The United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition
Researching, identifying and promoting evidence-based standards for lifeguarding and water rescue.
	The United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition is a collaborative effort of the American Red Cross, the United States Lifesaving Association and the YMCA of the USA, America’s nonprofit leaders in lifeguard standard-setting and members of the International Life Saving Federation. Our mission is to research, identify and promote evidence-based standards for lifeguarding and water rescue. In doing so, we draw on the considerable strengths of our own organizations and other respected nonprofits, while soliciting the input and advice of experts worldwide.
Purpose:	Many lifeguarding techniques, skills and protocols are historically based. The purpose of the United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition is to provide a scientific basis for lifeguarding and water rescue techniques, skills and protocols.
Process:	This process represents the most comprehensive review of the lifeguarding literature to date. The process fosters collaboration among the multiple disciplines with expertise that supports lifeguarding and aquatic rescue. These include not-for profit professional and technical organizations, scientific researchers and government agencies. The process will include key components and specific conflict management procedures. Meetings of the USLSC have taken place in Valhalla, New York (December 2006), Charlotte, North Carolina (June 2007), San Luis Obispo, California (December 2007), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (October 2008). During meetings held to date questions were identified; volunteers were recruited from participant organizations to research the questions, with two independent researchers per question; evidence was evaluated; and consensus was reached on what the researched evidence supported in answering the questions identified. The USLSC participants have been asked to review and comment on draft outcomes. The next step is a 45 day public comment period, with evidence and draft outcomes posted on this website. Once public comment is closed and appropriate modifications are made, final outcomes will be published. Please check this site often for more information about the public comment period.
Co-Chairs:	The American Red Cross, United States Lifesaving Association and the YMCA of the USA have each appointed a co-chair for the coalition and will provide additional individuals to support the effort. The co-chairs are: American Red Cross: Dr. David Markenson, M.D., Chair of the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid and Safety United States Lifesaving Association: Dr. Peter Wernicki, M.D. – Medical Advisor, United States Lifesaving Association and Member, International Life Saving Federation Medical Committee YMCA of the USA: Dr. Jerry DeMers, Ph.D., Chair, Kinesiology Department, California Polytechnic State University
Participants:	In an effort to assure a sound, unbiased and multi-disciplinary process which allows for open evaluation, critique and consensus, several levels of participation have been identified. If your organization wishes to attend the meetings, please refer to the levels of participation section of our website. If you are a member of the media and wish to participate, please email us at: info@lifeguardstandards.org.
Anticipated Outcome:	The anticipated outcome of this process is evidence-based standards for the most effective lifeguarding and water rescue skills. In addition for those areas in which the evidence is lacking, we intend to promote research through the identification of these gaps. The final guidelines and evidence review will be publicly available and distributed freely so that all may benefit from the process.
Media Inquiries:	Members of the media are invited to contact us at: info@lifeguardstandards.org.
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