Lifeguard rescue equipment varies by where you’re on duty. For example,

someone manning the lifeguard stand at the public pool will need different rescue equipment than those on duty at a beach. It’s important to keep a checklist of the essential items you need to lifeguard and ensure they’re near lifeguards at all times. Many young teens take jobs as lifeguards, so if you’re in charge of a group of young people working as lifeguards, go over rules with them regularly to ensure the public’s safety.

1. Two way radio. – For lifeguards working a at a lake or beach a two way radio is required. This ensures there’s contact to emergency rescue services if a lifeguard needs assistance. Depending on the lifeguard’s work experience, it may be required to call for emergency rescue services every time a lifeguard rescues someone. This puts trained medical personnel on the scene in case the victim needs assistance after he or she is rescued. Two way radios should be tested regularly to guarantee they work. Extra batteries should never be far behind the two way radio. A cell phone should also be with lifeguards, although sometimes two way radios pick up better signal than a phone if you’re in a rural area.

2. Rescue Tube – A rescue tube is essential for any lifeguard rescue equipment stash. The rescue tube is the tube you every lifeguard with. Many walk up and down the beach with them, just in case they were to need them. The rescue tube has shown to be one of the most effective pieces of lifeguard rescue equipment than lifeguards use. They should be on the checklist for any pool, lake or ocean. The  rescue tube  works in any body of water and aids a lifeguard as he or she is bringing the victim back to the surface.

3. CPR mask. – A CPR mask that does not require assembly should be essential for any lifeguard. This shaves seconds off getting the mask on the victim, which can be valuable when you are in an emergency. A CPR mask prevents the lifeguard from having direct contact with the victim, while appropriately distributing air into the victim’s mouth during CPR.

Lifeguard rescue equipment that is functional and helps a lifeguard approach an emergency with ease are the most effective pieces you can stock. All lifeguard should be trained on the job (in addition to holding lifeguard certification) with equipment.