Academic literature on the topic 'Lifeguards'

Employee turnover is the loss of talent in the workforce. High employee turnover is expensive and disruptive. Young employees are more likely to leave one job for a better one and are often less attached to an organisation while they are completing their education. The aquatics industry has been described as being in a crisis, experiencing unprecedented levels of turnover amongst lifeguards. A first important step is to understand the reasons for turnover amongst lifeguards. This study utilised semi-structured interviews with aquatic and recreation centre managers (N = 16; 69% female) to explore their insights about lifeguard turnover. A deductive content analysis determined that lifeguards leave their current position for four main reasons: lifeguarding being a temporary position, a negative working environment, pursuing employment in a higher paying lifeguard position and location. Consequently, centre managers need to consider short and long-term strategies to retain lifeguards.

BackgroundLifeguards may face many life-threatening situations during their careers and may be at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Minimal evidence concerning critical incident management systems in lifeguard organisations exists.ObjectivesTo develop, implement and evaluate an operational system for critical incident management in lifeguard organisations.MethodsThis retrospective study included data on occupational injury reports from 2013 to 2022 in TrygFonden Surf Lifesaving Denmark. All active lifeguards were invited to evaluate the system and the individual steps using an online questionnaire with three questions rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Primary outcome was a change in the frequency of psychological injury reports after system implementation in 2020. The secondary outcome was the lifeguards’ satisfaction with the system.ResultsAfter implementation, the average annual number of psychological injury reports increased 6.5-fold from 2 (2013–2019) to 13 (2020–2022), without changes to the number of critical incidents attended by the lifeguards. Sixty-six (33.8%) active lifeguards answered the questionnaire and agreed that follow-up after critical incidents was very important (mean score 4.7/5). Satisfaction with steps 1–2 and 3 of critical incident management among involved lifeguards was high (mean score 4.4/5 and 4.6/5, respectively). The system included an operational workflow diagram and incident report template presented in this study.ConclusionsThe operational system for critical incident management may improve early recognition of symptoms for the prevention of PTSD. It may be used as a screening and decision tool for referral to a mental health professional.

Observers recorded visual scanning by four lifeguards at three indoor public swimming pools. Scanning increased as a positive function of the ratio of children to adult swimmers, i.e., scanning was greater when the ratio was high, suggesting that lifeguards became more concerned about the risks to children and the ability of nearby adult swimmers to monitor these children when the number of children significantly exceeded the number of adults. Absolute numbers of children, however, decreased number of scans, possibly because of greater number of incidents and rule violations requiring lifeguards' attention which competed with watching the pool. Lifeguards were more likely to scan a pool area when they were in elevated towers versus standing on the pool decks. Lifeguards' scanning declined later in the day, possibly due to fatigue or because of competing activities of pool maintenance.

Abstract. Rip currents and other surf hazards are an emerging public health issue globally. Lifeguards, warning flags, and signs are important, and to varying degrees they are effective strategies to minimize risk to beach users. In the United States and other jurisdictions around the world, lifeguards use coloured flags (green, yellow, and red) to indicate whether the danger posed by the surf and rip hazard is low, moderate, or high respectively. The choice of flag depends on the lifeguard(s) monitoring the changing surf conditions along the beach and over the course of the day using both regional surf forecasts and careful observation. There is a potential that the chosen flag is not consistent with the beach user perception of the risk, which may increase the potential for rescues or drownings. In this study, machine learning is used to determine the potential for error in the flags used at Pensacola Beach and the impact of that error on the number of rescues. Results of a decision tree analysis indicate that the colour flag chosen by the lifeguards was different from what the model predicted for 35 % of days between 2004 and 2008 (n=396/1125). Days when there is a difference between the predicted and posted flag colour represent only 17 % of all rescue days, but those days are associated with ∼60 % of all rescues between 2004 and 2008. Further analysis reveals that the largest number of rescue days and total number of rescues are associated with days where the flag deployed over-estimated the surf and hazard risk, such as a red or yellow flag flying when the model predicted a green flag would be more appropriate based on the wind and wave forcing alone. While it is possible that the lifeguards were overly cautious, it is argued that they most likely identified a rip forced by a transverse-bar and rip morphology common at the study site. Regardless, the results suggest that beach users may be discounting lifeguard warnings if the flag colour is not consistent with how they perceive the surf hazard or the regional forecast. Results suggest that machine learning techniques have the potential to support lifeguards and thereby reduce the number of rescues and drownings.

Abstract Lifeguards stationed opposite their swimzone on a beach in southwest France huddle around a diagram in the sand; the Head Lifeguard points to the sun then looks at the swimzone. What is going on here? Our paper examines two excerpts from this interaction to explore how lifeguards manage an instruction activity that arises in addition to the task of monitoring the swimzone. Building on frame analysis and multiactivity in social interaction, we focus on the role of gaze behavior in maintaining a sustained orientation to the swimzone as a distinct activity in this setting. Multimodal, sequential analyses of extracts from the video data show that orientation to the lifeguarding task is sustained primarily by body orientation and gaze patterns that routinely return to the swimzone. This is supported when sustained orientation away from the swimzone leads to the momentary suspension of the instruction activity and consequent re-organization of the interaction, illustrating the normative and visible nature of managing multiactivity. These gaze behaviors and interactive patterns constitute practices of professional vision among beach lifeguards.

Systematic observations were made of five lifeguards at indoor public swimming pools. Scanning by lifeguards was associated with lower incidences of rule violations by swimmers. Greater numbers of lifeguards patrolling the pool areas tended to reduce violations. Rules violations tended to be fewer when adult-to-child ratios were low, suggesting that monitoring by a parent or an adult may encourage rule compliance.

