When should a lifeguard use personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A lifeguard should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to injuries or bloodborne pathogen risks. This is crucial for their safety and the safety of others. PPE includes items such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gowns, which serve as barriers to prevent exposure to infectious materials while rendering aid. In emergency situations where there might be blood or other bodily fluids involved, using PPE minimizes the risk of contagion and protects both the rescuer and the injured party.

The other circumstances do not necessitate the use of PPE in the same way. While it's important to maintain hygiene during pool maintenance tasks, the potential exposure to harmful pathogens is significantly higher when dealing with injuries. During times when there are no swimmers, the need for PPE is generally absent since there are typically no immediate health risks to manage. Taking breaks allows lifeguards to recharge, and PPE is not required as they are not in a situation where exposure to pathogens is likely.