Color-Coded Safety Glossary

First Aid/CPR - Health/Well-being - Home and Workplace Safety - Lifeguarding/Water Safety - Swimming/Aquatics

A-B     C-D     E-F     G-H     I-J     K-L     M-N     O-P    Q-R     S-T     U-V     W-X-Y-Z

Q

Q fever

An acute or chronic infection passed from animals to humans caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the primary reservoirs through which the bacteria is transmitted. It can be found in the milk, urine, and feces of infected animals. Also, during birthing, the bacteria can be shed in high numbers within amniotic fluids and the placenta. This bacteria is extremely hardy and resistant to heat, drying, and many common disinfectants which enable it to survive for long periods in the environment.

Q fever was first recognized as a human disease in Australia in 1935 and in the United States in the early 1940’s. The “Q” stands for “query” and was applied at a time when the causative agent was unknown. The disease is global in distribution, with cases reported sporadically or occasionally as outbreaks. However, because Q fever may resemble other diseases or even cause no symptoms in some people, cases of human Q fever are likely under recognized in the United States and elsewhere. Around 3% of the healthy adult U.S. population and 10-20% of persons in high-risk occupations (veterinarians, farmers, etc.) have antibodies to C. burnetii, suggesting past infection.

Signs and symptoms of acute Q fever include high fever, chills and/or sweating, a nonproductive cough, muscular pains, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Although most persons with acute Q fever infection recover, others may experience serious illness with complications that may include pneumonia, inflammation of the liver or heart tissue, and central nervous system complications. The estimated case fatality rate (i.e., the proportion of persons who die as a result of their infection) is low at under 2% of hospitalized patients.

Chronic Q fever is a severe disease occurring in about 5% of acutely infected patients. It may present soon (within 6 weeks) after an acute infection, or may manifest years later. Endocarditis is the major form of chronic disease, comprising 60-70% of all reported cases. The estimated case fatality rate in untreated patients with endocarditis is 25-60%. Patients with endocarditis require early diagnosis and long-term antibiotic treatment for a successful outcome. Other forms of chronic Q fever include aortic aneurysms and infections of the bone, liver, or reproductive organs, such as the testes in men.

To reduce the risk of contracting Q fever, the following measures should be taken:

• Educate the public and especially workers in high-risk occupations in the causes of the disease.
• Appropriately dispose of placenta, birth products, fetal membranes, and aborted fetuses at facilities housing sheep and goats.
• Restrict access to barns and laboratories used in housing potentially infected animals.
• Use only pasteurized milk and milk products.
• Quarantine imported animals.
• Ensure that holding facilities for sheep should be located away from populated areas. Animals should be routinely tested for antibodies to C. burnetii, and measures should be implemented to prevent airflow to other occupied areas.

Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious agent. A single C. burnetii organism may cause disease in a susceptible person. This agent has a history of being developed for use in biological warfare and is considered a potential terrorist threat.

Q-1-2 accident prevent system

A 3-part process used by YMCA lifeguards to correct swimmers who violate facility rules and regulations. It consists of the following parts:

• Q: Question. When someone violates a rule or looks out-of-place in deep water or on the diving board, ask them a question to clarify whether they know what they are doing is against the rules or dangerous For example:
  • Have you ever jumped off the diving board before? Have you taken the deep-water swim test? Can you show me?
  • If you run on the deck, do you know what could happen? What should you do instead?
  • The way you were standing next to the pool, it looked like you were going to jump in backwards. Did you know that’s against the rules? What could happen if you did that?
• 1: Warning. The second part of this process is to give a warning. This step is appropriate if you have already asked the person questions about the behavior or if the violation seems deliberate but not too serious. Use simple statements of fact in the “I saw…That is…Please…” format as follows:
  • I saw you jump off the side of the diving board. That is dangerous because it is too close to the edge of the pool. Please jump straight off the diving board.
  • I saw you running. That is unsafe because the deck is slippery and you can fall. Please walk.
• 2: Time Out/Kick Out. The third part of this process comes into play if a participant ignores your warning or does something deliberately that is also egregious. This step involves giving a time-out to children or a referral to the office for adolescents or adults so they can be asked to leave the facility.

quadriplegia

Paralysis caused by illness or injury that results in the partial or total loss of use of all their limbs and torso; paraplegia is similar but does not affect the arms. The loss is usually sensory and motor, which means that both sensation and control are lost. Also known as tetraplegia.

quadruplets

The birth of four babies as a result of a single pregnancy.

qualified person

One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems on the subject, the work, or the project.

quarry

A mining pit from which dimension stone, rock, construction aggregate, sand, gravel, or slate has been excavated from the ground. Over time, water collects in the quarry, making the quarry an attractive nuisance for those looking for a secluded place to swim. Swimming in a quarry can be dangerous in a some important ways:

• Cold water
• Contaminated water
• Hidden rocks and other underwater obstructions
• Swimming alone
• No lifeguard service
• Unknown bottom conditions

“quick-out” protocol

A procedure for the rapid removal from the water of an unconscious, nonbreathing victim when a spinal injury is suspected. The appropriate removal procedure depends on the location in the pool, the size of the victim, the amount of help available, and the type of facility or aquatic environment. Removal procedures include the deep water lift, the quick removal from shallow water for a small victim, the direct lift, etc.  Follow local protocols for this situation.

