Don't lose your textbook, Chris Haggerty.
J. Hugh Sullivan (sullivan@NETAM.NET)
Tue, 30 Jan 1996 09:43:26 -0600
At 12:00 AM 1/30/96 -0600, Chris wrote:
>OSHA has found that more people were injured in training than ever needed
the >type of training you describe.
OSHA did not exist in the 40s; people did not get injured that way until
OSHA was created. 8-)
>Anyone doing lifeguarding should have proper equipment and
>training. What was found is that the above does not describe a realistc
>senario. In real situations this almost never happens.
About 10 years ago my son's fiancee fell off the raft while white water
rafting in Texas. When he noticed she was helpless - being banged from rock
to rock - he dived in and saved her. Fortunately for their new son, he did
not check with OSHA, or read the text book, or look for a telephone to call
someone with your knowledge and equipment - he merely did what was necessary
to save her. He is an Eagle Scout.
Last year while white water rafting in Wyoming my grandson fell into the
water; he doesn't have a son yet (only 13) but we, and his parents, are
pleased that someone, since you were not there, went in to help save him. He
is a Star Scout and, because of someone's quick thinking, he may become an
Eagle.
Two out of two may not be a "realistic scenario" to you or OSHA but it is to
me. And, BTW, no lawsuits are forthcoming - Bill's wife and our grandson
have agreed not to sue! 8-)
>The Red Cross has droped contact training (releases and holds, cross chest
>carry) because a trained lifeguard should never need to use these in a work
>environment.
Sounds like the only training one needs now is "row, throw, but NEVER, NEVER
go". The moral is don't go near the bathtub without your personal lifegaurd.
8-) I don't know your age but IMO, as you grow older, you will find that
life doesn't always go by the book. One should "Be Prepared" to meet those
eventualities ALSO.
Hugh
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