Coastal environments present dynamic challenges necessitating rapid and efficient responses during aquatic emergencies. Lifeguards, as pivotal links in the intervention chain, rely on various tools, with rescue time being paramount. The choice of fins, specifically long versus short ones, plays a critical role in optimizing lifeguard performance during rescues. This randomized cross-over study explores the impact of flipper size on ocean rescues, employing a sample of 14 lifeguards. Long fins (LFs) and short fins (SFs) were compared in terms of rescue time (RT) and physiological load (PL). Tests included ocean rescues without fins (R), with LF (R-LF), and with SF (R-SF). Variables recorded encompassed swim approach time, tow-in time, overall rescue time, perceived exertion rates (RPEs), and post-rescue lactate concentration. Long fins demonstrated superior performance in swim approach and tow-in times compared to both short fins and no fins (p < 0.001). Overall rescue time favored long fins significantly (p < 0.001), indicating their efficiency in practical ocean rescue scenarios. Physiologically, long fins induced lower perceived exertion in arms (p = 0.033) compared to short fins. Lactate concentrations post-rescue revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that long fins significantly improve lifeguard performance during ocean rescues, reducing rescue times and alleviating arm fatigue.

Drowning is a global health problem that can be addressed with multiple strategies including utilisation of lifeguards in recreational swim areas. However, few studies have described lifeguard prevention activities. We conducted a retrospective analysis using lifeguard activity data collected in real time with a Computer-Aided-Dispatch (CAD) system to characterise the nature of lifeguard primary and secondary drowning prevention at a popular ocean beach in California. Preventative actions constituted the majority (232 065/423 071; 54.8%) of lifeguard activities, while rescues represented 1.9%. Most preventative actions and rescues occurred during summer months, weekends and afternoons. Statistically significant geographical clusters of preventative actions were identified all over the beach, while rescue clusters were primarily restricted to two sites. Using the most reliable and valid collection system to date, these data show spatial and temporal patterns for ocean lifeguard provision of primary prevention as well as secondary drowning prevention (rescue).

Databases on ocean lifeguard injuries are scarce and it is likely that available injury data on lifeguards underestimates the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in this population. Currently, the prevalence of injuries in California ocean lifeguards is unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe musculoskeletal injuries present in California ocean lifeguards. This study additionally examined the distribution of injury according to several demographic categories. Of the lifeguards who took this survey, 61% stated they have sustained a work-related injury at some point in their career, and 1410 total injuries were reported. Age, years of experience, employment status, and swimming as a method of maintaining fitness for the job were significantly associated the occurrence of injury. Over half of the injuries reported were within the following lower body segments: thigh/knee, lower leg/ankle, and foot. The knee was the most common injury location requiring surgery. Proper identification and treatment of ocean lifeguard injuries should be a priority due to the high prevalence of injury and the unknown potential effects of these injuries on the individuals. If risk factors for injuries in lifeguards can be identified early on in their career, then interventions can be implemented, which may overall reduce future injury rates within this population.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer remains the most common diagnosed cancer in the United States. Sunscreen is the most common protective method for UV exposure. For the present study, Sun Exposure and Protection Habits Measurement Study (SEPH) survey data were analyzed to determine patterns of sunscreen application in lifeguards, parents, and children, how the amount of total body coverage differs across the three participant group and the variation in coverage with respect to selected demographic characteristics for each of the 3 participant groups. Results of the study showed that children had the highest percentage of total body coverage (M=86.7, 95% CI: 82.7, 90.6) among the three groups and parents had the least (M = 68.3, 95% CI: 65.2, 71.3). No differences in the total body area covered were noted for intervention or latitude. Further research efforts are needed to determine effective intervention strategies for parents and the need for overall body coverage.

Despite surf lifesavers being national icons of good health and good nutrition, surprisingly little factual information is known about the nutritional status of this unique aquatic fellowship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional intake and nutritional knowledge of three distinct groups of Australian surf lifesavers. Weighed food diaries are commonly used to assess the nutritional intake of athletes but this method has the disadvantage of a heavy respondent burden. Individuals being investigated must be literate and highly motivated to keep accurate records of food and drinks consumed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) offer an alternative assessment method to weighed food records as they are relatively quick and easy to complete and do not require a high level of literacy. A secondary purpose of this study was to compare seven-day weighed food diaries with a FFQ that had already been validated for use with an older mixed gender population. The nutrient intakes of 60 members of Surf Lifesaving Australia were measured. Nineteen, who were professional lifeguards completed a FFQ. Thirty lifesavers and 11 surf ironmen each completed the FFQ, a seven-day weighed food diary and a nutritional knowledge questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple choice questions. There were significant differences between the three groups in age and activity with ironmen being significantly younger (mean age 22.9yrs) and significantly more physically active (mean 134mins/day) than either lifesavers (mean age, 31.3yrs, mean activity 46min/day) or lifeguards (mean age 35.8yrs, mean activity 65min/day). There were no significant differences in these parameters between lifesavers and lifeguards. The seven-day food diary revealed significant differences in nutrient intake between lifesavers and ironmen. Lifesavers consumed 1 1,807kJ, 125g protein (1.6g/kg) and 327g carbohydrate (4.Og/kg) while ironmen consumed 14,69/kJ, 1519 protein (1.9g/kg) and 4629 carbohydrate (5.6g/kg). Lifesavers and ironmen exceeded the RDIs for all vitamins and minerals measured. The seven day food diary demonstrated significant differences between the lifesavers and ironmen in energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, alcohol, thiamin, niacin, calcium and iron. When the nutrient analysis data set for the FFQ was checked this method of dietary assessment was found to be unreliable as greater than 20 per cent of subjects were identified as being under-reporters. Lifesavers and ironmen both had good scores on the nutritional knowledge questionnaire and were able to identify groups of foods as being rich sources of fat, fibre, protein and iron. Ironmen were better able to answer questions specifically related to sport nutrition. All three groups meet the current recommendations for daily physical activity. Lifesavers and ironmen meet the current recommendations for, protein, fibre, vitamin and mineral intake and consume alcohol at levels within the current health guidelines. Ironmen have the highest carbohydrate intake which meets the current general health recommendations but consume less than the current special recommendations of sport nutritionists while lifesavers consume only 44% of energy as carbohydrate. These results suggest that while the both lifesavers and ironmen consume a relatively healthy diet only the surf ironmen could possibly be considered nutritional icons.