The American Red Cross acknowledges the need of a “quick-out” protocol for nonbreathing spinal victims in the water. In the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual, revision 2012, pages 248-249, it states: “If the [spinal] victim is not breathing, immediately remove the victim from the water using a technique, such as the two-person-removal-from-the-water, and provide resuscitative care. Do not delay removal from the water by strapping the victim onto the board or using the head immobilizer device.”

quick removal from shallow water for a small victim

A procedure for removing a small passive victim from shallow water when the victim is not breathing or the victim is breathing but a spinal injury is not suspected. To perform this technique, the rescuer rotates the victim onto the back, supports the head above the water with one arm, and supports the knees with the other arm. The rescuer then lifts the patient carefully and places the victim on the pool deck, side of the catch pool or winding river, or waterfront pier or dock.

quick reverse

A sudden, deliberate stop that a lifeguard makes while swimming to a drowning victim to avoid the victim’s grasp and to assess the situation before making contact. To execute a quick reverse:

1. From a prone swimming position, drop your legs when simultaneously pushing down with both arms to lift your shoulders. You should be in a vertical position now.
2. Angle your feet toward the victim while turning to one side and positioning your shoulders away from the victim.
3. If you have a rescue tube or similar device, position it between you and the victim.
4. Make contact with the victim and tow the victim to safety.

The quick reverse is especially useful when the lifeguard does not have a rescue tube or is allowing the rescue tube to trail as he or she approaches the victim. Failure to execute a quick reverse can cause the lifeguard to run into the victim or to be grabbed by the victim.

quintuplets

The birth of five babies as the result of a single pregnancy. Born in 2015, the Busby quints, pictured to the right, reportedly go through 40 bottles of formula and 60 diapers per day!

R

rabies

A deadly viral disease that can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected animal (e.g., raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, dogs, cats, and farm animals). In humans, the symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, fatigue, then confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis. Once symptoms begin to manifest, the disease is usually fatal. A series of shots can prevent rabies in persons exposed to the virus, but they must be administered as soon as possible.

racing start

A long, shallow entry from a starting block used by competitive swimmers to begin a race.

radiation sickness

The effects of excessive exposure to radiation or radioactive materials, characterized by nausea, weakness, hair loss, burns, and reduced organ functions. If the exposure is severe enough, it can cause cell mutations or even death. Medicine can be taken to reduce the amount of radioactive material in the body.

rale

An abnormal breathing sound characterized by a bubbling, clicking, popping, and/or rattling noise during inhalation, Rales often can only be heard through a stethoscope. Also called crackles.

rape

Unlawful sexual intercourse or any other sexual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, with or without force, by a sex organ, other body part, or foreign object, without the consent of the victim.

rape trauma syndrome (RTS)

The psychological trauma experienced by a rape victim that includes disruptions to normal physical, emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal behavior. The theory was first described by psychiatrist Ann Wolbert Burgess and sociologist Lynda Lytle Holmstrom in 1974.

RTS includes three stages: acute, outward adjustment, and renormalization. In the acute stage, victims may be agitated and hysterical, controlled and emotionless, or in apparent disbelief. During outward adjustment, the rape survival appears to resume normal activities but simultaneously have internal turmoil, continued anxiety, poor health, and feelings of helplessness and depression. In the renormalization stage, the rape survivor succeeds in integrating the rape into her life so it no longer exists as the central focus of their existence and feelings of guilt and shame are resolved.

A criticism of RTS is that it delegitimizes a person’s reaction to rape by describing their reactions and coping mechanisms as symptoms of a disorder. People who install locks and purchase security devices, take self-defense classes, carry mace, change residences, and express anger at the criminal justice system after surviving a rape are characterized as exhibiting pathological symptoms. 

