ABSTRACT
This chapter uses the terms lifesaver and lifeguard. The term lifesaver is used to refer to all people who rescue others in peril in the water, whether acting as volunteers or as compensated employees, under the premise that lifesaving is an act which they both perform. The term lifeguard is used to refer to people compensated for that role. This chapter also uses the term professional to refer to those who practise lifesaving as a profession. Volunteers can, of course, perform at a highly professional level as well.