Despite surf lifesavers being national icons of good health and good nutrition, surprisingly little factual information is known about the nutritional status of this unique aquatic fellowship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional intake and nutritional knowledge of three distinct groups of Australian surf lifesavers. Weighed food diaries are commonly used to assess the nutritional intake of athletes but this method has the disadvantage of a heavy respondent burden. Individuals being investigated must be literate and highly motivated to keep accurate records of food and drinks consumed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) offer an alternative assessment method to weighed food records as they are relatively quick and easy to complete and do not require a high level of literacy. A secondary purpose of this study was to compare seven-day weighed food diaries with a FFQ that had already been validated for use with an older mixed gender population. The nutrient intakes of 60 members of Surf Lifesaving Australia were measured. Nineteen, who were professional lifeguards completed a FFQ. Thirty lifesavers and 11 surf ironmen each completed the FFQ, a seven-day weighed food diary and a nutritional knowledge questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple choice questions. There were significant differences between the three groups in age and activity with ironmen being significantly younger (mean age 22.9yrs) and significantly more physically active (mean 134mins/day) than either lifesavers (mean age, 31.3yrs, mean activity 46min/day) or lifeguards (mean age 35.8yrs, mean activity 65min/day). There were no significant differences in these parameters between lifesavers and lifeguards. The seven-day food diary revealed significant differences in nutrient intake between lifesavers and ironmen. Lifesavers consumed 1 1,807kJ, 125g protein (1.6g/kg) and 327g carbohydrate (4.Og/kg) while ironmen consumed 14,69/kJ, 1519 protein (1.9g/kg) and 4629 carbohydrate (5.6g/kg). Lifesavers and ironmen exceeded the RDIs for all vitamins and minerals measured. The seven day food diary demonstrated significant differences between the lifesavers and ironmen in energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, alcohol, thiamin, niacin, calcium and iron. When the nutrient analysis data set for the FFQ was checked this method of dietary assessment was found to be unreliable as greater than 20 per cent of subjects were identified as being under-reporters. Lifesavers and ironmen both had good scores on the nutritional knowledge questionnaire and were able to identify groups of foods as being rich sources of fat, fibre, protein and iron. Ironmen were better able to answer questions specifically related to sport nutrition. All three groups meet the current recommendations for daily physical activity. Lifesavers and ironmen meet the current recommendations for, protein, fibre, vitamin and mineral intake and consume alcohol at levels within the current health guidelines. Ironmen have the highest carbohydrate intake which meets the current general health recommendations but consume less than the current special recommendations of sport nutritionists while lifesavers consume only 44% of energy as carbohydrate. These results suggest that while the both lifesavers and ironmen consume a relatively healthy diet only the surf ironmen could possibly be considered nutritional icons.
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Rip currents present a severe hazard to water users worldwide, resulting in over 100 drownings and thousands of lifeguard rescues annually. This thesis examines the demographics of who is effected by rip currents in the UK, what activity they are undertaking, when and where incidents occur, how much the public know, what people have experienced, and how best to educate them. Analysis of 7909 rip current lifeguard rescues (16777 people) across the UK between 2006-2013 highlighted the most at risk group, and subsequent target audience for education, to be male teenagers aged between 13-17 years old (n=2906, 17%). Geographically, the highest incidents occurred on the beaches in the Southwest of England (n=6911, 87%). Incidents mostly occurred outside of lifeguard flagged areas (n=4302, 54%) and mainly involved those using bodyboards (n=5290, 52%). Through the analysis of 407 public beach-based rip current and beach safety questionnaires, it was established that beach users have a poor understanding of rip currents (n=263, 65%) but a good perception of the beach safety flags (n=389, 96%). People with greater knowledge were typically educated by a lifeguard, enter the sea more frequently or have been caught in rip currents themselves. The experiences of 553 people caught in rip currents were analysed using an online questionnaire. The gender split was 69% male (n= 382) to 31% female (n= 171), indicating that males are caught in rip currents more than females. Swimming directly to shore against the rip followed an initial panic (n=108, 34%) for most people caught in a rip. Swimming parallel to the beach was the most remembered, advised, utilised, and promoted safety message. Respondents advocated the use of lifeguards to disseminate rip current safety messages. A new and unique rip current education programme was developed from the synthesis of these results. A lifeguard delivered a pilot programme to 185 teenagers in three schools and two community groups in the Southwest of England. This interactive pilot consisted of exercises using videos, photographs, news reports, and a swimming machine. Levels of rip current knowledge were evaluated before and after, and at regular intervals, to assess knowledge retention. The short-term effects after 3 months were positive, showing statistically significant (p < 0.0005) improvements in mean knowledge levels. This thesis provides a new contribution to the expanding field of social and behavioural rip current research. The development of a unique rip current education programme presents an alternative method for increasing public awareness, and supports the worldwide prevention of rip current incidents and fatalities.

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This study aims to describe and analyze the work of professionals working in SAMU 192, located in the Midwest Region of Brazil, and its impact on the subjectivity of workers based on the categories of Work Psychodynamics. The research was performed within the qualitative perspective, descriptive case study modality and action research. The empirical procedure took place in three stages, the first of which was visits to the field of research, documentary analysis and constitution of demand. In the second, three collective clinical listening sessions were held with 14 workers (six physicians, three nurses, two ambulance drivers, three ambulance motorbikers) who provide advanced support service. The speeches were recorded and transcribed, the verbalizations were submitted to the clinical analysis of the work proposed by Dejours. The categories of analysis defined a priori were: work organization and subjective mobilization. To guarantee the validity of the collected material, we used the triangulation of data made by three researchers. In the third step, the data were validated with the participants of the research. The results indicate that the organization of the prescribed work of SAMU 192 adopts norms and procedures linked to the logic of productivity (greater number of services, for the lowest cost and time, within a quality standard), being disconnected from the needs, desires and expectations of the workers and real activities. There are aspects related to working conditions that hinder the development of work activities, such as: impairment of the full functionality of some mobile units due to lack of maintenance, which exposes teams and patients to possible accidents; the lack of materials and equipment required for the procedures; the number of vehicles and equipment available, which is insufficient to meet the population’s demand; the physical structure provided, which offers little comfort to the work group rest time. The management of labor in the SAMU 192, in turn, also contributes to the intrapsychic conflicts of the workers, especially when: it hires an unprepared worker to perform as a lifeguard; it allows disorganizes employees at work; it does not involve workers in decision-making and change processes; it ceases to invest in effective communication; it does not establish the collective space for discussion. It is noteworthy that SAMU 192 public managers in Brazil have budgetary restrictions that make it difficult to guarantee quality care and to promote a healthy work environment for workers. The social relations of work between coworkers, peers and management are shown to be healthy. Workers feel satisfied with their activities, perceive the social usefulness of their own work, feel recognized for their dedication to work and for the results obtained (survival of the victim). The results indicate that workers experience pleasure and suffering at work and use strategies of individual (psychic) defenses, as well as individual and collective operative strategies to face suffering and get to work. Operative strategies, in many situations, avoid possible physical and / or verbal aggression. In addition, signs of mental and physical illness were identified in some participants. The adoption of the theoretical-methodological approach of Work Psychodynamics was adequate to investigate the work of these professionals. It is believed that this research contributes significantly to the advances in studies related to SAMU 192 in Brazil from the Work Psychodynamics.
Este estudo se propõe a descrever e analisar o trabalho dos profissionais que atuam no SAMU 192, instalado na Região Centro Oeste do Brasil, e seu impacto na subjetividade dos trabalhadores com base nas categorias da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. A pesquisa foi realizada dentro da perspectiva qualitativa, modalidade estudo de caso descritivo e pesquisa ação. O procedimento empírico ocorreu em três etapas, sendo que na primeira foram feitas visitas ao campo de pesquisa, análise documental e constituição da demanda. Na segunda, foram realizadas três sessões de escuta clínica coletiva com 14 trabalhadores (seis médicos, três enfermeiras, dois condutores socorristas de ambulância, três condutores socorristas de motolância) que fazem atendimento de suporte avançado. As falas foram gravadas e transcritas, as verbalizações foram submetidas à análise clínica do trabalho proposta por Dejours. As categorias de análise definidas a priori foram: organização do trabalho e mobilização subjetiva. Para garantir a validade do material coletado, recorreu-se à triangulação de dados feita por três pesquisadoras. Na terceira etapa, procedeu-se a validação dos dados com os participantes da pesquisa. Os resultados indicam que a organização do trabalho prescrita do SAMU 192 adota normas e procedimentos ligados à lógica da produtividade (maior número de atendimentos, pelo menor custo e tempo, dentro de um padrão de qualidade), estando desconectada das necessidades, desejos e expectativas dos trabalhadores e das atividades reais. Existem aspectos ligados às condições de trabalho que dificultam o desenvolvimento das atividades laborais, tais como: o comprometimento da funcionalidade plena de algumas unidades móveis por falta de manutenção, o que expõe equipes e pacientes a possíveis acidentes; a falta de materiais e equipamentos necessários aos procedimentos; o número de viaturas e equipes disponíveis, que se apresenta ser insuficiente para atender à demanda da população; a estrutura física disponibilizada, que oferece pouco conforto ao repouso dos grupos de trabalho. A gestão do trabalho no SAMU 192, por sua vez, também contribui para os conflitos intrapsíquicos dos trabalhadores, sobretudo, quando: contrata trabalhador despreparado para atuar na função de socorrista; permite trabalhadores desorganizados no trabalho; não envolve os trabalhadores nas tomadas de decisões e nos processos de mudanças; deixa de investir em comunicação eficaz; não institui o espaço coletivo de discussão. Ressalta-se que os gestores públicos do SAMU 192, no Brasil, possuem restrições orçamentárias que dificultam a garantia de um atendimento de qualidade e a promoção de um ambiente de trabalho saudável aos trabalhadores. As relações sociais de trabalho entre colegas, pares e direção mostram-se saudáveis. Os trabalhadores se sentem satisfeitos com as atividades realizadas, percebem a utilidade social do próprio trabalho, sentem se reconhecidos pela dedicação ao trabalho e pelos resultados obtidos (sobrevida da vítima). Os resultados sinalizam que os trabalhadores vivenciam prazer e sofrimento no trabalho e utilizam estratégias de defesas (psíquicas) individuais, e também estratégias operatórias individuais e coletivas para enfrentarem o sofrimento e conseguirem trabalhar. As estratégias operatórias, em muitas situações, evitam possíveis agressões físicas e/ou verbais. Além disso, identificou-se sinais de adoecimento mental e físico em alguns participantes. A adoção da abordagem teórico-metodológica da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho se mostrou adequada para investigar o trabalhar desses profissionais. Acredita-se que esta pesquisa contribui de forma significativa com os avanços nos estudos relacionados ao SAMU 192 no Brasil a partir da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho.

