Need for lifeguards at Ramla l-Hamra

I agree with Charles Sammut (August 15), that a lifeguard service is needed at Ramla l-Hamra. A lifeguard is an emergency service worker who is responsible for overseeing the safety of the swimmers. This emergency service should be manned by qualified strong swimmers, trained and certified in water rescue, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and sometimes in the use of automated external defibrillator (AED), oxygen administration and specialised equipment for airway management or aquatic rescue such as inflatable rescue boats and scuba diving equipment.

It is harsh to say, but true, that there is no place for untrained voluntary persons trying to save swimmers because they will be endangering their own lives.

Another point everybody should keep in mind is that the sea at Ramla l-Hamra is known to be very rough and dangerous with undercurrents especially when it is blowing from the north and northwest or northeast directions at Force 5 or more. Signs should be posted to indicate the danger and warn swimmers that in these conditions it is dangerous to swim at all.

It is useless that the Civil Protection and hospital personnel are called to assist swimmers when an emergency crops up. Too much precious time is lost and it will be to no avail as the victim will be already dead. Drowning or near drowning is an emergency and in order to be able to save the victim, professional help should be available at hand ready with the necessary equipment. Needless lives will continue to be lost if we have to rely on the civil protection or ambulance staff.

A key part of any lifeguard's mission is the prevention of in-water (as well as on-land) incidents. Therefore, one of the most useful measures of the effectiveness of a lifeguard force is not the number or rapidity of rescues, or the skill with which they are executed, but the absence or reduction of drowning, accidents and other medical emergencies.

While the ability to save lives is of paramount importance to lifeguards, the ability to prevent life-threatening situations is nearly as important. Lifeguarding requires that one be constantly alert for any dangers to the patrons of the area under supervision. The primary duty of a lifeguard is the safety of the swimmers. This primary duty includes water surveillance and rule enforcement, as well as rescues and first aid when required.

Lifeguards are faced not only with incidents in the water but may also need to give first aid in other medical emergencies on the beach such as strokes, heart attacks, asthma, diabetes or seizures. The swimmers may also find themselves in difficulties because of one of these medical conditions while in the water.

Problems at the beach may occur at any time, so a lifeguard service must be complete and available all the time.