How Lifeguards Can Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is one thing, but good hygiene as a lifeguard? Totally different story! Think of lifeguards as nurses of the ocean. They come into contact with all kinds of situations that could threaten their health or the health of everyone around them. Whether they’re resuscitating a drowning victim or working with the dirty hands of little kids, good hygiene is critical. We’ve got you covered — check out these five tips!
1. Wash your hands before work and every time you go to the bathroom.
A splash of water and one pump of soap isn’t enough to really clean your hands. When you’re on the job, a good and thorough cleaning of your hands is important. Start with warm water to kill the bacteria and open up your pores. Then, scrub your hands for at least 15-20 seconds with antibacterial soap. To finish it off, turn the handle over to the cold water and rinse for another 10 seconds. The CDC has a great how-to on their site.
2. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
This one seems obvious and especially with all that is going on in the world right now, it feels like a broken record. That being said, a lot of people forget how to do the “vampire cough,” to really cover your mouth and limit the amount of germs spread. If you’re coughing a lot on the job, be sure to bring a box of tissues with you.
3. Keep your equipment clean
If you’re using rescue tubes or a first aid kit (which you always should have with you!), make sure to clean your equipment regularly. Even if you haven’t used it in a while, it’s a good idea to give it a cleaning every week or every two weeks.
Seems simple enough, right? Now it’s time to put it to the test. You’ve got the skills and the knowledge!
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