Read on Twitter
1/ A research story thread…
Latest #drowningprevention #collaboration on beach lifeguard data collection published in @IP_BMJ.
Blog on the project here, more below
@904schmidt @ac_queiroga @david_szpilman @LifeguardsWB @aquasafenz @Dr_Rip_SOS https://blogs.bmj.com/injury-prevention/2020/08/03/beach-lifeguards-save-lives-with-data-current-status-and-future-directions/
Latest #drowningprevention #collaboration on beach lifeguard data collection published in @IP_BMJ.
Blog on the project here, more below
@904schmidt @ac_queiroga @david_szpilman @LifeguardsWB @aquasafenz @Dr_Rip_SOS https://blogs.bmj.com/injury-prevention/2020/08/03/beach-lifeguards-save-lives-with-data-current-status-and-future-directions/
2/ Link to paper here:
Need for consistent beach lifeguard data collection: results from an international survey https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/31/injuryprev-2020-043793
Need for consistent beach lifeguard data collection: results from an international survey https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/31/injuryprev-2020-043793
3/ At @wcdp2017 in Vancouver
we started chatting about lifeguard data collection at the #IDRA meeting.
(IDRA = International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance, a neat group of people who promote safer aquatic environments through evidence-based research)
http://idra.world
we started chatting about lifeguard data collection at the #IDRA meeting.(IDRA = International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance, a neat group of people who promote safer aquatic environments through evidence-based research)
http://idra.world
4/ Through our experience as beach lifeguards & working in lifeguard related research, we discussed how varied data quality and collection practices were common barriers to robust research. So, we set out to find out how lifeguards around the world were recording information.
5/ The goal from the start was never to say “lifeguards are doing it wrong” or “lifeguard data is bad”, but to identify where and how consistency can be improved in the future to inform data-driven, evidence-based practices. More like "where are we, and where do we need to go?"
6/ Lifeguard leaders (chiefs, managers, etc.) from 12 countries representing beach lifeguard service providers completed a survey on their LG organization's data collection practices. In short, they reported a wide variety of data recorded, how, & the definitions used.
7/ To move the conversation forward, we outlined three areas for improvement: standardizing definitions, collecting time-stamped records, and transitioning to technology-based data collection where possible. Read more about these in the blog: https://blogs.bmj.com/injury-prevention/2020/08/03/beach-lifeguards-save-lives-with-data-current-status-and-future-directions/
8/ This work represents another step towards improved LG data. We hope it will continue to advance the profession, & the science, of ocean lifeguarding. As researchers, we aim to provide high quality information that makes the LG job of saving lives more effective & efficient...
9/ The work is not finished! A separate IDRA drowning dictionary project is underway now, several terms relevant to beach lifeguards. If you are a beach lifeguard/lifesaver and would like to be involved in this or future related work, let us know here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyMJEBGHGpFUHEmNbuykMG6ixu-EzF675_6MGT3xBq21f7fA/viewform?usp=send_form
10/ Finally, a massive thank youuuuuu to the lifeguard leaders who participated in the survey, AND to @904schmidt @ac_queiroga @david_szpilman @LifeguardsWB @aquasafenz & @Dr_Rip_SOS for being on this journey. Pinching myself that I got to work with such incredible people!
