What are lifeguard signals?

Hand signals were developed by lifeguard organisations to enable effective communication between lifeguards where other communication devices were not available, most particularly when a lifeguard is performing a rescue without a radio communication device.

What does a raised fist mean lifeguard?

Raised clenched fist. You need help or are in need of assitance. Thumbs up. Indicates safe to resume.

Why do lifeguards whistle and point?

One Short Whistle Blast “Patron Alert” used to initiate attention and communicate a disciplinary / safety problem when noise level is high. Two Short Whistle Blasts “Guard Alert /Minor Emergency” is used to initiate staff attention, and for all situations when a lifeguard responds to a situation.

What is the signal for help in the water?

A floating man-overboard pole or dan buoy can be used to indicate that a person is in distress in the water and is ordinarily equipped with a yellow and red flag (international code of signals flag “O”) and a flashing lamp or strobe light.

What are the main hand signals used in surf lifesaving?

SLSA and International Life Saving Federation Hand Signals

• Attract attention.
• Remain stationary.
• Go to the right.
• Go to the left.
• Pick up swimmers.
• Return to shore.
• Proceed further out to sea.
• Pick up and adjust buoys.

What does it mean when a lifeguard waves and orange flag?

Current Condition Flags One or two red flags or a black flag means “high surf and no swimming,” while green means “calm waters.” Yellow signs report light surf or currents and advise caution. Orange flags may be triangular, in which case they indicate dangerous environmental air or water quality.

What does a red and yellow flag mean at the beach?

Red and yellow flags indicate the area patrolled by lifeguards. These are the safe areas to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables. Never swim or bodyboard in these areas. The red flag indicates danger. NEVER enter the water when the red flag is flying, under any circumstances.

What is the hand signal for help?

The signal is performed by holding one hand up with the thumb tucked into the palm, then folding the four other fingers down, symbolically trapping the thumb by the rest of the fingers.

Which signal is recognized as a distress signal?

The most important are: (1) visual signals, such as a flame, a red flare, an orange smoke signal, or a square flag displayed with a ball below; (2) sound signals, such as a gun or rocket fired at regular intervals, or a continuous sounding of a fog-signal apparatus; and (3) radio signals such as the Morse group SOS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HDFcgIPhBQ