POOL SEASON typically runs from May through the end of September. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) recorded over 26,000 water rescues in 2021 in the United States. But lifeguarding isn't only about saving people from drowning, it is also about being a good public servant to the masses of crowds that are excited to get out in the sun and hit the beaches and the pools. Young children full of energy, crowds fighting to get the best spots, and keeping an eye on unruly and unsafe behavior can be difficult and demanding at times. In fact, USLA has recorded almost 175,000 incidents across the US in 2021 needed medical aid attention near the pools, parks, and beaches.

Kemp USA carries a large variety of lifeguard items, from rescue gear to guard apparel to equip your teams. Doesn't matter if you are a lifeguard patrolling the busy beaches of Southern California or a lifeguard serving your local community pool - we have you covered! In this blog, we cover the items Kemp USA carries and recommends that will help you be successful at your job. 

LIFEGUARD ESSENTIALS

Every lifeguard professional needs to be personally outfitted and ready to go with these items:

GUARD Apparel 

Kemp USA carries low-profile caps and visors to keep your eyes and face shielded from the scorching sun. We also have GUARD tops such as T-shirts, Tanks, and Hooded Sweatshirts for the cold mornings

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Hip Packs

Kemp USA carries a variety of Hip Packs colors and styles. But this one clear hip pack with a mesh drain, in particular, we recommend because of its design. First, it is made of mold/mildew resistant PVC and second, it has a mesh drain bottom to allow water to drain out, but also air to circulate and keep your items dry. The hip pack comes filled with a Lifeguard Essentials Supply Pack (S2), which includes: (1) Kemp USA CPR Mask, (1) Foil Mylar Blanket, (1) Bengal 60 Whistle, (1) Break-a-way Safety Lanyard, (1) Pair Gloves. These hip packs are commonly called fanny packs.

Whistles & Lanyards

The Kemp USA Bengal 60 whistle is a great solid choice for a whistle. We can customize and it doesn't have an outrageous price tag. Break-away Lanyards are always preferred because they are the safest. God forbid something or someone snags the lanyard, it is designed to "break away" from the neck at about 5-6 lbs of pressure.

 

 

RESCUE EQUIPMENT

Now that we've got you all dressed and ready for action, let's move on to the lifesaving equipment. Kemp USA carries Ring Buoys, Rescue Tubes, and Rescue Cans.

 

 

 

 

Ring Buoys are US Coast Guard Approved and come in three different sizes. 20", 24" and 30". Code of Federal Regulations requires certain sized vessels to have certain sizes and even colors. You can read the details here. The 24" size is most commonly used. Kemp USA has the best in-stock availability and our shipping lead times are 48 hours from receipt of the order. Throw ropes are an essential item to the ring buoy. It attaches to the buoy so that it can be thrown. We have three different lengths available 30 ft, 60 ft, and 75ft. Our throw ropes come with a convenient ring buoy holder.

 

Rescue Tubes - American Red Cross prefers the 50" Rescue Tube, which is by far our most popular tube. We carry this tube in a few different colors and designs.  Be sure to pick up a Rescue Tube Cover - it will drastically promote the life of your tube. The 40" Rescue Tube is also good for smaller settings like pools and lakefronts. Kemp USA rescue tubes are made of high-quality closed-cell foam and have a triple-dipped vinyl coating and reinforced tabs at the end stress points. 

 

Rescue Cans are made of hard plastic, they are produced with thick cross-linked polyethylene walls. Rescue Cans are resilient and have been used for 100 years. Kemp USA carries a 28" and a 34". They are an important piece of equipment to have on-site. Either as primary or backup equipment.

 

EMERGENCY KITS

There are three very important kits that every public swimming area needs to have at a minimum; First Aid Kit, AED Emergency Kit, and Heat Stress Kit. Every public facility should have an AED.

 

 

First Aid Kits can vary in size depending on the site occupancy. Some states like New Jersey also set regulations on the quantity and the contents of the First Aid Kit. Kemp USA not only carries the First Aid Kit components so that you can build your own kit, but we can customize it and assemble your kit for you in-house (usually within 1-2 week lead time).

An AED should always have an AED Response Kit nearby. The response kit carries some important items response items like paramedic shears, cpr mask, and a prep razor.

 

The last kit we recommend is our Heat Stress First Aid Kit. With soaring summer temperatures it is important to have this kit on hand. The kit includes items like disposable thermometers, electrolyte tablets, powders, waterproof tape, and a mylar blanket for heat reflection.

 

PATIENT IMMOBILIZATION

Patient Immobilization Equipment is used to transport the patient from one location to another so the patient stays in the correct position during treatment. Our most popular item for patient immobilization is our 700 lbs proof AB Spineboard which is high-density foam-filled for excellent buoyancy. Use this board with one of our Head Immobilizers and Patient Straps.

 

 

Spineboards can be a little confusing with so many varieties out there. To keep it simple, the Kemp USA AB Spineboard will do the job just fine. If you want to get a ready-to-go kit, the EG Aquatic Spineboard has straps and head blocks attached. The EG Aquatic Spinebard has been a favorite this season among our customers.

 

Straps are used to restrain the patient while moving the patient to another location. These Kemp USA Orange Hook & Loop Straps are popular for their quick and ease of use. Some agencies require a more serious strap like our 10 PT Spider Straps. This economical, basic one-piece and two black straps will do the job as well.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

When a person who is in a non-emergency situation needs to be carried from one location to another location this premium Patient Carry Sheet by Kemp USA is a must-have. It rolls up easily and it doesn't take up much space for storing. It does well for evacuations from storms or disasters or moving people to a cooler location from the hot sun.

 

 

Keep your lifeguard squads safe from the hot sun with a Kemp USA Umbrella! We carry 2 specific LIFE GUARD umbrellas. This 6' Umbrella and this 5.5' Wind Umbrella are both popular choices.

 

 

Lastly, how do you get the attention of a swimmer who is 300 yards out? With one of Kemp USA's Megaphones or Signal Horn! These come in three different strengths and have durable rugged construction.

We hope this information has been a help to you! Kemp USA is a manufacturer and wholesaler for the EMS and Lifeguard industries. We do not sell to the general public. We have been in business for over 15 years. For more information please email us at [email protected] or visit our website: www.KempUSA.com

 

 

 

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