Lifeguard seminars
SharkSchool together, with SAVN (Shark Accident Victim Network), offers the most in depth rescue methods for shark accident victims and shark-human interaction techniques available. All recommendations and rescue procedures mentioned have been tested among and with sharks. This seminar is a condensed form of the ‘ACT, RE-ACT & RESCUE’ workshop. The seminars cover all types of rescues with special emphasis on beach activities. Lifeguard seminars are specially tailored to the needs of the particular rescue groups and hence vary in duration (evening and full day seminars available). SharkSchool teaches this seminar within the entire US. Please contact our office for further information. Some of the topics and questions answered:
- How to read a situation, what to look for
- How to read a shark’s swim pattern
- How to approach a victim when a shark is close by
- Standard rescue procedures
- Wrongful instinct driven behavior of rescuers
- Former rescue missions analyzed
- Different location - different rescue
- Go for it or not: when decisions have to be made
!!! Rescue rules !!!
Reason: As long as the shark’s intention - or the general situation - is unclear, it could create an additional danger for a rescuer and / or the victim.
Recommendation: Always position yourself between the shark and the victim.
Reason: Such a position makes it easier to keep a shark away from the victim (FACE-GUIDE/PUSH-MOVE) should it approach again.
Recommendation: Don’t pull the victim away from the shark, push the shark off.
Reason: Pulling something away from a shark - even if unknown to the animal - in close vicinity may create a “chase & claim response” despite that sharks do not hunt down humans. Changing a situation between a human being and a shark may lead to a change in the animal’s motivation.
Recommendation: Don’t move the victim if the shark is not at least facing away.
Reason: To move something away from a shark that got its attention a short while ago, and may still be the reason for its presence may trigger a “chase & claim response.” Changing a situation between a human being and a shark may lead to a change in the animal’s motivation.
Recommendation: If a rescuer can’t get a person into / onto a safety device (boat, board...) on the first “sweep” before a shark could reach the victim again, a rescuer has to jump in and face the shark (FACE-GUIDE/PUSH-MOVE) before any rescue attempt can occur.
Reason: By “removing” the victim from the scene, a “chase & claim response” may be triggered in the animal, hence a rescuer has to secure the situation first before helping a victim. Changing a situation between a human being and a shark may lead to a change in the animal’s motivation.
For a complete of "Dos & Don'ts" click here!