Changes in swimming technique and physical performance after 8 weeks of lifeguard rescue training: an exploratory study

<i>Purpose</i>: Every lifeguard undergoes numerous tests that aim to check, among others, strength, speed, resistance etc., which is finally verified by a rescue action without equipment. The level of mastering elements of the swimming technique and swimming kinematics is a key element to succeed in swiftly reaching the drowning person which is limited by the time needed for drowning. The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to analyze the variations of swimming kinematics after 8-weeks of lifeguard training, and (ii) to analyze the relationships between changes in kinematic outcomes and swimming performance over 25 and 100 meters. <i>Methods</i>: Six lifeguard candidates (age: 21.0 ± 1.09 years old; three female and three male students) voluntarily participated in this study. The 4 × 25-m freestyle test and a 100-m freestyle tests were performed twice (before and after 8-week training period). The tests were video-recorded and the following kinematic variables were calculated: swimming velocity, stroke frequency, stroke length and stroke index. <i>Results</i>: No significant changes in kinematic variables were observed. However, a strong correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.83) occurred between the swimming velocity of the 4 × 25 m test and the finish velocity of the 100 m test. The stroke index of the 4 × 25 m test was strongly correlated with the swimming velocity of the 100 m test (<i>r</i> = 0.89). <i>Conclusions</i>: Although lifeguard training did not improve swimming kinematics, it is worthwhile using training methods to check the preparation level of a lifeguard to ensure that he/she is properly trained to help people drowning in water bodies.