own) are to: Enforce rules to prevent problems/injuries Maintain concentrated observation of the duty area and its users in to anticipate problems (this will enable the lifeguard to intervene with one of the drowning prevention measures) and to identify an emergency quickly. Supervise the use of other equipment when allocated to that duty (such as water slides or any other activities taking place) Effect rescues and initiate other emergency action as necessary Give immediate first aid in the event of injury to a bather or other incident Communicate with bathers and other users to fulfill the above tasks Help clean areas around pool or beach to ensure the safety of patrons Lifeguards may have other secondary duties such as cleaning, filing paperwork, checking a swimming pool's chlorine and pH levels, or acting as a general information point. It is important that lifeguards never allow their secondary responsibilities to interfere with their primary responsibilities. Lifeguards may also be required to attend occasional in-service meetings to strengthen their lifeguarding skills. Training Every lifeguard has to undergo a certification course in order to be able to work as a lifeguard. Certain certification companies, such as the Red Cross or Ellis and Associates, are in charge of the certification process. Certification usually lasts for 1-2 years, but can last up to 5. Classes last 25-30 hours and will generally be held over a few days, with the hours per day varying depending on the number of days needed. At the end of the certification class, lifeguards are required to take a final exam, and will only receive a certificate if they pass the final exam. Lifeguards are then required to do additional training throughout the duration of their certification at the discretion of the facility they work for. Most skills taught in various lifeguard certification classes are similar or the same, but some skills may vary minorly based on the certification company. Additionally, different in-water skills will be taught depending on the facility certifying the lifeguard, i.e., shallow/deep water pools, water parks, beaches, etc. Training equipment required in certification classes include: Rescue tubes Backboards CPR mannequins Resuscitation masks Bag-valve masks Disposable gloves AED Trainer FIrst aid supplies Some of the various out-of-water skills taught are: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)A series of chest compressions and ventilations that try to circulate blood containing oxygen throughout the body to vital organs in an attempt to resuscitate a victim.