Lifeguard Training and Certification

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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, Bryan trains all members in Open Water Rescue Techniques. Simulated Training Drills are performed regularly, and we hold our members to high standards in emergency response. To ensure safety for your competition 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. We are insured and can provide 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

Palm Beach Post coverage of Martin and St. Lucie Counties   TCCoast talk.com

    Bryan Theiss: “I love saving people. It’s the best feeling.”
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Photo by Grayson Hoffman

Morning Session Junior Lifeguard Program lead instructor
Bryan Theiss gives directions for a swimming race.
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BEACH SAFETY

1.SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD

Find out where the lifeguard stands are located and always swim 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 very 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 in 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 your children's limitations. Please recognize your and their 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 striking in your vicinity. If you are at the beach, please get out of the water and off the beach ans seek the nearest shelter. It is recommended that you go inside a building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle, such as a car, with the windows shut (Lifesaving Resources Inc).

Swim with Gills Open Water Rescue Division can be found on the web using the following search terms: Ocean Rescue, Ocean Rescue training, lifeguard classes, lifeguard school, Open Water Rescue, Master Swim training, Swim races, swimming courses, open water courses, tri-athlete training, Triathlons, Lifeguard Competition, Stand-Up Paddleboard competitions, Summer Camp, lifeguard training, water safety instructions, swim teacher training, lifeguard certification, lifeguards, lifeguard, life-guarding, scuba diving preparation, pool parties, beach parties, swimming classes, aquatics, swimming lessons, swim classes, swimming lesson, Swim School, water aerobics, adaptive aquatics, movie nights, water workout routines

For more information about the United States Lifesaving Association and Water Safety Awareness please visit www.usla.org