Friday, November 11, 2016

Robot lifeguards heading to Dubai’s beaches

The robot, which is shaped like a boat and manoeuvred by remote control, can reach a speed of 35kph or approximately 12 times the speed of a human. Courtesy Dubai Municipality

Robot lifeguards heading to Dubai’s beaches

Dana Moukhallati

September 5, 2016 Updated: September 5, 2016 04:14 PM

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DUBAI // A 125cm-robot rescuer is the latest addition to Dubai Municipality’s safety system for the emirate’s beaches.

The robot, which is shaped like a boat and manoeuvred by remote control, can reach a speed of 35kph or approximately 12 times the speed of a human.

The goal behind launching this type of technology was to keep beachgoers safe, said Alya Al Harmoudi, director of the Environment Department at Dubai Municipality.

"The move is also in response to the Dubai government directives to keep up with the latest technologies and innovations," she said, adding: "It was to ensure that all the necessary requirements and precautions are in place to enhance the rescue operations on the public beaches of Dubai."

The device is fitted with an electric pump to facilitate movement and speed and travel up to a distance of 130km.

A Dubai Municipality source said the robot functions like a little speed boat, which a person in distress can hold on to to return to shore.

"It can travel really fast, faster than any human being can, and it can be controlled," he said.

The device, weighing 11 kilograms and operated by recycled batteries, can withstand high waves and heavy currents, according to a Dubai Municipality statement, which said it can pull four to five people at the same time.

Once fully charged - which takes 45-90 minutes - it can complete at least 30 rescue operations.

dmoukhallati@thenational.ae

Dubai Municipality launches robot lifeguard on public beaches

05/09/2016 01:26:01 PM

DUBAI, 5th September, 2016 (WAM) -- Dubai Municipality, DM, has, for the first time in the Middle East, launched a robot as a rescuer on public beaches for the security and safety of beach-goers in the emirate of Dubai.

Alya Al Harmoudi, Director of the Environment Department at DM, said, "The move is also in response to Dubai government directives to keep up with the latest technologies and innovations in this area as well as to ensure that all the necessary requirements and precautions are in place to enhance the rescue operations on the public beaches of Dubai."

The robot, which can reach a speed of 35 Kph, or approximately 12 times the speed of a human lifeguard, works by using remote control technology. It is 125 cm tall and can travel a distance of more than 130Kms. The robot can float freely as it weighs only 11 kg and can carry out up to 30 rescue operations without re-charging.

WAM/AAMIR/Moran

Virginia Beach lifeguard recounts rip current rescue, saves three family members

POSTED 12:54 PM, AUGUST 5, 2016, BY MERRIS BADCOCK, UPDATED AT 06:05PM, AUGUST 5, 2016

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Lifeguard Daniel Tobin says he’s no stranger to rescuing people from rip currents. But Thursday was Tobin’s first time rescuing someone from a rip current who was unconscious.

“I get about 50 yards from them, I realize it’s not just two people. There’s a third person. He’s facedown in the water, not moving. So now we have an unconscious and two active drowners out in the water,” Tobin told News 3.

Daniel Tobin (22, Virginia Beach) recounts rescuing a family of 3 from a rip current on Thursday.

Tobin got an EMS call just after 12:00 pm on Thursday for some swimmers who had gotten caught in a rip current.

Red flags warning swimmers of rip current conditions have been posted on the beach since Wednesday.

Officials confirmed there were three victims: one adult male and two teenagers.

“It was a father and two sons,” Tobin told News 3.

Watch the live interview here, or scroll down to read more of the story.

Even though the family was not swimming near lifeguard stands, Tobin told News 3 he and another lifeguard were able to dive in the water after them within a minute of getting the 911 call. Screen Shot 2016-08-05 at 12.25.33 PM

“[We jumped in] with a rescue can – a buoy, and fins. That’s the only equipment we have out here on the beach. It’s what we use,” Tobin said.

Tobin and another lifeguard were able to pull the unconscious teenager to the shoreline.

“[We] leave the two swimmers,” he said. “We have to come back for them. They’re swimming still. They’re still alive. We give them the flotation device, and they can still stay up.”

Tobin went back for the other two swimmers, and also brought them to safety.

Officials told News 3 all were transported to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, two with serious injuries.

“We encourage people to come out to the beach and have fun. We also want you to stay safe though, so we put the red flags up,” Tobin told News 3.

Red flags mean swimmers need to stay knee-to-waist deep, and swim near a lifeguard.

“Just be aware of where you’re at. Don’t try to test your limits. If you’re not a strong swimmer, come to the lifeguarded beach. That’s why we’re here.”

