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Learning Design One

Lifeguard instructors regularly incorporate technology into their training practices. By aligning these practices with relevant safety and instructional standards, instructors can create meaningful assessments to better prepare lifeguards for real-world scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

  • Lifeguards will use technology to recognize and apply effective scanning patterns for surveillance of aquatic environments.

  • Lifeguards will use technology to demonstrate and communicate their understanding of scanning patterns with their peers.

Challenges

​Due to advancements in aquatic safety protocols, supervision strategies, and public awareness, it is increasingly rare for lifeguards to encounter real-life victims in an active struggle state, especially during scheduled trainings. While this reflects the success of preventive measures, it also presents a training challenge, as it limits opportunities to practice identifying early signs of distress and applying effective scanning techniques in realistic conditions. By incorporating simulation technology and video-based training tools, instructors can recreate these uncommon but critical scenarios. This ensures lifeguards develop the observational skills and scanning patterns necessary to detect subtle signs of distress before they escalate into emergencies.

Standards

ISTE Student Standard:

1.1.c Feedback to Improve Practice

Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.

Ellis and Associates ILTP Standard

10/20 Protection Standard

The 10/20 Protection™ standard helps lifeguards monitor their assigned Zone of Protection® area while remaining in an optimal position for a quick response to any incident. Those first 30 seconds that the guest is in distress, is when the lifeguard on duty can have the most impact. Diligently maintaining the 10/20 Protection™ standard saves lives!

Assessment Plan:
Scanning Patterns Using Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision App

  • Individual Practice with Simulation
    Using Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision App, lifeguards will individually complete a set of simulated surveillance scenarios. The focus will be on applying effective scanning patterns while maintaining compliance with the 10/20 Protection Standard, identifying a victim within 10 seconds, and being able to reach them within 20 seconds.

  • Group Analysis and Visual Presentation
    In small groups, lifeguards will review their performance metrics from the app (scan completeness, time to recognition, time to intervention). Using this data, each group will create an infographic or short explainer video that demonstrates:

    • What the 10/20 Protection Standard is

    • How proper scanning patterns help achieve it

    • Common scanning errors and how to avoid them

  • Rubric-Based Evaluation
    A detailed rubric will be provided outlining expectations for:

    • Accuracy and consistency of scanning

    • Application of the 10/20 Protection Standard

    • Depth of group analysis

    • Clarity and creativity of the final presentation

    The rubric will be used for instructor grading and optional peer feedback.

The Activity

  • Complete Scanning Simulations
    Using Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision App, lifeguards will complete a variety of surveillance simulations representing different pool or waterfront environments. Focus on executing effective scanning patterns and consistently applying the 10/20 Protection Standard.

  • Evaluate Scanning Performance
    After each scenario, review key metrics:

    • Time to victim recognition

    • Response time

    • Missed victims or distractions
      Reflect on what scanning techniques worked well and where improvements are needed.

  • Design a Lifeguard Scanning Drill
    Working in small groups, lifeguards will design a practical, in-person scanning drill that can be used to train others on:

    • The 10/20 Protection Standard

    • Effective scanning techniques (systematic movement, minimizing blind spots)

    • Identifying subtle signs of distress
      Each drill should include setup instructions, objectives, roles (victim, observer, lifeguard), and a method for evaluating success.

  • Demonstrate and Teach the Drill
    Each group will present and run their scanning drill with classmates, allowing peers to participate and provide feedback. Groups should explain how their drill reinforces critical scanning skills and meets the expectations of real-world lifeguard surveillance.

Learning Activity Media Explaination

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