they are in deep or shallow water, and if they have a potential head, neck or spinal injury. Identifying types of swimmer While performing patron surveillance (usually from an elevated stand or a water-level standing or sitting position) lifeguards watch for and recognize struggling or drowning swimmers, and swimmers with sudden medical conditions such as a stroke, heart attack, asthma, diabetes, or seizures. Lifeguards look for swimmers in various categories and conditions: Passive drowning victims are inactive in the water, submerged or otherwise. When a lifeguard sees this kind of swimmer they perform an emergency rescue. Active drowning victims are taking in water while attempting to stay at the surface. Common signs lifeguards look for include looking for arms moving or flapping laterally (in an effort to press down on the water and leverage the head above the water's surface), not necessarily flailing, with the body vertical, no supporting kick, and no forwards progress. This behavior is known as the instinctive drowning response. Lifeguards perform an emergency rescue to assist this kind of swimmer as their behavior results from being incapable of more active efforts to survive. They may be less than 60 seconds from sinking underwater. Distressed swimmers are having trouble swimming, perhaps from fatigue, and may or may not be calling out for help. Lifeguards usually swim out and help these swimmers to the side. They may or may not require additional assistance. Normal swimmers (Healthy swimmers) are those who do not need any support and can swim on their own doing intermediate strokes (swimming standards). Locations Lifeguards can be found patrolling many different types of water, and each type has its own unique features, duties and challenges. Locations where lifeguards can be found include: Ocean beach – Lifeguards are commonly associated with beaches on the seashore, and this is often considered the most challenging environment to lifeguard due to the influence of external factors such as weather, currents, tides and waves. Life Guards have to be in peak physical condition in order to accommodate these conditions properly. Lifeguards are often required to complete additional training to be able to service ocean beach areas. Inland body of water (Waterfront) – Lifeguards can also look after open water areas such as rivers, or even lakes or ponds where swimmers may congregate. Swimming pool – Most large pools, either indoor or outdoor, are required by law to be patrolled by