Lifeguard Raped, Abducted at Alexandria Pool: Police

Lifeguard Raped, Abducted at Alexandria Pool: Police
A woman working as a lifeguard at a pool in Alexandria, Virginia, was abducted and raped by a man Saturday afternoon, police said.

Alexandria police said the 24-year-old woman reported to police that at about 2 p.m., an unknown man approached her while she was at work at a pool in the 200 block of South Pickett Street.

The man took out a gun and raped her, police said. The victim called for help after the suspect fled.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid-30s, tall and thin with short hair and dark eyes. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, light-colored jeans and a blue baseball cap, police said.

"It's just horrific. I am shocked," said a resident who frequents the pool. "I've live here since 1998 and there's nothing like that has ever happened."

Anyone with information about the assault or the man is asked to call police at (703) 746-6613.

Source: Lifeguard Raped, Abducted at Alexandria Pool: Police | NBC4 Washington http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Lifeguard-Raped-Abducted-at-Alexandria-Pool-Police-392260861.html#ixzz4PhxZgEMS
Follow us: @nbcwashington on Twitter | NBCWashington on Facebook

Plum Island lifeguard, 20, rescues 14-year-old girl from drowning

By Dave Rogers STAFF WRITER

Jul 14, 2016

NEWBURYPORT - A local lifeguard is being heralded as a hero after saving a 14-year-old girl from drowning yesterday afternoon off Plum Island Point.

Around 2:30 p.m. yesterday, four out-of-town bathers were wading on a Merrimack River sandbar when the swift current dislodged them from their sandy perch and into the river. One of the four, the 14-year-old, became separated from the others and drifted away.

That was when lifeguard Matt Hayden, one of two lifeguards on duty near the sandbar, leapt into the water and rescued her.

The second lifeguard, Drew Brewer, kept the other three bathers together and brought them to safety, according to Newburyport Harbormaster Paul Hogg.

The 20-year-old Hayden said he was about 400 feet offshore in water about 12 feet deep when he grabbed the teen, who was exhausted and very close to drowning.

"The current was really strong so I had to keep her head above water," Hayden said.

Due to her near exhaustion, the victim could not hold onto Hayden's flotation device. That meant Hayden had to hold onto her while keeping both their heads above water until help arrived. Meanwhile, Hayden did his best to keep her focused and calm. A few minutes later, a harbor patrol boat arrived and personnel pulled them out of the water.

"I knew what I had to do so I just focused on what I had to do," Hayden said.

The harbormaster boat brought them over to a bait and tackle shop at Plum Island Point, where they were greeted by the victim's grateful stepfather.

"He gave me a handshake and a hug," Hayden said.

Hogg said boats were speeding towards Hayden and the others within moments after the call came through the radio. Local firefighters were also dispatched to the scene. They evaluated all four bathers and declared them OK.

"They did a fantastic job," Hogg said of his two lifeguards.

The incident happened shortly after low tide. The tide was rising and ocean waters were rushing into the river mouth, raising the water level and creating strong upriver currents.

Wednesday's incident took place at the same sandbar that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Lynn woman in 2010 when she and seven others were swept into the Merrimack River. Located in the mouth of the Merrimack between the Plum Island and Salisbury Beach, the sandbar extends out from the Plum Island side of the river into notoriously fast and dangerous currents.

Hayden said he conducted a similar rescue at the same spot last year. In that instance, a young man was in danger of being swept by the current when Hayden leapt in and rescued him.

"But he was in a lot better shape," Hayden said, adding that the victim was strong enough to hold on Hayden's flotation device allowing the lifeguard to swim them back to shore.

Despite the danger, the sandbar is a popular wading area for bathers. That reality plus the 2010 tragedy prompted Hogg to assign two lifeguards to the area this summer.

This summer marks fourth year Hayden has worked for Hogg on Plum Island beaches. The Newburyport native said he couldn't be happier working for the city and was glad he was able to be at the right place at the right time.

"I love the job. I'm definitely glad I work here," Hayden said.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Leisure boss slapped with six-figure fine for not having a lifeguard on duty when boy, 6, drowned in pool

Holiday park child death

Leisure boss slapped with six-figure fine for not having a lifeguard on duty when boy, 6, drowned in pool

Little Aidan Yule was dragged lifeless from the water and died in hospital

By JAMES COX

21st July 2016, 5:08 pm

A HOLIDAY park has been slapped with a six-figure fine for not having a lifeguard on duty when a six-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool.

Loch Earn Caravan Parks admitted health and safety breaches considered “a significant factor” in the death of little Aidan Yule who was dragged lifeless from a pool.

