RyanMost people have seen them at the pool or beach – the tall, red-and-white rescue boards that lifeguards use to help swimmers in trouble. But how much do you know about these lifesaving devices? It’s time to know everything you need to know about are rescue board. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be an expert on one of the most important tools in a lifeguard’s arsenal.
What is a Rescue Board?
A rescue board is a flotation device used by lifeguards to help swimmers in distress. Unlike a traditional life jacket, a rescue board is designed to be ridden by only one person at a time. Most rescue boards are made of foam and measure six feet in length – making them long enough to float two people if necessary. Rescue boards are an essential piece of safety equipment for any lifeguard, as they provide a quick and easy way to get swimmers out of danger.
How Do I Use a Rescue Board?
If you find yourself in need of a rescue board, the first thing you should do is signal for help. Lifeguards are trained to spot struggling swimmers, but it never hurts to ensure they know you need assistance. Once a lifeguard has spotted you, they will swim out to you with the rescue board. At that point, all you need to do is hold on tight and let the lifeguard do the rest!
Different Types of Rescue Boards
When most people think about rescue boards, they automatically envision the long, orange boards often used in lifeguard towers. However, these are just one type of rescue board. There are several types of rescue boards, each of which serves a specific purpose. Explore four different types of rescue boards so that you can have a better understanding of what’s available and what each type is used for.
1. Standard Rescue Boards
They are the long, orange boards often used in lifeguard towers. These boards are typically made from polyethylene and measure between six and eight feet in length. Standard rescue boards are mainly used for open-water rescues and are not ideal for breaking through heavy surf conditions.
2. Hybrid Rescue Boards
They are e a cross between standard rescue boards and bodyboards. They are usually made from polypropylene and measure between five and seven feet in length. They were designed for use in both open water and heavy surf conditions.
3. Boogie Boards
They are short, lightweight boards made from polystyrene foam covered with plastic or fiberglass reinforcement layers. Boogie boards typically measure between three and five feet in length. They are mainly used for body surfing and open-water rescues in calm water conditions.
4. Surf Mats
They are inflatable mats that measure between four and six feet in length. They are mainly used for body surfing and as flotation devices in calm water conditions.
Conclusion
Rescue boards are an essential part of any lifeguard’s arsenal – but they’re also great for anyone who enjoys spending time near the water. So whether you’re at the pool or beach this summer, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these lifesaving devices – you never know when you might need one!