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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
Arms waving to and fro above the head:Attract attention.
One arm held vertically upwards:
Help me! Send help!
Arm moves rapidly from straight up to straight down:
Message understood.
Water to Land Signals
Both arms held vertically up:
Danger! Urgent assistance required.
All clear, situation OK.
Land to Water Signals
Arms held at 45 degrees below horizontal:
Investigate object in the water
Both arms held horizontal:
Remain stationary
One arm waving to and fro above head:
Message not clear, please repeat
Both arms held vertically up:
Go further out.
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?
Remember casualty recognition?
