Lifesaving Releases---How Effective?

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate how well lifesavers are able to remember and apply release techniques. Thirty lifesavers were filmed underwater while executing releases from front, rear, and wrist holds. Neither level of lifesaving qualification nor current lifeguard status nor date of lifesaving training, nor order in which the releases were executed systematically influenced performance. Lifesavers found the rear and wrist holds more difficult to break than the front head hold. Release techniques requiring several movements and accurate application of leverage principles to rotate the victim were poorly performed. Simple thrusting-type extension movements were more easily retained and better executed than the more complex releases.