QCC Unveils Certification Scheme for Lifeguards

To Enhance Safety of Residents, Visitors Using Pools and Beaches Especially in Summer Months

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 3 August, 2015 – Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure and raising awareness on quality standards in Abu Dhabi, has developed a certification scheme for lifeguards in collaboration with various public and private sector stakeholders in the leisure industry. The scheme aims to increase the number of certified lifeguards in the emirate, and enhance the pool rescue and first aid services in the emirate.

Lifeguards who meet the certification requirements of QCC through practical assessments will receive the certificate of conformity that indicates their competence and credentials to undertake pool rescue and provide first aid services. 

The scheme articulates QCC’s priority to enhance the safety of Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors especially in the summer months when the demand for swimming pools and water-related activities increases significantly.

The certification scheme will also provide a guideline for companies in the search and recruitment sphere to hire competent lifeguards who possess the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.

Mohammed Helal Al Balooshi, Acting Marketing & Communications Director at Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), said: “Drowning is a primary cause of accidental death – accounting for almost 400,000 cases annually worldwide. The lifeguard service certification scheme is one of many initiatives introduced by QCC to improve the overall quality of life in Abu Dhabi. We are confident the new scheme will enhance the skills and competencies of lifeguards and eventually contribute to ensuring the safety of people who use pools and beaches in Abu Dhabi.”

The certification scheme comes at a time when the UAE has witnessed a surge in the number of drowning accidents, the second highest cause of unintentional death. In line with its efforts to support the objectives of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and improve the quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to raise the quality of the emirate’s exports and locally traded products, while protecting the interest of consumers and supporting the UAE’s competitive economy. This is achieved through empowering regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes. QCC also sets guidelines and benchmarks to identify and verify that the products manufactured and traded in Abu Dhabi conform to the highest quality standards.