Module 4, 4e, Exercise 2, page 37.0:00
Thank you for joining us.0:07
Tonight on the show, we have Ian Marshall, one of our local lifeguards, here to tell us a little bit about his job.0:09
Ian, thanks for coming.0:17
I'm sure that most of us have a very good idea about what a lifeguard does, but can you give us a few more details?0:19
Well, of course, as a lifeguard, I make sure that people are safe in and around the water.0:27
I patrol the beach, but other lifeguards are on duty at lakes and swimming pools.0:32
A lifeguard is a necessity on a busy beach because even strong swimmers can get into trouble.0:37
Okay, so how did you become a lifeguard, Ian?0:43
Well, actually, it was quite difficult.0:46
I had to take some courses including advanced first aid and beach management.0:48
And then I had to complete various different fitness and skills tests.0:52
Even now, I take different courses to improve my skills.0:56
This year, I'm hoping to take a course in powerboat driving.1:00
And what's a typical day like for you?1:03
Well, between October and March, I'm on patrol from 6 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon.1:05
I actually really like early mornings.1:12
Daily duties include rescuing when necessary, of course, checking all the equipment, and keeping swimmers aware of any dangers.1:14
Our main duty, though, is to observe the beach and the swimming area to make sure everyone is obeying the beach rules in order to prevent accidents and emergencies.1:22
There's a lot of paperwork to do too.1:30
This is probably my least favourite part of the job, but it's very important.1:33
You mentioned equipment.1:37
What kind of equipment do you use?1:39
Well, we have a boat for accidents out at sea, but we also use horns, loudspeakers, and even the simple whistle to get people's attention.1:41
In fact, the whistle is probably the most important piece of equipment I use because I have it with me all the time and it's very effective at getting people's attention.1:50
There's also a radio to get in touch with other lifeguards and the emergency services.1:58
It's not very high-tech, I know, although I recently heard about some research that scientists are doing.2:03
They want to electronically tag sharks so when they get near the shore we get an SMS warning on our mobile phones.2:09
While we're on the subject of sharks, just how dangerous are they to swimmers off the coast of Australia?2:17
Well, in the past 10 years, sharks have killed about 10 people and attacked about 10 others in Western Australia.2:23
But we shouldn't just focus on sharks.2:29
There are many other dangers, such as the box jellyfish, which is one of the most poisonous creatures in the sea, especially as it's almost invisible to swimmers.2:31
Actually, another important part of our training is looking out for dangerous creatures and giving first aid treatment if someone gets, for instance, a jellyfish sting.2:39
The first thing we do with a sting is to pour vinegar on it.2:48
We also try to educate swimmers about the risks.2:51
A little knowledge can save a lot of lives.2:54
Well, it's been fantastic having you on the show.2:58
Tune in next week, listeners, when we have a real-life storm chaser in the studio.3:01
Until then, good night and have a great week.3:06
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