Another criticism is that the literature on RTS constructs rape survivors as passive, disordered victims, even though much of the behavior that serves as the basis for RTS could be considered the product of strength. Words like “fear” are replaced with words like “phobia,” with its connotations of irrationality.

rapids ride

A rough-water attraction at a waterpark that simulates white-water rafting.

rash

An area of raised, swollen, red, crusty, and/or blistered skin. The term rash is not a specific diagnosis. Instead, it means skin inflammation and discoloration that changes the way the skin looks. Common rashes include eczema, poison ivy, hives, and heat rash. Infections that cause rashes may be fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral.

rate of perceived exertion (RPE)

A subjective method for determining the intensity of a workout based on how hard the person feels he or she is working.

reaching assist

A method of helping someone struggling in the water by extending a pole or similar object to that person or by reaching for the person with your hand or leg.

reaching pole

An aluminum or fiberglass pole, usually 10- to 15-feet (3- to 4.5-meters) long, used for reaching assists and other aquatic rescues.

recovery

The part of the swimming stroke where the arms or legs relax and return to their starting position.

recreational water illness (RWI)

An illness that is spread by swallowing, breathing, or contacting contaminated water.

recycling

The process of converting waste into reusable material to lower the consumption of fresh raw materials and energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Recycling is a key part of modern waste reduction—the third part of the “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” waste hierarchy.

Many items we throw away can be recycled. Some items are even illegal to throw in the trash. In addition to paper, glass, and plastic that are popular to recycle, we should recycle the following:

• Electronics waste (E-waste)-Examples include computers, printers, televisions, VCRs, cell phones, fax machines, stereos, and electronic games. Electronics may contain lead, copper, and other heavy metals or potentially toxic substances.
• Household hazardous waste (HHW)-This is any product in the home labeled or considered to be combustible, corrosive, flammable, irritating, poisonous, or toxic. Examples include automotive fluids and batteries, beauty products, household cleaners, lawn and garden products, medications, paint and related products, and miscellaneous products and materials (such as fluorescent lights, glue and epoxy, lighter fluid, mercury batteries, mercury thermometers, moth balls, photographic chemicals, rat poison, shoe polish, swimming pool chemicals, etc.).
• Motor oil-Motor oil does not wear out; it simply get dirty. It can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Reusing oil help preserve a natural resource and keeps the environment clean. One gallon of dumped oil can impact 1 million gallons of water. According to federal reports, 40% of the total oil pollution in our waterways is from used oil.
• Sharps waste-Home-generated sharps include hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a household including a multifamily residence or household. It is illegal to dispose of these items in the trash.
• Universal waste (U-waste)-This is hazardous waste generated by several sectors of society, rather than a single industry or type of business. These wastes contain harmful chemicals, which if put in the trash may harm people or the environment. It is illegal to throw u-waste in the trash. Examples of U-waste include common batteries, e-waste, fluorescent tubes, mercury-containing devices and lamps, etc.

For a website to give you disposal options for recycling just about anything, go to the Earth911.com Recycling Search page. For some other options for recycling specific materials and items, click the appropriate link below:

• Appliances, automobiles, scrap metal, steel cans and packaging: Steel Recycling Institute
• Building materials: Habitat for Humanity
• Carpet: Carpet America Recovery Effort
• Cell phones and rechargeable batteries: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
• Computers and electronics: Recycles.org
• Eyeglasses: New Eyes for the Needy
• Formal dresses: Operation Fairy Dust

refusal of care

A patient’s legal right to decline first aid or more advanced medical treatment. When a patient refuses care, the lifeguard should accept this refusal only after he or she has clearly identified himself/herself and encouraged the patient to accept help. The lifeguard should also try to determine the reason for the refusal so he or she can attempt to allay fears or change circumstances. Any persistent refusal of care by a patient should be witnessed and documented. If possible, the patient should be asked to sign a release.

regulation

A rule or order issued by an executive authority or a government agency and having the force of law.

regulatory compliance

Adjustment to, or conformity with, a particular specification or need.

rescue

A technique used to move a person from danger, in particular, from deep or dangerous waters.

rescue board

A plastic or fiberglass board, shaped like a surf board, used by beach and waterfront lifeguards to paddle out and make rescues. Click here to view a rescue board rescue of an unconscious victim. 

rescue coach

One of the names given to the set of audible prompts played when a working AED is in the on position to aid rescuers with CPR and AED operation.

rescue tube

A 45- to 54-inch vinyl, foam-filled tube with an attached tow line and shoulder strap that lifeguards use to make swimming rescues.

resilience

A trait of the mind and body that enables a person to deal with adversity and bounce back, maintaining a positive attitude. Resilience is an important trait for lifeguards and others who must respond to emergencies. 

respiratory arrest

A condition in which a patient’s breathing has stopped.

respiratory distress

Breathing difficulty.

responsibility

A duty or obligation that has been accepted or that is part of one’s job. Lifeguard responsibilities are often considered primary or secondary depending on their importance. Typical primary responsibilities for a lifeguard include providing surveillance of the public in and around the swimming area, recognizing distressed and drowning victims and making rescues, providing first aid/CPR if necessary, and assisting other lifeguards in carrying out these primary duties. All other lifeguard responsibilities (e.g., teaching swimming lessons, completing records and reports, performing maintenance duties, participating in training exercises, etc.) are considered secondary. Secondary duties must never interfere with any primary responsibility.