Aquesta tesi doctoral titulada Estils cognitius i programa psicofisiològic de respiració per a la regulació de l'ansietat aplicat en joves aspirants a socorristes aquàtics, aborda dos objectius generals: 1. Analitzar i avaluar la relació existent entre la Dependència de camp (DC) i Independència de Camp (IC) i nivells d'ansietat cognitiva, somàtica i autoconfiança en proves de selecció de joves aspirants a tècnics de socorrisme aquàtic a partir d'un programa de respiració. 2. Obtenir un perfil dels aspirants a tècnics de socorrisme aquàtic entre els anys 2010 i 2013. Amb la finalitat de respondre'ls la tesi aborda en la seva part teòrica el concepte d'estil cognitiu (DIC). La DIC es constitueix en una dimensió, en un dels pols de la qual se situarien els subjectes «Independents de camp» (lC), caracteritzats per la seva major aptitud reestructuradora, analítica, la seva autonomia enfront dels referents externs. En el pol oposat d'aquesta dimensió es troba el subjecte «Dependent de camp» (DC), amb una forma preferencial de processament d'informació de tipus holística. Es presenten recerques en l'esport sobre aquestes dimensions. El següent capítol tracta sobre l'ansietat en l'esport, es delimita el concepte d'ansietat i es presenten programes per gestionar l'ansietat competitiva: d'entrenament cognitiu, tècniques somàtiques i entrenament somato-cognitius. El capítol posterior aborda els fonaments i característiques dels programes específics de respiració, donant una visió sobre el procés respiratori en general, per finalitzar amb la presentació de programes psicofisiològics de respiració en esportistes, on es comenta la respiració completa, centrada i alterna. La part empírica comença amb un marc general de les proves de salvament i socorrisme aquàtic, considerant el rol, funció del socorrista, els programes de formació i les proves d'aptitud física a les quals han de sotmetre's. El marc metodològic presenta els objectius específics i les hipòtesis. La mostra va estar composta per joves aspirants a socorristes aquàtics de 6 cursos realitzats entre els anys 2010 i 2013 en les instal·lacions del Club Esportiu Mediterrani i supervisat per la Federació Catalana de Salvament i Socorrisme Acuàtic amb un total de 106 participants en els grups experimentals i 25 participants del grup control Els instruments utilitzats per al mesurament van ser GEFT: Forma col·lectiva del Test de Figures Emmascarades. (Witkin, Oltman, Raskin i Karp, 1987), Competitive State Anxiety Inventory_2 (CSAI-2) (Martens, R., Burton, D., Vealey, R. S., Bump, L. A. & Smith, D. I. ,1990) i una Escala Likert per a la Percepció de Risc confeccionada per a l'estudi. D'altra banda, els instruments d'intervenció van ser Programa Psicofisiològic de Respiració Conscient Aplicat a l'Esport (PPRC-AD) i el Programa de tècniques cognitives per a la gestió de l'ansietat (PTC). Per verificar les hipòtesis i els objectius d'aquest estudi realitzem una anàlisi de la variància de disseny factorial mixt amb una variable intra-subjectes sobre el pre- test i el post- test sobre els nivells d'ansietat cognitiva, somàtica i autoconfiança i dues variables inter- subjectes sobre el programa (amb grup control, grup experimental amb PPRC-.AD i grup experimental amb PTC) i la DIC. Els resultats suggereixen que els subjectes IC i DC aconsegueixen gestionar els nivells d'ansietat cognitiva, somàtica i augmentar l'autoconfiança utilitzant el PPRC-AD. No obstant això, la prova de contrastos no mostra diferències significatives entre un programa i un altre, però si enfront del grup control. Les línies futures de recerca es dirigeixen a la utilització del PPRC-AD en altres entorns esportius i a utilitzar un tipus de metodologia qualitativa per abordar els efectes de aquest programa.
Esta tesis doctoral titulada Estilos cognitivos y programa psicofisiológico de respiración para la regulación de la ansiedad aplicado en jóvenes aspirantes a socorristas acuáticos, aborda dos objetivos generales: 1. Analizar y evaluar la relación existente entre la Dependencia de campo (DC) e Independencia de Campo (IC) y niveles de ansiedad cognitiva, somática y autoconfianza en pruebas de selección de jóvenes aspirantes a técnicos de socorrismo acuático a partir de un programa de respiración. 2. Obtener un perfil de los aspirantes a técnicos de socorrismo acuático entre los años 2010 y 2013. Con el fin de responderlos la tesis aborda en su parte teórica el concepto de estilo cognitivo (DIC). La DIC se constituye en una dimensión, en uno de cuyos polos se situarían los sujetos «Independientes de campo» (lC), caracterizados por su mayor aptitud reestructuradora, analítica, su autonomía frente a los referentes externos. En el polo opuesto se encuentra el sujeto «Dependiente de campo» (DC), con una forma preferencial de procesamiento de información de tipo holística. Se presentan investigaciones en el deporte sobre estas dimensiones. El siguiente capítulo trata sobre la ansiedad en el deporte, se delimita el concepto de ansiedad y se presentan programas para gestionar la ansiedad competitiva: de entrenamiento cognitivo, técnicas somáticas y entrenamiento somato cognitivos. El capítulo posterior aborda los fundamentos y características de los programas específicos de respiración, dando una visión sobre el proceso respiratorio en general, para finalizar con la presentación de programas psicofisiológicos de respiración en deportistas, donde se comenta la respiración completa, centrada y alterna. La parte empírica comienza con un marco general de las pruebas de salvamento y socorrismo acuático, considerando el rol, función del socorrista, los programas de formación y las pruebas de aptitud física a las cuales deben someterse. El marco metodológico presenta los objetivos específicos y las hipótesis. La muestra estuvo compuesta por jóvenes aspirantes a socorristas acuáticos de 6 cursos realizados entre los años 2010 y 2013 en las instalaciones del Club Esportiu Mediterrani y supervisado por la Federació Catalana de Salvament i Socorrisme Acuàtic con un total de 106 participantes en los grupos experimentales y 25 participantes del grupo control Los instrumentos utilizados para la medición fueron GEFT: Forma colectiva del Test de Figuras Enmascaradas. (Witkin, Oltman, Raskin y Karp, 1987), Competitive State Anxiety Inventory_2 (CSAI-2) (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump, y Smith, 1990) y una Escala Likert para la Percepción de Riesgo confeccionada para el estudio. Por otro lado, los instrumentos de intervención fueron Programa Psicofisiológico de Respiración Consciente Aplicado al Deporte (PPRC-AD) y el Programa de técnicas cognitivas para la gestión de la ansiedad (PTC). Para verificar las hipótesis y los objetivos de este estudio realizamos un análisis de la varianza de diseño factorial mixto con una variable intra-sujetos que fue el pre- test y el post- test sobre los niveles de ansiedad cognitiva, somática y autoconfianza y dos variables inter- sujetos que fueron el programa (con grupo control, grupo experimental con PPRC-.AD y grupo experimental con PTC) y la DIC. Los resultados sugieren que los sujetos IC y DC consiguen gestionar los niveles de ansiedad cognitiva, somática y aumentar la autoconfianza utilizando el PPRC-AD. Sin embargo, la prueba de contrastes no muestra diferencias significativas entre un programa y otro, pero si frente al grupo control. Las líneas futuras de investigación se dirigen a la utilización del PPRC-AD en otros entornos deportivos y a utilizar un tipo de metodología cualitativa para abordar los efectos de este programa.
This doctoral thesis, titles Cognitives styles and psychophysiological breathing program for the regulation of anxiety applied to young lifeguard aspirants, addresses two main objectives: 1. Analyze and evaluate the relation between the Dependence field (DC) and Independence field (IC) and levels of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence, by screening young lifeguard aspirants on a breathing program. 2. Obtain a profile of lifeguard technicians aspirants between 2010 and 2013. In order to reply to the thesis deals, it approaches in its theoretical part the concept of cognitive style (DIC). DIC constitutes a dimension, one of the poles of the subjects 'Independent field' (IC), characterized by a greater restructuring aptitude, analytical, their autonomy from external referents. At the opposite pole of this dimension is the subject 'Dependent field' (DC), with a preferred form of holistic information processing type. Researchers on sport on these dimensions are presented. The next chapter deals with anxiety in sport, the concept of anxiety is defined and programs are presented to manage the competitive anxiety: cognitive training, somatic techniques an somative-cognitive training. The subsequent chapter discusses the fundamentals and characteristics of the specific breath programs, giving a view on the respiratory process in general, to end with the presentation of psychophysiological breathing programs in athletes, where the complete breathing, centered breathing and alternate breathing are discussed. The empirical part begins with a general framework of the tests for water rescue and first aid, considering the role, function of lifeguards, training programs and fitness tests that they must undergo. The methodological framework presents the specific objectives and hypothesis. The sample was composed of young lifeguard aspirants from 6 courses held between 2010 and 2013 in the Club Esportiu Mediterrani and supervised by the Catalan Federation of Rescue and life guards with a total of 106 participants in the experimental group and 25 the control. For measuring, the instrument used GEFT: Collective Form Embedded Figures Test. (Witkin, Oltman, Raskin and Karp, 1987), Competitive State Anxiety Inventory_2 (CSAI-2) (Martens, Burton, Vealey, Bump and Smith, 1990) and a Likert Scale Risk Perception for tailored for the study. The intervention instruments were Psychophysiological Conscious Breathing Program Applied to Sport (PPRC-AD) and Cognitive program for managing anxiety (PTC) techniques. To verify the assumptions and objectives of this study, we conducted an analysis of variance of mixed factorial design with an intra-subjets variable that was the pre-test and post-test on the levels of cognitive, somatic anxiety and self-confidence and two variables inbter-subjets that were the program (with control group, experimental group and experimental group with PPRC-.AD and PTC) and DIC. The results suggest that subjects DC and IC manage levels of cognitive, somatic anxiety and increase self-confidence using the PPRC-AD. However, contrasts test shows no significant difference between one program and another, but it does compared to the control group. Future lines of research are directed to the use of PPRC-AD in other sporting environments and use a type of qualitative methodology to address the effects of the program.

