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
W
wading assist
An elementary rescue performed by wading into calm water to no more than chest depth and extending an object to a drowning victim in deeper water so the victim can be pulled to shallow water.
wading pool
An in-ground pool for small children usually no more than 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) deep.
walking assist
A rescue move and removal from the water at a sloping beach, performed by standing next to the victim, placing the victim’s arm over your shoulder and holding the wrist while supporting the victim’s waist with your other hand. Also known as the support carry or supporting assist.
waterfront
Open water areas such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans. Most waterfronts are designated by state or local authorities for public swimming, boating and/or other aquatic activities. They may even have various improvements such as campsites, a dock or pier, a roped off swimming area, public bathrooms, lifeguard service, etc.
Always choose an area designated for the activities you plan to engage in. Swimming, boating, etc. in unknown waters can be unhealthy and dangerous.
waterpark
An aquatic theme park with attractions such as wave pools, water slides, speed slides, free-fall slides, and winding rivers.
Lifeguard service is generally provided at waterparks. Many attractions have attendants or lifeguards at the top to time participant take-offs as well as lifeguards at the bottom of the attraction to help participants leave the water.
wave drag
Resistance to swimming caused by turbulence in the water.
waveless entry
Another name for the ease-in entry, where the lifeguard sits on the deck or dock with rescue to one side and slides into the water slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the water or striking the bottom hard. The waveless entry should be used whenever the depth and bottom conditions are unknown or when entering the water close to an injured victim and you are trying to minimize splashing and turbulence.
wave pool
A swimming pool with wave-generators at one end and a zero-depth entry at the other, capable of producing waves that swimmers can ride as in the ocean. Wave pools are a popular attraction at many waterparks.
willful violation
A situation that occurs when an employer commits an intentional and knowing violation of safety law or when the employer did not consciously violate a safety law but was aware that an unsafe or hazardous condition existed and made no reasonable effort to eliminate the condition.
workplace safety program
A long-term plan that is successful in protecting people from injury and death, that complies with regulations, and that controls the associated financial costs of loss.
work restriction
A description of the work that an employee can and cannot do, typically written by a doctor.
X
x-ray
(1) High-energy radiation capable of penetrating most substances to varying extents and acting on a photographic film or plate to permit radiography. (2) An image obtained by means of an x-ray.
xerosis
Abnormal dryness of the skin, the conjunctiva of the eye, and/or the mucous membranes.
xyphoid process
A small cartilaginous projection of the lower portion of the sternum (breastbone), ranging in size from miniscule to several inches or centimeters in length. The term “xiphoid” is derived from the Greek word xiphos, meaning “straight sword.” The xyphoid process is also known as the ensiform cartilage, ensiform process, metasternum, xiphisternum, and xiphoid cartilage.
Since it is not protected by the rib cage, the xiphoid process can be easily damaged. Such a situation has sometimes been encountered during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), an emergency procedure carried out on a patient with no breathing or heartbeat. CPR involves chest compressions that can break off the xiphoid process, which, in turn, can puncture the diaphragm, liver, or other organ, causing pain, internal bleeding, and other complications.
The best way to avoid breaking the xyphoid process during CPR is to press on the lower end of the sternum and not directly on the process itself. High-quality CPR includes proper hand placement in the center of the chest on the lower end of the sternum (above, or superior to, the xyphoid process).
Y
yawn
An involuntary opening of the mouth with exaggerated inhalation and exhalation, sometimes accompanied by stretching. Repeated yawning can be a sign of drowsiness or depression.
yeast
Any of the 1,500 known species of eukaryotic microorganisms classified as members of the fungus kingdom, estimated to constitute 1% of all described fungal species. Yeasts are unicellular, although some species may also develop multicellular characteristics by forming strings of connected budding cells known aspseudohyphae or false hyphae. Yeast sizes vary greatly, depending on species and environment, typically measuring 3–4 µm in diameter, although some yeasts can grow to 40 µm in size. Most yeasts reproduce asexually by mitosis, and many do so by the asymmetric division process known as budding.
Some species of yeast are opportunistic pathogens that can cause infection in people with compromised immune systems. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are significant pathogens of immunocompromised people. They are the species primarily responsible for cryptococcosis, a fungal disease that occurs in about one million HIV/AIDS patients, causing over 600,000 deaths annually. The cells of these yeast are surrounded by a rigid polysaccharide capsule, which helps to prevent them from being recognised and engulfed by white blood cells in the human body.
Yeasts of the Candida genus, another group of opportunistic pathogens, cause oral and vaginal infections in humans, known as candidiasis. Candida is commonly found as a commensal yeast in the mucous membranes of humans and other warm-blooded animals. However, sometimes these same strains can become pathogenic. The yeast cells sprout a hyphal outgrowth, which locally penetrates the mucosal membrane, causing irritation and shedding of the tissues. The pathogenic yeasts of candidiasis in probable descending order of virulence for humans are: C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. stellatoidea, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. guilliermondii,C. viswanathii, C. lusitaniae, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Candida glabrata is the second most common Candida pathogen after C. albicans, causing infections of the urogenital tract, and of the bloodstream (candidemia).
yeast infection
An overgrowth of pathogenic yeast that affects the skin, the mouth, the vagina, and other parts of the body. The most common pathogenic yeast is Candida albicans and the condition is known as candidiasis or, in the bloodstream, candidemia. When candidiasis infects the mouth, it is often called thrush. When it affects the vagina, it is called a yeast infection.
