Evaluation of the Rescue Profession Requirements for Swimming Pools

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate rescue requirements that are needed for swimming pools in the Kingdom of Bahrain in terms of preparing and cultivating lifeguards' skills, factors that influence rescuers' work in terms of organization and available resources that are necessary to accomplish their duties. The study also aims to diagnose the areas of weaknesses and strength in order to achieve maximum benefits and reduce the damage to ensure the safety and enjoyment of swimming practitioners and avoid drowning accidents, as this is expected to have positive impact on supporting tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The sample of the study consisted of 58 lifeguards, 41 males and 17 females, who work as swimming pool lifeguards in public pools, hotels' pools and aqua parks in the kingdom of Bahrain. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, Alpha chrontach's coefficient factor, and Chi-square. The study findings revealed certain weaknesses in preparing and cultivating the lifeguards ' skills in addition to the few number of those who went through specialized training programms in rescuing first aid. The findings also revealed a decrease in the total weekly training hours (5-7 hours) given to those trainers. In addition, the findings indicate that the length of the working day represents the major challenge for the lifeguards to get enrolled in their training sessions and the low number of availability in the one shift due to working at the same time and also in having a specialized lifeguard in first aid. In terms of gender differences, the study findings indicate a difference between males and females in determining the availability of some rescuing equipment such as the control chair, robe, rescue stick, and rescue ring. On the other hand, no gender differences were registered between both genders regarding the shortage of some first aid equipment such as back display, wheelchair and oxygen set.