El neuroblastoma (NBL) es el tumor sólido más común en la infancia y representa un 10% de todas las muertes pediátricas por cáncer. Existen varios factores de riesgo que predicen el alcance de la enfermedad, tales como la edad en el momento del diagnóstico, el estadio, alteraciones cromosómicas y la amplificación del oncogén MYCN, que caracteriza el grupo de NBLs más agresivos con una probabilidad de supervivencia inferior al 30%. En general, los tumores MYCN amplificados desarrollan resistencia a todas las modalidades de tratamiento y muestran una alta capacidad metastática. Estas propiedades han sido atribuidas a alteraciones en la maquinaria apoptótica, ya sea por silenciamiento de componentes de la vía extrínseca (como caspasa-­‐8) o por sobreexpresión de reguladores anti-­‐apoptóticos (como BCL-­‐2, MCL-­‐1 o c-­‐ FLIP). Hasta hoy se sabe muy poco de la implicación de los receptores de muerte y sus antagonistas en NBL. En esta tesis se analizaron los niveles de expresión de varios antagonistas de receptores de muerte en múltiples bases de datos de NBL humano. Nuestro trabajo muestra que la expresión de Lifeguard (LFG/FAIM2/NMP35) se ve disminuida en los tumores más agresivos y que bajos niveles de LFG correlacionan con una peor supervivencia del paciente. Curiosamente, aunque LFG fue inicialmente caracterizada como una proteína anti-­‐ apoptótica, nosotros describimos una nueva asociación de esta proteína con la diferenciación del NBL. Asimismo, la represión de LFG resultó en una reducción de la adhesión celular, una mayor habilidad de formar de esferas y un aumento en la capacidad de migración de las células, confiriéndoles una mayor capacidad metastática que pudo ser confirmada en experimentos in vivo. Además, descubrimos que la expresión de LFG estaba directamente reprimida por MYCN a nivel transcripcional. Por tanto, nuestros datos respaldan una nueva función para una diana de MYCN antes desconocida y proporcionan una nueva conexión entre la sobreexpresión de MYCN y la mayor capacidad metastática del NBL.
Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common solid tumor in infants and accounts for 10% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Several risk factors predict NBL outcome, such as age at time of diagnosis, stage, chromosome alterations, and amplification of the oncogene MYCN, which characterizes the subset of the most aggressive neuroblastomas with an overall survival below 30%. MYCN-­‐amplified tumors develop resistance against all treatment modalities and show a high metastatic capacity. These properties have been linked to alterations in the apoptotic machinery, either by silencing components of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway (e.g. caspase-­‐8) or by overexpression of anti-­‐apoptotic regulators (e.g. BCL-­‐2, MCL-­‐1 or c-­‐FLIP). Very little is known on the implication of death receptors and their antagonists in NBL. In this thesis, the expression levels of several death receptor antagonists were analyzed in multiple human NBL data sets. We report that Lifeguard (LFG/FAIM2/NMP35) is downregulated in the most aggressive tumors and that low LFG levels correlate with poor patient survival. Intriguingly, although LFG has been initially characterized as an anti-­‐apoptotic protein, we have found a new association with NBL differentiation. Moreover, LFG repression resulted in reduced cell adhesion, increased sphere growth and enhanced migration, thus conferring a higher metastatic capacity to NBL cells that was confirmed in vivo. Furthermore, LFG expression was found to be directly repressed by MYCN at the transcriptional level. Our data, which support a new functional role for a hitherto undiscovered MYCN target, provide a new link between MYCN overexpression and increased NBL metastatic properties.

The Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) is arguably the most effective rescue tool used by the Australian surf lifesavers. The exceptional features of high mobility and rapid response have enabled it to become an icon on Australia's popular beaches. However, the IRB's extensive use within an environment that is as rugged as it is spectacular, has led it to become a danger to those who risk their lives to save others. Epidemiological research revealed lower limb injuries to be predominant, particularly the right leg. The common types of injuries were fractures and dislocations, as well as muscle or ligament strains and tears. The concern expressed by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) led to a biomechanical investigation into this unique and relatively unresearched field. The aim of the research was to identify the causes of injury and propose processes that may reduce the instances and severity of injury to surf lifesavers during IRB operation. Following a review of related research, a design analysis of the craft was undertaken as an introduction to the craft, its design and uses. The mechanical characteristics of the vessel were then evaluated and the accelerations applied to the crew in the IRB were established through field tests. The data were then combined and modelled in the 3-D mathematical modelling and simulation package, MADYMO. A tool was created to compare various scenarios of boat design and methods of operation to determine possible mechanisms to reduce injuries. The results of this study showed that under simulated wave loading the boats flex around a pivot point determined by the position of the hinge in the floorboard. It was also found that the accelerations experienced by the crew exhibited similar characteristics to road vehicle accidents. Staged simulations indicated the attributes of an optimum foam in terms of thickness and density. Likewise, modelling of the boat and crew produced simulations that predicted realistic crew response to tested variables. Unfortunately, the observed lack of adherence to the SLSA footstrap Standard has impeded successful epidemiological and modelling outcomes. If uniformity of boat setup can be assured then epidemiological studies will be able to highlight the influence of implementing changes to the boat design. In conclusion, the research provided a tool to successfully link the epidemiology and injury diagnosis to the mechanical engineering design through the use of biomechanics. This was a novel application of the mathematical modelling software MADYMO. Other craft can also be investigated in this manner to provide solutions to the problem identified and therefore reduce risk of injury for the operators.