Thrush occurs in about 6% of babies less than a month old. This is considered normal unless the infection persists more than a few weeks. About 20% of those receiving chemotherapy and 20% of those with AIDS also develop the oral disease. About 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection at some time during their lives. Widespread disease is rare except in those who have risk factors.
Signs and symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area affected. For thrush, they include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing. The photo of thrush is courtesy of James Heilman, MD.
For skin infections, there is often a reddish rash, itching, and discomfort.
Vaginal yeast infections include genital itching, burning, and sometimes a white “cottage cheese-like” discharge from the vagina. Less commonly, the penis may be affected by candidiasis, resulting in itchiness. Very rarely, the infection may become invasive spreading throughout the body, resulting in fevers along with other symptoms depending on the parts of the body affected.
Treatment for candidiasis includes topical anti-fungal medications, such as clotrimazole, nystatin, and ketoconazole. For vaginal candidiasis and the more severe systemic candidemia, the medication fluconazole, which is administered orally or intervenously, is also effective. Vaginal infections may require a single dose whereas widespread infections in the bloodstream and other organs may require an entire course of treatment. Other treatments for systemic candidemia include an echinocandin such as caspofungin or Amphotericin B.
Among patients being treated in intensive care units, the mortality rate is about 30-50% when systemic candidiasis or candidemia develops.
yellowjacket
A predatory wasp with distinctive yellow and black markings and a characteristic rapid side-to-side flight pattern when landing. Female yellowjackets are capable of delivering a painful sting.
youth violence
Aggressive, harmful behaviors (e.g., verbal abuse, bullying, fighting, rape, mayhem, homicide, etc.) involving young people between the ages of 10 and 24. The young person may be the victim, the perpetrator, or both.
Z
Zika
A disease caused by the Zika virus, transmitted to humans through an infected Aedes species mosquito, located in many parts of the world including the United States. It can also be transmitted from an infected pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
On 02/02/2016, the CDC confirmed that Zika was transmitted through sexual contact when someone who had previously traveled to Venezuela had sex with a noninfected partner in Texas. This is the first confirmed case of Zika in the United States in a nontraveler. It is also only the third documented case of Zika being transmitted through sexual contact.
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Zika has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.
To learn about the spread of this disease, go to the CDC’s Zika-Affected Areas webpage.
Zika virus
A pathogen primarily spread by infected Aedes species mosquitos that causes Zika disease. Information on the Zika virus and Zika disease can be found on the CDC’s Zika Virus website.
zinc oxide
A nonprescription (over-the-counter or OTC), topical, mild astringent with weak antiseptic properties. It is a skin protectant that is used to treat and prevent various skin conditions including minor abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irritation. Zinc oxide works by forming a barrier on top of the skin that protects the area from moisture and irritants.
Topical zinc oxide is available in various formulations including cream, ointment, paste, powder and solution spray. Zinc oxide paste is commonly used to treat weeping or oozing associated with poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Zinc oxide is also used with titanium dioxide in sunscreen products.
No significant side effects have been reported with the use of topical zinc oxide. Minor skin sensitivity or irritation has been reported in some cases.
Zoomers®
A brand of speed fins designed by Finis to increase cardiovascular conditioning during lap swimming and workouts. Zoomer fins provide an improved foot pocket formulated from soft natural rubber for increased comfort. The short blade encourages shorter, faster kicks for additional propulsion through the water.
Other training fins include the Arena Tech Fin, the HEAD Swimming Energy Fin, the Speedo Biofuse Swim Fin, the Sporti Training Swim Fin, and the Tyr Crossblade Training Fin. To read a blog comparing these training fins, check out the Top Training Fins Compared (The Gangloff Report) on the SwimOutlet website.
zoonosis
An infectious disease in animals that can be transmitted to people. Examples of zoonotic diseases include anthrax, Lyme disease, rabies, typhus, and West Nile fever.
zooparasite
A living parasite, such as a worm or protozoa.
zona
Another name for shingles.
zone coverage
A surveillance system used by lifeguards in which the total area to be supervised is divided into overlapping areas of responsibility, each assigned to a different stationed lifeguard. In zone coverage, lifeguards focus attention primarily on the area (zone) assigned to them.
Zone coverage works best at aquatic facilities where a single lifeguard cannot provide total coverage of the swimming area due to its large size, irregular shape, and/or challenging water conditions.
zone coverage with a roving lifeguard
A surveillance system in which zone coverage is augmented by a roving lifeguard who provides additional total facility coverage.
zoned total coverage
A surveillance system for small pools and similar aquatic facilities in which the total area is watched by each stationed lifeguard, but areas of response for each lifeguard are defined by overlapping zones. When using zoned total coverage, lifeguards watch the entire facility, but defer emergency response to the closest lifeguard (i.e., usually assigned the zone where the emergency is occurring). If the closest lifeguard does not see the emergency and cannot be made aware of it, another lifeguard activates the emergency action plan and responds.
Most small to medium swimming pools with multiple lifeguards in stations utilize zoned total coverage, even though many pool operators refer to it as “zone coverage.” Any pool or other similar facility that can utilize total coverage (one lifeguard covering the entire facility during times of special events or low attendance) should employ zoned total coverage, not zone coverage.
True zone coverage works better at large swimming pools, water park winding rivers, beaches, and waterfronts where no one lifeguard can cover the entire swimming area.
