The purpose of this master’s thesis was to determine the working conditions of lifeguards, the extent to which these conditions deviate from the standards set out in regulations, and to infer the actual safety levels at Slovenian swimming pools based on the obtained data. Our goals included investigating the primary duties of lifeguards, how they ensure active safety for swimmers, the additional tasks lifeguards undertake during their shifts, and whether these tasks allow them to maintain uninterrupted active safety at the pool. Additionally, we aimed to assess whether observation stations for lifeguards are set up according to regulations, how video surveillance is utilized at the facilities, and to what extent lifeguards are satisfied with the current training system.
We conducted the research using a non-standardized paper-based survey. Individual data points were subsequently transferred to Excel tables, encrypted, and analysed in the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Surveys were conducted before practical license renewal tests for lifeguards at the pool of the Faculty of Sport in Ljubljana, the Olympic Pool Žusterna in Koper, and through personal outreach to lifeguards at various Slovenian swimming facilities. Data collection took place between April 22nd and October 3rd 2023, with the participation of 70 lifeguards employed at swimming pools in Slovenia.
It was found that 59 % of lifeguards had already changed employers, primarily in search of better working conditions and higher pay. It was also revealed that some lifeguards exceed the permitted number of working hours during the summer months, which can negatively impact swimmer safety. Furthermore, lifeguards frequently perform additional tasks that may reduce their efficiency in monitoring. Specific inconsistencies were also identified regarding the placement of observation points, provision of radio or telephone communication, and the use of video surveillance. The frequent use of personal phones and computers during work was also found to pose a potential risk to swimmer safety. While lifeguards are generally satisfied with the training system, half of the respondents suggested changes to first aid training.
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