In this article from Fire Engineering, Mike Hudson shares his extensive experience with water rescue communication techniques, specifically focusing on effective communication methods lifeguards use in emergencies. Hudson stresses that, in high-stakes scenarios like rip currents, clear communication is essential to ensure coordinated rescue efforts. He describes traditional arm signals used by lifeguards globally, detailing four key signals: “All Clear,” “Assistance Needed,” “Resuscitation Case,” and “Missing Swimmer.” These arm signals, universally recognized across lifeguarding and emergency protocols, allow lifeguards to communicate without relying on electronic devices, which may fail in marine environments.
Hudson emphasizes the importance of simple, effective tools like whistles, which can transmit distress signals over long distances, especially when electronic communication is unreliable. He mentions that face-to-face communication is preferred but that arm signals can bridge the gap when rescuers are separated by distance or rough water conditions. The use of these signals, he notes, aligns with safety standards from the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), making them integral to standardized lifeguard training.
In discussing each signal’s application, Hudson highlights the significance of the “Resuscitation Case” signal, which indicates that the rescuer requires backup for an incapacitated victim. Once this signal is conveyed, shore-based personnel can prepare medical equipment and alert emergency services, expediting care upon the victim’s arrival onshore. Similarly, the “Missing Swimmer” signal signifies urgency, often combined with a prolonged whistle, and is critical when a victim has submerged.
Hudson stresses a simple protocol: “See a signal/return a signal,” which ensures that messages are both sent and confirmed, enhancing situational awareness and response speed in emergency settings. For anyone interested in hands-on practice, he invites water rescue technicians to his training courses, where they can master these techniques in live drills.
Throughout his article, Hudson conveys the vital role of efficient, low-tech communication in life-saving water rescues. His emphasis on time-tested, universal signals reflects his commitment to the safety and effectiveness of lifeguards facing challenging environments. This knowledge, backed by years of practical experience, reinforces the importance of streamlined, non-verbal communication in high-risk water rescue operations.