Why aren’t lifeguards first responders? This interview is focusing on a part of aquatic safety that is often overlooked but critically important the psychological impact of critical incidents on lifeguards and aquatic professionals. This conversation is about evidence, responsibility, and the people who protect lives in and around the water and what it takes to protect them in return.

Lifeguards are routinely exposed to high-stress events: rescues, near-drownings, fatalities, and repeated exposure to trauma. Yet unlike many other first-responder professions, the mental health and wellbeing of lifeguards has historically been under-studied and under-resourced.

Three leaders who are working together to change that through research, international collaboration, and practical support systems for lifeguards and aquatic professionals worldwide are part of this important discussion.

Dr. Jaz Lawes is the National Research Manager for Surf Life Saving Australia, with extensive experience in applied research that directly informs frontline lifesaving practice.

Dr. Sam Fien is a Senior Lecturer at CQUniversity Australia, the National Wellbeing Advisor for Surf Life Saving Australia, and the State Lifesaving Officer and Research Panel Chair for Surf Life Saving Queensland. Her work bridges research, policy, and operational wellbeing across lifesaving organizations.

And Tyler Anderson is the President of the International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance, an organization dedicated to peer support, critical incident stress management, and post-incident care for lifeguards and aquatic professionals.

Together, they are part of a team that created the International Aquatic Personnel Critical Incident Prevalence & Impact Survey a global effort to document, at scale, what lifeguards and allied aquatic professionals experience, how those experiences affect them, and what support systems truly make a difference.

The survey is open through July of 2026 and welcomes participation from adult lifeguards, past or present, as well as allied aquatic professionals including beach, pool, and waterpark leadership who support lifeguards in their work.

If you would like to participate, the survey can be accessed at :https://qr.ilcira.org/CISurvey

And for aquatic leaders interested in learning more about building Peer Support Teams or integrating post-incident Critical Incident Stress Management services into their operations, more information is available by contacting: info@ilcira.org**

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