American Lifeguard Announces First Rescue Paddle Boards
Ft. Lauderdale, FL - April 8, 2010 American Lifeguard LLC, a leading provider of lifeguard equipment and EMT medical supplies proudly announces their exclusive release of the rescue standup paddle board.
Stand up paddle boarding has exploded on the scene in the last year, becoming well known among surfers and outdoor recreationalists. But these powerful boards can be used for more than just recreation.
American Lifeguard sought to utilize the boards for a slightly different purpose, creating the first ever rescue standup paddle board for lifeguards and search and rescue teams. We want to position ourselves as a company thats always innovating for lifeguards and rescue teams. We know that by bringing new products into the market place we can better equip lifeguards and rescue personal to save more lives, said owner Jeff Traughber. Were pretty excited about that!
The rescue stand up paddle board, RESCUE SUP is a very stable, high buoyancy board that ranges in length from 12 feet up to 14 feet. In addition to its stability, the board also gives lifeguards an advantageous view from the water, making it easier to spot people and potentially dangerous situations. Lifeguards can also move much faster on the rescue paddle board than by swimming.
Were proud to be working with Tahoe SUP to be able to offer this equipment to lifeguarding organizations around the country. We want to lead by example and this is the first of many products were working on to help lifeguards and rescue teams save more lives.
RESCUE BOARDS:
Rescue boards are kept at main stations and on each emergency vehicle, and should always be used in conjunction with a rescue tube or can . Because of a rescue board's speed and buoyancy, it is a fine rescue tool in certain situations, such as:
Long distance rescues.
Mass rescues.
Rescues or patrolling in heavy kelp beds.
Patrolling outside the surfline.
In considering the board's use, the lifeguard must calculate the length of time it will take to carry the board to the water and paddle to the victim, versus running and swimming to the victim. The lifeguard must also consider the size and shape of the surf and his own ability in deciding whether the board will be more effective and expedient.
It is inadvisable to use the rescue board on short rescues within the surfline, on rescues where it will have to be carried a long distance along the sand before entering the water, or on rescues where large surf may cause the rescue board to become a hazard to both the lifeguard and the victim.
When using the board for patrolling, or for safety in ocean swims, rechecks, events, etc. The boards on the emergency vehicles shall remain there unless needed for rescue work.
You can prevent injuries to yourself and others by placing the board in a position where it will not fall. On emergency vehicles, the board should be mounted with the fin pointing up, and the tail of the board over the rear of the vehicle.
MAKING THE RESCUE WITH THE RESCUEBOARD:
If the victim is conscious, assist them in getting onto the board, and have them lay prone in front of you. Instruct them to hold on tightly as you return to shore. If the victim is unconscious, you will probably need to dismount. Position the board between yourself and the victim, and use the board as leverage to slide the victim onto the board. Keep the nose of the rescue board headed toward shore and in a position perpendicular (90 degrees) to the incoming waves. If the board is not kept at a 90-degree angle to the waves, it will capsize the lifeguard and the victim.
Paddle the victim directly to shore if conditions permit. Upon reaching shore, steady the board by placing your legs over the rails and holding onto the victim's legs. Get off the board while maintaining control of both the board and the victim. If the victim is unconscious or exhausted, kneel down and slide your hands under the victim's armpits. Roll the victim off the board quickly to avoid injury from the loose board. Stand up and support the victim against your chest and move to a suitable location for assessment.
If the conditions will make it difficult to return the victim to shore on the board, let the board loose, downwind or downcurrent, so it does not interfere with the rescue. Return your victim to shore as you would in completing a standard swimming rescue.
RESCUE SUP:
We offer you and your customers an exhilarating and healthful way to tour your local waterways. Our most stable and durable Board, the Rubicon is made of Carbonlite 2000 and and solid EPS foam core to be practically indestructible. It is our most popular rental board. Not to mention the hard glossy non-fuzzing finish, easy repair, excellent UV resistance and lighter weight. The Rubicon is very first displacement hull SUP, it is equipped with everything you need for a day's paddle - an 8" dry hatch for your keys and phone, plenty of tie downs for a pack and a pdf and a bungee system for everything else. It has a really comfortable pad and carrying handle to ensure your adventure is stress-free, and front and rear tie downs for equipment. Check out our lake pack, which mounts easily and stores snorkel/scuba equipment.
