Dr. Jenny Smith and James Bryant presented on Research: Lifeguard - the Future! discussing the latest research projects and the impact this has on the future of lifeguarding on Friday 23 June at the RLSS UK Conference 2023.

Dr. Jenny Smith

Jenny is a Reader in Performance Psychology, a British Psychological Society Chartered practitioner psychologist and HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. 

Jenny is part of the Occupational Performance Research Group based at the University of Chichester.

Her research specialises in various aspects of drowning prevention and her team has worked with lifeguards over the past 13 years to aid their development and training. 

Recently her research has identified cognitive factors that underpin hazard detection by lifeguards, decision-making process employed by lifeguards, and observation strategies used by lifeguards. 

James Bryant 

James is a lecturer in Health and Exercise, a RLSS UK Trainer Assessor, and a passionate advocate for water safety education and drowning prevention.

With 20 years of lifeguarding experience, ranging from standard and competition pools and leisure and feature pools to aqua parks and beaches, James’ research is informed by his sector-wide professional experience.

Joining Dr Smith's team this year, his research seeks to document the frequency and classifications of lifeguard interventions as well as lifeguard positioning in relation to poolside surveillance and interventional proximity.

Click here for more information about other speakers at the RLSS UK Conference 2023