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LIFE SAVERS
Warning Signs
Use this chart to recognize high-risk swimmers.
By Paul McMinn | April 2009

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POTENTIALLY DISTRESSED SWIMMERS
  Boppers Floppers Hangers Breath Holders
Breathing Sporadic breaths, while mouth and nose out of water in between jumping Not breathing Normal Voluntary hyperventilation by taking fast, deep breaths to prepare for breath holding; simply holding breath
Arm & Leg Action Arms pushing water down; legs pushing off bottom of pool None Grasping edge of pool with no leg action Relatively coordinated or none
Body Position Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal or vertical
Locomotion Little or slow forward progress None Slow movement; dependent on ledge of pool Recognizable or none


MAIN ARTICLE
• Risk Takers
Some patrons represent bigger risks than others. Teach your lifeguards to recognize and educate these swimmers before they get into trouble.