The tot, also known as Aidan Sands, was playing at the Red Lion Holiday Park in Arbroath, Angus, in 2011 when his head slipped under the water.
CCTV footage showed that he was submerged for 51 seconds before being found unconscious.
Aidan, from Dundee, his mother, and three siblings had been playing at the park three hours before tragedy struck.
He had been in the toddler pool with his brother but left to join his mum and sisters in the main pool
Aidan was holding onto a foam float, but lost grip of it and was submerged.
Other daytrippers tried to revive the boy with CPR and Aidan was rushed by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
He was pronounced dead four days later.
Loch Earn Caravan Parks Limited, which owns the Seafront Leisure Centre and the Red Lion Holiday Park, admitted contraventions of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 at Forfar Sheriff Court on today.
There were no lifeguards on duty and staff were not trained in CPR.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Can you spot the drowning swimmer? Incredible moment on-the-ball lifeguard rescues struggling child in wave machine pool full of people

A video showing a boy almost drowning has been posted on YouTube and highlights the dangers of unattended children even in a swimming pool packed full of people
Ten seconds into the video - believed to have been filmed in the U.S - a young boy loses control off his rubber ring due to the force of a passing wave and he topples helplessly into the water
Fortunately a quick-thinking lifeguard spots the commotion, blows her whistle and dives into the pool - within 10 seconds she has come to the boy's aid
According to water safety experts, almost half of children who drown die within 25 yards of a parent or other adult

By David Mccormack For Dailymail.com

Published: 02:59 GMT, 18 June 2015 | Updated: 11:40 GMT, 18 June 2015

A video showing a child almost drowning has been posted on YouTube and highlights the dangers of unattended children even in a swimming pool packed full of people.

About 10 seconds in to the video a young boy loses control off his rubber ring due to the force of a passing wave and he topples into the water. It is thought the footage was filmed in the U.S.

The boy immediately panics and can be seen struggling to get his head above the water.

Can you see which swimmer is in trouble in this image? Luckily the eagle-eyed lifeguard did... scroll down to the next photo for the answer

Fortunately a quick-thinking lifeguard spots the commotion and blows her whistle before diving in the pool.

Using her lightening quick reflexes she manages to swim to the boy's aid within 10 seconds.

She quickly lifts the boy so his head and shoulders are out of the water and then she pats him on the back to ensure his lungs are clear.

Once the young boy has composed himself the lifeguard starts to swim over towards the side of the pool with the boy clinging on to a flotation device.

The man filming the footage can be heard saying to a member of pool staff: 'That was real.. I mean that was way out.. have you stopped it yet?'

A video showing a child almost drowning has been posted on YouTube and highlights the dangers of unattended children even in a swimming pool packed full of people

About 10 seconds in to the footage a young boy loses control off his rubber ring due to the force of a passing wave and he topples into the water. It is thought the footage was filmed in the U.S.

Fortunately a quick-thinking lifeguard spots the commotion and blows her whistle before diving in the pool

‘Awesome response time guys!,’ posted one commenter.

According to water safety experts, almost half of children who drown die with 25 yards of a parent or other adult.

The video shows just how difficult it can be to spot a small child struggling in the water - even when surrounded by other people - because there is often little splashing or action.

Using her lightening quick reflexes the quick-thinking lifeguard manages to swim to the boy's aid within 10 seconds and rescues him

She quickly lifts the boy so his head and shoulders are out of the water and then she pats him on the back to ensure his lungs are clear

Once the young boy has composed himself the lifeguard starts to swim over towards the side of the pool with the boy clinging on to a flotation device

The warning signs to look out for when someone is drowning are:

Head low in the water, mouth at water level
Head tilted back with mouth open
Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
Eyes closed
Hair over forehead or eyes
Not using legs - vertical
Hyperventilating or gasping
Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
Trying to roll over on the back
Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder

‘Awesome response time guys!’: According to water safety experts, almost half of children who drown die with 25 yards of a parent or other adult

