International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance

01/27/2026

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from industry experts about how to build a Safety Plan that is aligned with the Model Aquatic Health Code. iLCIRA will be presenting on how to build a Critical Incident Stress Management Plan as apart of your comprehensive Safety Plan.

Come join us! Don’t miss the opportunity to enroll in this pre-conference workshop!

PheedLoop: Hybrid, In-Person & Virtual Event Software

01/26/2026

Behind every rescue, every hard call, and every guard who shows up the next day after a critical incident, there has to be support.

ILCIRA exists to make sure lifeguards and aquatic professionals are not navigating critical incidents alone. Becoming an Individual Supporter helps fund training, advocacy, research, and programs that focus on both prevention and post-incident care.

A $50+ donation directly supports the work of the International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance and helps strengthen the systems that care for the people who care for everyone else.

If this work matters to you, consider becoming an Individual Supporter and standing behind the aquatic professionals doing the hardest work.

Donate at ILCIRA.org.

01/14/2026

Alongside The Association of Aquatic Professionals, we are proud to announce a new strategic alliance focused on strengthening mental health and critical incident support for lifeguards and allied aquatic professionals while addressing an often-overlooked aspect of aquatic safety: the psychological impact of potentially traumatic events.

Please read on to hear about the important alliance in our industry.

AOAP and ILCIRA are proud to announce a new strategic alliance focused on strengthening mental health and critical incident support for lifeguards and allied...

01/06/2026

Lifeguards experience intense moments. Sometimes back to back. Sometimes with no time to process. One simple, evidence-informed tool that can help in the moment is the Butterfly Hug.

The Butterfly Hug method is a simple, self-directed grounding technique, often used in trauma therapy (like EMDR), where you cross your arms over your chest and gently tap your hands alternately on your upper arms or collarbone, mimicking butterfly wings, while taking slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system and process difficult emotions by activating both brain hemispheres. It involves rhythmic bilateral stimulation, deep breathing, and sometimes repeating calming phrases, making it useful for anxiety, stress, and trauma in the moment or as a resourcing tool.

For lifeguards, this can be especially helpful:
- After a rescue, first aid response, or near miss
- During post-incident stress or emotional overload
- As a grounding tool before returning to surveillance
= As part of ongoing recovery after critical incidents

The Butterfly Hug is simple, discreet, and requires no equipment. Lifeguards can use it anywhere, on deck, in the guard room, or at home. That accessibility matters. It supports autonomy, self-regulation, and long-term resilience.

At ILCIRA, we continue to advocate for trauma-informed practices that meet lifeguards where they are. Small, embodied tools like this can create meaningful shifts in safety, presence, and emotional recovery. Supporting lifeguards means supporting their nervous systems, not just their skills.

12/29/2025

ILCIRA’s Research Team was honored to share several presentations on Lifeguard Mental Health, Critical Incident Stress and Resiliency at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt last month.

The global momentum toward better addressing the psychological needs of lifeguards was inspiring to witness.

ILCIRA looks forward to collaborating with the International Lifesaving Federation to develop a course focused on resilience and mitigating psychological risk as part of their new ILS Academy Program.

12/27/2025

For many lifeguards, the holidays can feel heavy — especially if this is your first season without someone you love. Grief doesn’t pause just because things are supposed to feel festive.

💬 Talk About Them
It’s okay to say their name and share a memory. Keeping their presence alive can bring comfort.

💛 Expect Big Feelings
Strong emotions aren’t weakness — they’re love. Let yourself feel what you feel.

🌟 Honor Them in a Small Way
Start a simple tradition or ritual in their memory. It doesn’t have to be big to matter.

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Be gentle with yourself this season — you’re carrying a lot, and you’re not alone.

12/24/2025

12/23/2025

The holiday season can intensify feelings of pressure—especially for those navigating substance use challenges. These feelings are more common than many realize. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help to learn how to support yourself or a loved one who may be struggling.

12/23/2025

For many lifeguards, the holidays come with long shifts, schedule changes, extra events, and the emotional weight that can show up this time of year. Add in richer meals and treats, and your body can feel the impact.

A few simple habits can help you stay grounded, steady, and ready — on and off the stand.

💧 Stay Hydrated
Long days on deck or in dry, heated air can sneak up on you. Keep water with you, refill often, and add lemon or electrolytes if that helps you stay consistent.

🚶‍♂️ Move After Meals
After holiday gatherings, even a short walk, a lap around the block, or taking the dog out supports digestion and helps reset your energy — especially if you’ve been sitting or traveling.

🥗 Balance When You Can
If you know a big meal or celebration is coming, fuel earlier in the day with something lighter but steady: eggs, yogurt and fruit, oatmeal, or a quick salad. Small choices help keep your body regulated through a busy week.

🍪 Mindful Indulgence
Enjoy the fun foods! Try smaller portions of multiple desserts so you get to experience everything without feeling weighed down later on deck.

🍷 Alcohol Awareness
If you choose to drink, hydrate between drinks, eat based on hunger (not pressure), and give yourself space to reset. Your body — and your emotional capacity — will thank you the next day.

😴 Protect Your Sleep
Whether you’re on break or picking up extra hours, even going to bed an hour earlier can help with physical recovery and emotional regulation.

At ILCIRA, we remind lifeguards and aquatic teams that taking care of your body isn’t about restriction — it’s about giving yourself what you need to feel steady, supported, and ready for what matters most.

You deserve to enjoy the season and feel good doing it.

12/23/2025

Need a few new reframes that can support lifeguards and aquatic staff? Try these!

💬 “I can feel this and still move forward.”
💬 “I don’t have to tackle everything today.”
💬 “This moment is temporary.”

Small perspective shifts can make a big difference—especially in a role that carries so much responsibility.

12/19/2025

If the week has felt heavy, try a quick reset:

1️⃣ Name what you’re feeling.
2️⃣ Reframe the thought to something more accurate or supportive.
3️⃣ Pick one small, doable next step.