in a Developing Country
Norman Farmer and Thomas Mecrow
FUTURE THOUGHTS
Emerging Technologies in Beach Lifeguarding
Ian Greatbatch and David Livingstone
Index