Weekly Warm-Up: An Introduction to One-Arm Towing

With one less appendage available, lifeguards must draw extra strength from their legs. This is the first in a 4-part series looking ways to power up a rescue.

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Last month, as part of our Weekly Warm-Up series, we explored several swimming kicks that I think your guards should be proficient in. This time, we’re going to add to the challenge by using some of those same techniques combined with a one-armed hold.

The goal here is for your guards to determine which kick to use, depending on the victim, size of the lifeguard and the nature of the situation.

In the video above, I explain the four kicking styles for your guards to practice in a one-arm towing situation.

We’re begining this series with the flutter kick. See the video below for the drill.

About the Author

Pete DeQuincy

Pete DeQuincy is aquatics manager at East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland, Calif. He is an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer in water safety, lifeguarding, and emergency medical response. He serves on the Association of Aquatic Professionals board, and enjoys training lifeguards all over the country.

Pete DeQuincy is an aquatic supervisor for the East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland, Calif. He is president of the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association and the Aquatic Section of the California Parks & Recreation Society. DeQuincy is a lifeguard instructor for the American Red Cross and the United States Lifesaving Association.