One of the most important features that a public swimming area must have is a lifeguard. Having one at a swimming pool or at the beach gives you the feeling that it is safer to go into the water because the lifeguard will keep an eye on you.
It takes a lot of preparations to be a capable lifeguard since you will be responsible for the safety of everyone in your assigned area. You have to be physically fit, a strong swimmer, well trained in water rescue operation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and highly knowledgeable in first aid. You also have to pass a series of examinations that will qualify you as a lifeguard. These tests include rigorous physical exams, particularly in swimming and rescue skills. Aside from passing these courses, you also need to have the ability to handle challenging situations with a calm and confident attitude, and you have to be a good observer.
Although lifeguards are commended for the lives that they save, their primary role is to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. That is why they are very adamant in implementing safety warnings and rules around the pool or beach area.
