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Lifeguard Signals

Signals can be very confusing at times. They also vary from team to team, and country to country. Find out what signals are in use where you live. Below are some of the more widely used signals.

Whistle Signals

1 Short Blast:
Get the attention of a swimmer.

2 Short Blasts:
Get the attention of a fellow lifeguard.

3 Short Blasts:
Signal to a fellow lifeguard that an emergency is taking place, action must be taken.

1 Long Blow:
Signal to swimmers that they must clear the pool or beach, because an emergency has happened which is significant enough for the lifeguards to clear the water.

General Signals on Land and in Water

Lifeguard signals both hands up danger Arms waving to and fro above the head:
Attract attention.
Lifeguard signals one arm up help me
One arm held vertically upwards:
Help me! Send help!
Lifeguard signals arms up message understood
Arm moves rapidly from straight up to straight down:
Message understood.


Water to Land Signals

Lifeguard signals both hands up danger
Both arms held vertically up:
Danger! Urgent assistance required.
Lifeguard signals both hands up danger
Lifeguard signals arms sideways all clear Both arms held sideways:
All clear, situation OK.


Land to Water Signals

Lifeguard signals one arm up help me
Arms held at 45 degrees below horizontal:
Investigate object in the water
Lifeguard signals one arm up help me
Both arms held horizontal:
Remain stationary
Lifeguard signals one arm up help me
One arm waving to and fro above head:
Message not clear, please repeat
Lifeguard signals one arm up help me
Both arms held vertically up:
Go further out.
Lifeguard signals one arm up help me
Arm horizontal to left or right:
Go in that direction

Lifeguard Signal Quiz

Can you tell what they want you to understand and how to respond?

Lifeguard signals both hands up danger
Remember casualty recognition?
Lifeguard signals both hands up danger
Lifeguard signals both hands up danger
Lifeguard signals both hands up danger
Lifeguard signals arms sideways all clear
Lifeguard signals arms sideways all clear


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