The working life of a surf lifesaver: The traumatic experiences and consequences of New Zealand surf lifeguards.

Abstract

Surf lifeguards are exposed to a range of potentially traumatic events, yet little is known about the impact of this work. A cross-sectional online survey gathered information on personal and surf lifesaving trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth, perceived social support, and perceived self-efficacy. Statistical analyses were performed to explore hypothesized relationships between these constructs and demographic variables. A total of 181 lifeguards, 17 years and older, were included in the final analysis. Men reported significantly higher trauma exposure; women presented with higher posttraumatic stress; and adolescent participants reported higher posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. However, personal traumatic events alone showed a small but significant relationship with posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. The expected relationships between perceived social support and perceived self-efficacy and between perceived self-efficacy and posttraumatic stress were not verified. Perceived social support and perceived self-efficacy did show a small significant positive relationship with posttraumatic growth. Exploratory analysis did show that age moderated the relationship between trauma exposure and both posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. Key findings suggest that young lifeguards may be more vulnerable to posttraumatic stress yet have the potential to develop posttraumatic growth with increased trauma exposure, and women may be more vulnerable to posttraumatic stress than men. Although more research is needed to support the current findings, identifying those at risk for posttraumatic stress may be an important focus for the surf lifesaving community.

Forgotten first responders: Australian surf lifesavers and lifeguards

“…Most Australian coastal safety research has focused on drowning prevention and wellbeing of Australians 7,8 and international tourists 9 . However, the mental wellbeing of SLS members is largely unexplored, with currently no scientific evidence from Australia and limited research internationally 10 . A recent New Zealand study reported surf lifeguards experienced an average of 16.78 traumatic events over their lifetime (both personal and SLS related) 10 .…”

“…However, the mental wellbeing of SLS members is largely unexplored, with currently no scientific evidence from Australia and limited research internationally 10 . A recent New Zealand study reported surf lifeguards experienced an average of 16.78 traumatic events over their lifetime (both personal and SLS related) 10 . Male surf lifeguards were also found to have experienced more traumatic events than females 10 .…”

“…A recent New Zealand study reported surf lifeguards experienced an average of 16.78 traumatic events over their lifetime (both personal and SLS related) 10 . Male surf lifeguards were also found to have experienced more traumatic events than females 10 . It is unknown whether results would be replicated within the SLSA membership as similar research is yet to be conducted.…”

A preliminary study investigating the neglected domain of mental health in Australian lifesavers and lifeguards

“…Rooke and de Terte [ 4 ] presented the only study to examine exposure to PTEs, PTSS, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in New Zealand SLS (N = 181). The findings revealed a relationship between PTEs experienced outside of SLS work and PTSS.…”

“…The findings revealed a relationship between PTEs experienced outside of SLS work and PTSS. Younger members (17–19 year olds) showed greater risk of PTSD than older lifeguards (27 + year olds), which also related to greater potential for PTG for younger lifeguards [ 4 ]. Interestingly, women showed a negative relationship associated with PTSS in comparison to men [ 4 ].…”