What happens if an overweight person is about to drown in a pool?

Question

Are petite lifeguards trained to save them? What would happen to that person?

Answer 1

Yes, lifeguards are trained to save up to about 400 pounds or three children at the same time. At least via Red Cross and the YMCA. Most petite lifeguards however aren't able to do this very well, even after the fact that the victim weighs considerably less in water.

Answer 2

Lifeguard means guarding life no matter what size the life may be.  I would say yes, they are trained in any situation.  Kind of a "shallow" question.

Answer 3

First of all, the apparent weight of a person is a lot lighter in the pool. If you go to the pool, I m sure you will be able to lift your husband. Second of all, life saving is a skill you have to know how to apply. If you do not, then even the lightest person will cause you to drown.

I experienced trying to save someone's life., when I do not know how to, but the girl was struggling so I tried to grab her, but as I was trying to help her, I was drowning, obviously because I do not know how to apply the techniques properly.

With a struggle and being under the pool, I managed to make it to the edge. The girl was a little girl, so my struggle had nothing to do with weight .

For some reason, you are able to lift things in the pool that you cannot on the ground. [ I am sure it has to do with the forces.

Think of people sitting on other people's shoulders, easily accomplished in the pool but  will be a struggle on the ground.

Answer 4

Wow. I never thought of that. Good question!

Answer 5

I have been a Lifeguard and Lifeguard instructor for many years.  A qualified and skilled Lifeguard of any size and weight, using a proper floating rescue device, would have no problem getting any sized person to either the shallow end or to the side of a pool.  They may require assistance to remove a person from the water once at poolside, however they are trained to do that as well.  A good Pool Supervisor will have their Lifeguard Staff practice the necessary skills several times during the course of a season in order to keep these skills sharp.