Evaluation of heat stress in lifeguards

Due to climate change, exposure to increasingly warmer temperatures, especially during the summer months, is of concern. This is true for lifeguards who play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors to aquatic facilities as well as beachfronts open for public swimming. Due to routine exposure to hot and humid conditions, the ability of a lifeguard to respond to emergency situations may be compromised. Unfortunately, there is no existing heat stress management program for Ontario lifeguards. In response to this gap, the Lifesaving Society (program partner) has partnered with the School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University (academic partner) to measure the risk of heat stress and also conduct a search of the literature and regulatory requirements. The goal is to develop evidence-based best policies/protocols, along with the associated training, training to minimize the risk of heat stress amongst Ontario lifeguards.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chun-Yip Hon

Student:

Partner:

Lifesaving Society Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: