Lifeguard Subculture

A subculture is a group of people that share specific beliefs, norms, symbols, and ideas within a culture (Benokraitis, 2016). Norms are the “specific rules of right and wrong behavior” (Benokraitis, 2016, pg.45 ), and symbols are “anything that stands for something else and has a particular meaning for people who share a culture” (Benokraitis, 2016, pg.40). There are multiple different subcultures throughout the world, one of those subcultures is being a lifeguard, and just like any other subculture it has its own special elements, such as norms and symbols. Lifeguards have many norms that must be followed to function correctly when on the job. Lifeguards get paid to watch people all day. If someone was staring at someone else for

The color red is used so that others can see a lifeguard coming from far away. This is important because if someone did not see a lifeguard coming they may not move out of the way and would hinder a rescue. That is why there is so much red at a pool. The bathing suits, the guard tubes, and hip packs are almost always red. Another symbol is the cross that is the symbol for both the American Red Cross (ARC) and lifeguards. Whether it be on a lifeguard 's t-shirt, or a certificate on a wall, the red cross is a symbol of hope, especially hope for being rescued and receiving medical attention. This has been the meaning behind the symbol of the ARC since it was first founded. Lifeguards wear the red cross to symbolize their commitment to help those in need, no matter how big or small the emergency is, if a lifeguard is there, they will do everything in their power to help the victim. There are also whistle blasts that are used, and each whistle blast means something specific. Every pool uses different whistle blasts to signify different things. For instance, to get a patron 's attention a lifeguard will blow one whistle blast. This is done when a patron breaks a rule and must be reminded of the pool 's protocol. Two short whistle blasts are used to get a different lifeguard 's attention in a non-urgent circumstance. Three short whistle blasts are used to get a different lifeguard 's attention in emergency situations. As a lifeguard, it is very important to know the whistle blasts and what each of them mean. These are just a few of the many symbols lifeguards use while on