POLOKWANE – They visited the school on Wednesday 29 August.
He demonstrated the hand signals to use and those not to use at the beach. He told the learners that if a lifeguard waves his one arm, above his head when assisting a swimmer in the sea, this means the lifeguard in the water needs assistance from another lifeguard.. “This may be due to a swimmer panicking, multiple patients or an injury the lifeguard sustained in responding to the swimmer, backup by a rescue craft or other lifeguards are required immediately,” John explained.
The most serious signal is if a lifeguard arms raises both his arms above his head to form a cross. “This signals that a swimmer is missing and presumed submerged, other lifeguards on shore or the pool deck should immediately fix the position of the lifeguard and initiate an appropriate response,” he explained.
He taught and demonstrated to the learners more hand signals such as the “ok” sign with the thumb and index finger which means one is doing okay and the waving of hands showing that the swimmer is in danger or drowning. ”
He concluded the lesson by telling the learners to always be accompanied by an adult when going to the pool or beach. “An adult will keep an eye on you,” he concluded.
anne@nmgroup.co.za