Lifeguards Must Be Properly Alert to Actually Spot Troubled Swimmers

Posted by Jesse Guerra on June 08, 2011

All too often observers believe that being a good lifeguard only requires being certified in some form and being a good swimmer. However, it is often forgotten that if a lifeguard is not capable of noticing a swimmer who is drowning or distressed than the guard’s swimming ability is irrelevant. Unfortunately swimming pool accidents strike all the time across the area even when lifeguards are on duty.
A helpful article was posted last week by Mario Vittone on how lifeguards at public pools are often less effective than believed. It is explained how far too many managers, operators, and owners of public swimming pools have no lifeguard training themselves and are therefore unfamiliar with what proper pool safety and observation requires.
Most importantly, various actions should be taken by lifeguards so that they are actually mentally fresh and capable of spotting those in danger and in need of rescue. Far too many lifeguards miss drowning swimmers because, as many visual experts suggest, the mind can only scan and concentrate accurately for certain periods of time before needing a break. In fact, studies indicate that it is literally impossible for a lifeguard to scan a pool effectively for more than 30 minutes at a time before needing a 5 to 10 minute “reset.”
This is how a lifeguard who has not been relieved for an hour or two is capable of staring directly at a distressed swimmer without attempting a rescue. Many a swimming pool drowning has occurred in just this manner.
Many experts suggest that it is impossible for a single lifeguard to be effective at a pool for a considerable length of time. Those advocates state that it is imperative that there are at least two employees watching the pool—either two guards or one guard and one other staff member to keep people out of the pool while the guard takes a break. Also, guards should be sure to move around, because staying in the same place decreases attention span.

Woman's Body Goes Unnoticed in Public Pool For Days After Swimming Accident

Posted by Jesse Guerra on June 30, 2011

A shocking story was reported throughout the country last night about a woman who suffered a swimming accident in a public pool and went unnoticed for three days.
Investigators revealed that the 36-year-old victim, Marie Joseph, was at the Veteran’s Memorial Swimming Pool in Fall River, Massachusetts while watching a 9-year old boy. The woman was using the waterslide at the facility when she unexpectedly landed on top of the child. The boy indicates the Ms. Joseph then went under the water and did not surface. The child claims that he told a lifeguard about this, but they ignored him.
Amazingly, it was not until three day later that the woman’s body was found. A few local residents had jumped the pool’s fence at 10 p.m. to swim at night while the pool was closed. Those individuals noticed the body floating in the pool and called the police.
The swimming pool had been open and was used by many visitors during the three days that the woman’s body is believed to be underwater. That means that neither lifeguards nor swimmers were able to spot the deceased victim at the body of the pool.
State officials were shocked to learn of the situation. In response, the entire lifeguarding staff was placed on temporary leave until further investigation could be conducted into the situation. In addition, each of the state’s 30 deepwater public pools were closed while safety procedures were reviewed.
The incident has startled many readers who cannot understand how such an accident could have occurred unnoticed. However, when unsafe conditions at one of these pools exist and when lifeguards and operators are not thorough in their duties, then a wide variety of shocking swimming pool accidents often strike. For example, lifeguards may not have noticed the distressed swimmer if the pool was too crowded or the water too murky. If the water slide was not placed in a proper location that allowed guards to properly observe the goings-on, then dangerous falls and collisions could happen without observers being aware.

Man Dies In Water Park Slide Drowning Accident

Posted by Jesse Guerra on July 11, 2011

Many consider water parks to be the epitome of a fun summer activity. Throughout the country families travel to these amusement parks to enjoy lazy rivers, wave pools, water slides, and more. However, as with all activities near the water, these attractions pose risks to those involved. It is incumbent that guests recognize those risks. Even more importantly, those who operate the water parks must do everything in their power to keep guests safe. That includes ensuring that lifeguards act properly to save swimmers who are in trouble.
water slide

The consequence of a water park accident was recently highlighted by a tragic incident at the Lake Lanier Islands resort last week. The Gainesville Times reported on the drowning of 21-year old Sergio Edwards who was on the park’s Fun Dunker water slide before being found unresponsive on the bottom of the slide’s base.
According to reports the man went down the waterslide but did not resurface. Between one and four minutes later another visitor notified lifeguards of his disappearance. Eventually he was found at the bottom of the slide. CPR was administered, but nothing could be done.
The slide in question was one of the more popular rides at the park. It involved an enclosed tube that emptied into a funnel-shaped bowl with riders eventually being dropped into a pool of water below. Investigators believe that the man may have hit his head on the ride—rendering him unconscious. He then drowned when lifeguards failed to notice him unresponsive in the water.
This accident is a reminder that the mere presence of lifeguards is inadequate if those guards are not alert and focused on the task at hand. It seems self-evident that lifeguards need to be paying attention at all times. Most guards are given zones of the pool to scan, and it is vital that they diligently monitor that zone. When lifeguards fail in this duty, the consequences can be deadly.
Many experts recommend that guards must maintain the “10/20 Rule.” This Rule reflects studies which indicate that a lifeguard has 10 seconds to recognize that a guest is in danger and 20 seconds to reach the guest and render aid. When all lifeguards understand the time-sensitive nature of their task then swimming danger is minimized.
Our swimming pool lawyer sends sincere condolences to the victim of this water park accident. We urge all amusement park guests to remain alert to the dangers present and to ensure that staff members of these facilities are providing a safe environment for their guests.
See Our Related Blog Posts:
Lifeguards Must Be Properly Alert to Actually Spot Troubled Swimmers
Child Drowns in Community Pool Surrounded By Fifty Other Children

Community Rallies Around Family Following Drowning Death At Country Club

Posted by Jesse Guerra on July 12, 2011

Swimming pool drowning deaths are devastating losses for the families involved. Usually these accidents involve young children, and when these innocent lives are taken in tragic circumstances entire communities are often affected.