La activación del Receptor de Muerte Fas, también llamado APO-1 o CD95, da lugar a la formación del Death Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC). Este complejo proteico contiene FADD y caspasa-8, entre otras proteínas, y causa el corte y activación de caspasa-8, que finalmente da lugar a la apoptosis. Existen dos vías de señalización diferenciadas en la apoptosis inducida por Fas. En las células tipo I, la activación de Fas da lugar a la formación de altos niveles de DISC, y los niveles de caspasa-8 son suficientes para cortar directamente la caspasa-3 ejecutora, que desencadena la apoptosis. En las células tipo II, los niveles de formación de DISC son más bajos y caspasa-3 no es cortada directamente por caspasa-8. En vez de ello, caspasa-8 corta la proteína BH3- only Bid, dando lugar a su forma truncada tBid, que transloca a la mitocondria e induce su permeabilización. Esto conlleva la salida de factores apoptogénicos de la mitocondria al citosol, como citocromo c, que da lugar a la activación de caspasa-3 a través del apoptosoma. Así, las células tipo II necesitan un paso de amplificación de la señal a través de la mitocondria. Los Antagonistas de los Receptores de Muerte son proteínas que son capaces de modular la actividad de los Receptores de Muerte. Entre ellos, Lifeguard (LFG), también llamado NMP35 o FAIM2, es un antagonista de Fas altamente expresado en el sistema nervioso. Esta proteína ha sido caracterizada como un inhibidor de la apoptosis inducida por Fas, y se ha comprobado su localización en los sitios postsinápticos y en las dendritas. Además, se ha comprobado que interacciona directamente con el receptor Fas en los rafts, e inhibe la actividad de las caspasas-8 y -3 tras la activación de Fas. Sin embargo, su mecanismo de acción aún no ha sido descrito. En este trabajo tratamos de arrojar algo de luz sobre este problema. Primero, resultados previos en nuestro laboratorio mostraron que LFG interacciona con varias proteínas del sistema ubiquitina. Confirmamos que LFG está ubiquitinado, y también mostramos que esta ubiquitinización no induce su degradación. Además, nuestros resultados sugieren que la ubiquitinización de LFG es no-canónica. Por otro lado, llevamos a cabo un extenso estudio para elucidar la localización subcelular de LFG. Demostramos que LFG localiza en las membranas del RE y del Golgi, y en menor medida, también en los endosomas. Dado que LFG es miembro de la familia de proteínas TMBIM, que son capaces de modular la actividad de las proteínas de la familia Bcl-2, investigamos su relación con ellas, y encontramos que interacciona con Bcl-xL y Bcl-2 a través de su región C-terminal. Además, demostramos que LFG solamente protege a las células tipo II de la muerte inducida por Fas, y esta protección es dependiente de la expresión endógena de Bcl-xL. Para finalizar, nuestros resultados revelan un paso no descrito hasta el momento en la vía de señalización de las células tipo II. La movilización de calcio del RE se ha comprobado que es relevante en la vía de señalización apoptótica inducida por Fas. Aquí, demostramos que LFG modula la salida de calcio del RE tras la estimulación de Fas, e inhibe la apoptosis inducida por Fas en células tipo II. Basándonos en estas observaciones, proponemos que LFG protege de la apoptosis inducida por Fas mediante la modulación de la salida de calcio del RE.
Activation of the Death Receptor Fas, also called APO-1 or CD95, leads to the formation of the Death Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC). This protein complex comprises FADD and caspase-8, among other proteins, and it causes the cleavage and activation of caspase-8, that ultimately leads to apoptosis. There are two differentiated pathways in the Fas induced apoptosis. In type I cells, high levels of DISC are formed upon Fas activation, and caspase-8 levels are sufficient to directly cleave the effector caspase-3, which will trigger apoptosis. In type II cells, DISC formation levels are lower and caspase-3 is not directly cleaved by caspase-8. Instead, caspase-8 cleaves the BH3-only protein Bid, generating its truncated form tBid, which translocates to the mitochondria and induce its permeabilization. This will result in release of apoptogenic factors from the mitochondria to the cytosol, such as cytochrome c, which will activate caspase-3 through the apoptosome. Thus, type II cells need a signal amplification step through the mitochondria. Death Receptor Antagonists are proteins that are able to modulate Death Receptor activity. Among them, Lifeguard (LFG), also called NMP35 or FAIM2, is a Fas antagonist highly expressed in the nervous system. This protein has been characterized as a Fas-induced apoptosis inhibitor, and it has been shown that localizes at postsynaptic sites and dendrites. Moreover, it has been reported to interact directly with Fas receptor in the lipid rafts and inhibit caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity upon Fas activation. However, its mechanism of action has remained elusive. In this work, we try to shed some light on this problem. First, previous results in our lab have shown that LFG interacts with several proteins from the ubiquitin system. We confirmed that LFG is ubiquitinated, and we also show that this ubiquitination does not induce its degradation. In addition, we present data that suggest that LFG ubiquitination is done in a non-canonycal way. On the other hand, we make an extensive study to elucidate LFG subcellular localization. We demonstrate that LFG localizes to ER and Golgi membranes, and to a lesser extent, to endosomes. Since LFG is member of the TMBIM family proteins, that are able to modulate Bcl-2 family activity, we investigated its relationship with them, and found that it interacts with Bcl-xL and Bcl-2, through its C-terminal region. Moreover, we prove that LFG protects only type II cells from Fasinduced apoptosis, and this protection is dependant on Bcl-xL endogenous expression. Finally, our results reveal a hitherto undescribed step in the signaling pathway in type II cells. Calcium mobilization from the ER has been shown to be relevant in Fas apoptotic signaling. We demonstrate that LFG modulates calcium release from the ER after Fas stimulation and inhibits Fasinduced apoptosis in type II cells. On the basis of our observations, we propose that LFG protects against Fas-induced apoptosis by modulating calcium release from the ER.

This chapter focuses on race relations, beach segregation, civil rights, and African American surfers in the South. It also covers the roles of lifeguards in protecting beachgoers and enforcing racial restrictions on southern beaches through the 1960s.

Many people today lack basic first aid knowledge and emergency preparedness. Official first aid training requires too large of a time commitment and lacks concision, causing many learners and lifeguards-in-training to be deincentivized. In order to combat this problem, we created a first aid simulative video game in which the player acts as a lifeguard and needs to carry out various procedures such as CPR and water rescue. We used Unity Game Engine, Visual Studio 20, C# programming, mixamo.com, and the Unity Asset Store to construct our game. A key challenge we underwent was animating the various models due to the complex nature of creating animations. Instead of making the animations ourselves, we used mixamo.com to download already-published animations to import into our own game. In order to enhance the user experience, we experimented with the camera speed and hitboxes in order to get all the details right. Ultimately, Lifeguard Simulator provides a concise, captivating, and enjoyable first aid learning experience that is not available elsewhere.