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Open Water Rescue Division
Bryan Thiess, co-owner of Swim With Gills, leads our Open Water Rescue Division. As a United States Lifesaving Association Certified Training Officer, he trains all members in Open Water Rescue Techniques. Stimulated Training Drills are performed regularly, holding our members to high standard in emergency response. To ensure safety for your competitors, we will work with you to prepare a comprehensive action plan specific to your event. Our Team is CPR and First Aid and Safety certified, many EMT's and Personal Watercraft Certified Operators.
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Aquatic Rescue Response Team Triathlons, Ocean Swims, Stand-Up Paddleboard, Beach Parties, Summer Camps
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BEACH SAFETY
1.SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD
Find out where the lifeguard stands are located and always where there is a lifeguard. Statistics show that the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost 5 times greater than at a beach with lifeguards (United States Lifesaving Association).
2. NEVER SWIM ALONE
It is best to always enter the water with a "swim buddy". If one of you has a problem, the other can help or yell for assistance. At the least, have someone on shore watching you.
3. DON'T FIGHT THE RIP CURRENTS
The majority of water rescues performed by Ocean Rescue Lifeguards involve rip currents. To be safe at the ocean you must understand what a rip current is and how to take care of yourself if caught in one.
SURVIVING RIP CURRENTS- Rip currents are terrifying because they catch you off guard. One minute you are swimming peacefully, the next minute you are being pulled out to sea. The key to surviving a rip current is not to panic! A rip current is a narrow, powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the beach, our to the ocean. A rip current will pull you away from the shore. When caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, until you are out of the rip current. Then, swim in to shore. If you do not think you can swim back to the beach, don't panic- calmly tread water and/or float, then signal to the lifeguard and/or people on the beach for help.
4. DON'T FLOAT WHERE YOU CANNOT SWIM
Oftentimes non-swimmers go into deep water dependent on a floatation device. This is extremely dangerous.
If they fall off, or the raft deflates, they can quickly drown. Swim With Gills asks you please know your limitations and children's. Please recognize your swimming ability and respect the Ocean.
5. USE A LEASH ON YOUR BOARD
Leashes are attached to a surfboard or boogie board and then to the user's ankle or wrist. Using a lease is important because the user will not become separated from their floatation device and the lease reduces the chances of the board hitting and injuring bystanders.
6. IF THERE IS THUNDER AND/OR LIGHTNING- LEAVE THE BEACH
Lightning causes thunder, so anytime thunder can be heard, there is a danger of lightning. If you are at the beach, please get out of the water and take shelter. It is recommended to inside a building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle, such as a car, with the windows shut (Lifesaving Resources Inc).
For more information about the United States Lifesaving Association and Water Safety Awareness please visit www.usla.org