That appears to be the case in the drowning death of a 6-year old boy named Keegan Adkins. Community members are rallying around the child’s who died after a swimming tragedy at the Woodhaven Country Club late last month. It is unclear exactly what led to the child becoming submerged underwater. However, the Courier Journal reported that Keegan was taken from the pool after those nearby noticed that he appeared to be submerged.
Emergency workers pulled the boy from the pool and performed CPR before he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors explained that his brain was likely deprived of oxygen for five minutes or longer, resulting in an anoxic brain injury. This type of brain damage is common in drowning and near-drowning cases. Keegan’s life support was removed the day after the drowning accident.
This case, like so many others, is a stark reminder of the challenge facing lifeguards who need to be extra diligent when watching crowded pools. As we have frequently mentioned, the fact that a lifeguard is near the pool does not provide any security to swimmers. To be effective the guard must be constantly active in scanning the water. This is a demanding task which mandates that guards should be properly rotated so that their eyes are fresh and capable of concentrating on those swimming in the area under their observation.
Besides be active and alert, all guards must also be properly trained so that they know how to respond when a swimmer is in distress. Far too often lifeguards are unsure how to provide the life-saving aid that a victim needs in a timely fashion.

Man Dies In Water Park Slide Drowning Accident

Posted by Jesse Guerra on July 11, 2011

Woman's Body Goes Unnoticed in Public Pool For Days After Swimming Accident

Posted by Jesse Guerra on June 30, 2011

Lifeguards Must Be Properly Alert to Actually Spot Troubled Swimmers

Posted by Jesse Guerra on June 08, 2011

Bizarre Drowning Death of Massachusetts Woman Is A Reminder that Lifeguards Alone Aren't Enough

Posted by Jesse Guerra on September 01, 2011

Blog readers are likely aware of the bizarre and disturbing accidental drowning death of a Massachusetts woman earlier this year. A recent article in the Taunton Daily Gazette discussed the tragic accident involving Marie Joseph and reminded readers of the pool safety lessons we should learn from it.
In June of this year a 36-year-old woman was found dead in pool. Many He residents are surprised when adults are killed in swimming pool accidents, but these types of accidents strike with surprising frequency. Adults drown in pools on an all too regular basis. What makes this particular case unique, however, are the circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body. Ms. Joseph was not noticed until two days after her death, when her body floated to the surface of the pool. This pool was not a small, private pool in a backyard. It was a pool run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and attended to by lifeguards. Despite all the lifeguards and other swimmers, the body went unobserved for two days in an area of the pool 12 feet deep. The murkiness of the water limited visibility to four feet which caused the body was not detected.
The pool in question has been closed since the body was discovered. It was scheduled to be closed for the rest of the season. Since the accident the local district attorney’s office has been investigating the woman’s death. A final report is expected to be released in September. Preliminarily, it appears that the death was an accident without intentional foul-play involved.
Intentionally or not, Jesse Guerra, our Texas swimming pool accident attorney believes that this death is a reminder that in order for lifeguards to be effective, they must pay attention and be able to see to the bottom of the pool. Otherwise, they simply give swimmers a false sense of security. If a lifeguard cannot see the bottom of the pool, the pool should close temporarily, until full visibility is restored. The need to see the entire pool is why many public pools close during moderate rain storms. When anything, including rain or cloudy water, prevents guards from seeing the bottom of the pool, they cannot do their job.
Similarly, lifeguards cannot do their job when they work long shifts without adequate breaks. Lifeguarding requires full attention and fatigued lifeguards cannot properly scan the pool looking potential problems properly. public pool accident

If you or a loved one is injured in a swimming pool accident it is important to contact an attorney who specializes in pool accidents. No one wants to be involved in a lawsuit after an accident, but speaking to a lawyer will help you preserve your rights. The negligence of the pool owners may entitle you to recover money to help pay for the costly medical bills that result from such events. A lawsuit has the added advantage of warning other pool owners to take adequate precautions, which hopefully will allow other swimmers avoid experiencing the same tragic events.

lifeguard news

Friday, November 11, 2016