resting heart rate

The number of times your heart beats per minute while it’s at rest. Best taken after a good night’s sleep, before getting out of bed, the average resting heart rate is 60-80 beats per minute, but it’s usually lower for physically fit people. It also rises with age. The best places to find your pulse are the wrists, the inside of your elbow, the side of your neck and the top of the foot. To get the correct reading, put your finger over your pulse and count the number of beats in 60 seconds.

resting stroke

Any of the various strokes characterized with a strong whip kick or scissors kick and a glide, including the breaststroke, elementary backstroke, inverted breaststroke, overarm sidestroke, and sidestroke.

resuscitation

The first aid and/or medical techniques used to revive a patient who is unconscious, not breathing, or clinically dead. These techniques may include airway management, rescue breathing, CPR, oxygen administration, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and/or advanced life support administered in the field or at a hospital.

resuscitation mask

A flexible device consisting of a clear, pliable dome-shaped mask and a one-way valve that can be sealed over a patient’s mouth and nose so a rescuer can deliver rescue breaths to the patient without making mouth-to-mouth contact.

The one-way valve enables the rescuer’s breaths to be forced into the patient’s airway and lungs while preventing exhaled air from entering the part of the valve where the responder breathes.

The resuscitation mask is also called a pocket mask, pocket face mask, or CPR mask.

rhythmic breathing

A pattern of breathing while swimming (or bobbing in and out of the water) in which the swimmer exhales in the water so he or she is ready to inhale upon turning or lifting his or her head out of the water.

RID factor

A term created by Frank Pia, PhD as a reminder of three reasons people drown at guarded aquatic facilities: the failure to Recognize a drowning victim, the Intrusion of secondary tasks on a lifeguard’s primary responsibility, and lifeguards who allow themselves to be Distracted by anything that divides attention between surveillance duties and personal matters and diversions. Click to view the original RID factor article.

ring buoy

A lifesaving buoy in the shape of a ring, designed to be thrown to a person in the water, to provide buoyancy, to prevent drowning, and to facilitate rescue from deep water. Ring buoys are classified by the US Coast Guard as a Type IV personal flotation device (PFD). These devices are also known as life buoys, life donuts, life preserver, life rings, and life savers.

ringworm

A rash that forms raised, red rings on the skin. Ringworm is caused by fungus, not by a worm.

rip current

A narrow channel of water moving away from shore and beyond breaking waves at the ocean or a large lake.

Rip currents are sometimes difficult to see. They may appear as water that is choppy, muddy, or somehow different from surrounding water. Rip currents may also cause a break in the surf as shown on the left.

When caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current (toward shore). Instead, swim parallel to shore until you no longer feel yourself in the rip current. Then swim towards shore and away from the position of the rip current. If you are exhausted, stay calm and raise your hands to signal the lifeguard or someone on shore who can call for help.

For more information about rip currents, go to:

• Rip current Safety Page (NOAA)
• Ocean Safety: What is a rip current? (NOAA)
• Rip Current Survival Guide (USLA)

risk

A chance or threat of damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, and that may be avoided through preemptive action.

risk management

The process of identifying, quantifying, and managing the risks that an organization faces. As the outcomes of business activities are uncertain, they are said to have some element of risk.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

A potentially lethal tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia ricketsii. Initial signs and symptoms include fever, nausea and vomiting, severe headaches and muscle pain, and lack of appetite. Later, the patient experiences joint and abdominal pain and develops a rash starting at the end of the extremities and moving toward the torso. Although called Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the disease occurs throughout the United States and the Americas.

ROSC

Return of spontaneous circulation.

rotary kick

A kick in which the swimmer rotates the lower legs at the knees, one clockwise and the other counterclockwise, making large circular movements with the foot and lower leg; used when treading water and in lifeguarding, water polo, and synchronized swimming; also called the eggbeater kick.

For more information about the rotary or eggbeater kick, check out these instructional videos:

• How to Do the Eggbeater Kick (Phillip Toriello)
• Eggbeater (CWPA Tip of the Week by Wolf Wigo and Brian Schmaucher)
• Eggbeater Kick for Synchronized Swimming (Ymajahi Brooks)
• Water Polo 101: Eggbeater and Treading Water (La Mirada Shaquatics Water Polo Club)

rotation

The periodic, coordinated movement of lifeguards from one station to another as a way of providing variety during surveillance and rest as lifeguards rotate from a surveillance station to a break.

RTS

Rape trauma syndrome.

rule

A regulation or guideline governing conduct. Swimming pools and other aquatic facilities set up rules to keep participants safe and to regulate how they use the facility.

run-out

A horizontal trough with a few inches of water extending at the end of a speed slide to slow riders to a stop.