Lifeguards for South Walton?

[Kurt]

In my Red Cross training many years ago it was taught that approaching a drowning victim without a flotation device is very risky. A panicked victim can take you both down.

It was taught that if you didn't have a float, incapacitate the victim if they are panicky so they can't cling to you and pin your arms. Even if this meant keeping your distance until the victim goes unconscious.

 

[beachmouse]

Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers

The surfers do a lot of rescues in the summers to the point that there's a specific exemption in the Okaloosa County ordinance banning swimming during double red flag conditions that says they're allowed in the Gulf (everyone else can get ticketed) as long as they're leashed to their boards.

 

[lenzoe]

Last time we were there was early April. There were several red flag days in a row. The surf was fairly rough, there were a bunch of people in the water, and I had my kayak out 'cause I thought I might actually be able to help someone.

The kids wanted to go to the pool, though. When we got back a paramedic crew was right in front of our place working on a boogie-boarder that had been floating face-down (close to shore) but still strapped to his boogie board. A couple of other folks noticed and pulled him to shore. I heard he was okay.

So I missed my chance to play rescue dude.

 

[lenzoe]

It was taught that if you didn't have a float, incapacitate the victim if they are panicky so they can't cling to you and pin your arms. Even if this meant keeping your distance until the victim goes unconscious.

Yeah. My instructor said to slug them.

I have about as much floatation ability as a rock. Long time ago one of my swimming instructors claimed anyone could float, but I proved her wrong. If I don't keep moving, I sink. I'm a good swimmer, but I would never go after someone else without floatation.

 

[chrisv]

Yeah. My instructor said to slug them.

Good to see that the Red Cross is consistent in their training- I was taught the same thing!

 

[RiverOtter]

I voted no. I'm tired of the man keepin me down. (or afloat )

 

[FoX]

I just don't think it's gonna happen.