Sunglasses: lifeguard vision project; behind the ongoing program to test the vision of lifeguard candidates.

Consider the fact that 80% of all information we receive from our environment is visual in nature. Also, consider the fact that pre-employment visual testing is not a requirement for lifeguards. Finally, consider that the inherent responsibility of a lifeguard is to use visual cues to scan a crowded scene and recognize a person in distress. While a lifeguard must be a capable swimmer--tested and certified in many types of emergency rescue and resuscitation techniques--he or she is not required to see accurately. Attempting to address this issue, the staff of the Visual Fitness Institute(VFI) undertook a project to implement a vision testing program for lifeguards.

In 1995, at the request of the Aquatics Committee of the Park District Risk Management Association (PDRMA), this program was initiated with a three-part program instituted by VFI. PDRMA is a self-insured risk pool consisting of 118 public park and recreation agencies. The first step was the development of vision standards for lifeguards. The second step involved the development of procedures that would allow vision screening of large numbers of candidates in a relatively short period of time. The final step was to identify as many lifeguard candidates as possible with sub-par vision. All of this work had to be done while keeping the cost of the program to a minimum.

Vision Standards

A survey performed by VFI in 1995 found that vision standards or requirements for lifeguards were virtually non-existent. There were a few exceptions where municipalities addressed this issue by using the drivers license requirement as their vision standard. After considering many factors--such as essential job functions, risk and safety issues and the Americana with Disabilities Act, along with input from other professionals--the staff at VFI established a relatively easily attainable, yet effective, vision standard.

At the same time, but unaware of the VFI study, the state of California also undertook a study to determine the appropriate vision standards for their lifeguards. California considers their lifeguards as peace officers and park rangers, all of whom must carry weapons. After thorough investigation, they determined that their lifeguards needed good visual acuity without the use of contact lenses or glasses. They postulated that contact lenses or glasses might become dislodged or lost during a rescue or scuffle. The state will reject candidates with either poor vision in one eye, reduced peripheral vision, or severe color deficiency. The vision qualifications developed by VFI do not require as stringent a standard.

Vision Screenings-1995

With the agreement that any candidate who failed the screening could not be employed as a lifeguard until their vision had been corrected, seven facilities volunteered to be pilot sites in the VFI study. Ray-Ban Sunglass Company participated with an incentive program for the lifeguards. All candidates were tested on portable electric vision screening equipment. The facilities paid a small fee and results were published in the February 1996 issue of Parks & Recreation. The article prompted numerous inquiries and letters of support for the development of the program.

The results were not surprising. Subpar vision was found in one of 10 candidates and one in six who needed, but did not wear their prescription eyewear. It is Interesting to note that the national average for vision failure of school age children is one in five. An average lifeguard--in his/her late teens to early 20s--is still at the age when regular changes in vision are common.

Unfortunately, some problems were encountered. A number of candidates failed because they did not bring their corrective eyewear with them to the testing. The small window of time when lifeguard candidates are available (school break) and the opening of the aquatic facility was not long enough to provide testing at the facility. And lastly, the small fee paid by the facility was not sufficient to cover the VFI's program costs.

1996 Program

In 1996, PDRMA issued a recommendation to all their public agency members to participate in the screening. A new system was developed where four convenient regional sites were established. None of the these volunteer sites was located further than 45 minutes from any PDRMA facility. More convenient time slots were chosen based on the 1995 experience. Once more, Ray-Ban offered an incentive to candidates and a slightly higher fee was required.

Unfortunately, this year's program encountered more problems. Very few facilities sent their lifeguard candidates in for testing. While facilities felt a vision screening program was worthwhile, they disliked the regional site program and were reluctant to organize groups and implement travel arrangements. The sample was small, resulting in an average failure rate of one in 22. Some facilities had no failures while others had as many as five. There was a relatively high compliance rate for those that wore corrective eyewear.

Cost was another issue. One facility recruited their community health department to perform the testing at a reduced fee, while another recruited a volunteer doctor to do the screening. Unfortunately, there was no adherence to vision standards developed by VFI and no data was submitted for analysis.

1997 Program

In an effort to address the three major unsolved issues--convenience, economy and responsibility--an entirely different approach will be taken next year. A self-testing kit has been developed. The materials and instructions contained in the kit will allow the facility manager or designee to perform the vision testing at their facility, in an appropriate place and on their own time agenda. There will be an inexpensive yearly charge for the kit, scoring and phone support. PDRMA will again recommend that it's members participate in the project.

The kit will contain a 10-foot measuring device, vision forms, failure instructions for the candidates, and a trouble shooting phone number. It will also contain the GuardVision[TM] vision chart, which is part of the registration form. This chart, which will be placed 10 feet from the subject, consists of numerous vision lines of varying sizes with no indication of the pass or fail line. The facility examiner will circle the last complete line read. To avoid bias, the examiner will be unaware of the correct line for passing the test and will have no responsibility in decision making. The test screening sheets will then be placed in a provided priority mail envelope and be mailed to the Visual Fitness Institute for scoring. Results will be returned within 48 hours.

In the hopes of increasing compliance. negotiations are under way regarding the sunglass incentive program.

This new program should result in increased participation. It addresses the major concerns of the aquatic facilities: expense and convenience. The responsibility for interpreting the test results rest solely with professional eye care practitioners. The program includes an educational brochure which teaches lifeguards how to protect their most important asset. Its intent is to help lifeguards recognize and correct their vision problems in order to better protect children and adults while they are enjoying their aquatic experience.

For more information about the vision testing kit, send a self-addressed stamped business envelope to: The Visual Fitness Institute, 6 Phillip Road, Suite 1110, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061