C

cadence

The beat or measure of rhythmic motion or activity. For example, the flutter kick can have a 2- or 6-beat cadence.

cadre

A small group of trained individuals that control and manage a training process. In the American Red Cross, cadre describes a group of instructor-trainers that supervises the training of new instructor-trainer candidates.

caffeine

An alkaloid found in tea and coffee that acts as a stimulant and a diuretic. Caffeine is sometimes added to soft drinks and energy pills and beverages.

calcium carbonate

A crystalline compound that can form on plumbing and pool surfaces when calcium hardness, pH, or total alkalinity are too high. This formation is also called scale.

calcium chloride

A soluble, white salt used to raise the calcium hardness level of swimming pool water.

calcium hardness

A measure in parts per million (ppm) of the calcium content of water.

calcium hypochlorite

A yellow-white solid form of chlorine used in swimming pool water as a disinfectant/sanitizer.

calorie

A unit of heat equal to the amount of heat necessary to raise 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius (C) from 14.5 degrees C to 15.5 degrees C. Although the joule has replaced the calorie as the preferred measurement of heat energy in many scientific fields, the calorie remains a common measurement of food energy.

cancer

A tumor that spreads locally and to other parts of the body and often causes death if not treated.

cannabis products

Substances such as marijuana and hashish derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis products can produce feelings of elation, distorted perceptions of time and space, and impaired motor coordination and judgment.

cannula

A tube to be inserted into a body cavity such as a nasal cannula.

canoe

A long, tight, narrow boat with curves sides and keen ends, usually propelled by hand paddle.

canoe scull

A prone scull designed to move the swimmer headfirst, performed with arms at the sides by making figure-eight movements with the hands while turning palms toward the feet.

cap

An abbreviation for capsule.

capacity

1. The total number of individuals in the swimming pool area. 2. The total number of gallons in a swimming pool.

capalene or capilene

A synthetic fabric used next to the skin (base layer) when dressing for the cold. The purpose of the base layer of clothing is to keep the wearer dry by not absorbing sweat into the fabric but rather transporting it to outer surface where it can evaporate. To read about all 3 layers of winter clothing, go to clothing layers.

capillary

Any of the smallest blood vessels that connects arterioles with venules to form networks throughout the human body.

capillary refill

A quick test for determining blood flow to tissue performed by pinching a patient's fingertip to apply pressure to the nail bed. When the nail bed turns white (lack of blood), the finger is released to see how quickly color (blood) returns to the nail bed. Blood flow is adequate if color returns within 2 seconds or the time it takes to say "capillary refill." Capillary refill should be tested whenever a bandage or splint is applied to an extremity or whenever dehydration or shock is suspected.

capsule

1. The surrounding cover of a bodily part (e.g., a knee joint). 2. A shell made of gelatin used to package a single dose of a drug so that it is ready to be administered orally. 3. A carbohydrate envelope around a bacterium or other microbe.

carbon dioxide

A naturally occurring chemical compound composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, existing as a gas in the atmosphere at a concentration of about 392 ppm. As part of the carbon cycle of photosynthesis, plants, algae, and cyanobacteria absorb carbon dioxide, light, and water to produce carbohydrate energy for growth and reproduction and oxygen as a waste product. Carbon dioxide is toxic at higher concentrations: a 1% concentration (10,000 ppm) can make individuals feel drowsy and a 7% to 10% concentration (70,000 to 100,000 ppm) can cause dizziness, headaches, visual and hearing dysfunction, and unconsciousness.

carbon monoxide

A colorless, odorless, tasteless gas consisting of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom that is highly toxic at higher concentrations. Carbon monoxide forms from the partial oxidation of carbon-containing compounds (i.e., when insufficient oxygen is present to produce carbon dioxide, such as when operating a stove or internal combustion engine in a confined space). Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning in many countries. Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, which is inefficient in delivering oxygen to body tissues. Concentrations as low as 667 ppm in the air can cause up to 50% of the body's hemoglobin to convert to carboxyhemoglobin. A level of 50% carboxyhemoglobin can result in seizures, coma, and fatality. The short-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are cumulative since the half-life is about 5 hours in fresh air. Carbon monoxide is also known as carbonous oxide or carbonyl.

carbonous oxide

Another name for carbon monoxide.

carbuncle

An abscess made up of multiple boils that extend into the deeper layers of the skin. Boils and carbuncles are often caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. This type of infection can be contagious and may spread to other parts of the body or to other persons.

cardiac

Of or related to the heart.

cardiac arrest

The cessation of normal blood flow due to failure of the heart to contract effectively. When blood flow stops, the body is deprived of oxygen, causing body systems to fail, including irreversible brain damage after about 5-10 minutes. Cardiac arrest can be the result of a heart attack or it can occur unexpectedly and without warning (called sudden cardiac arrest).

cardiac output

The amount of blood pumped from the heart, expressed in liters per minute (lpm).

cardiogenic shock

A type of shock, associated with heart attack and other heart conditions, that occurs when the heart fails to circulate blood effectively to all parts of the body.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

A lifesaving technique for patients suffering cardiac arrest that combines external chest compressions to circulate blood with rescue breathing to deliver oxygen to the body.

cardiovascular

Of or related to the heart and the blood vessels.

cardiovascular disease

An illness of the heart and blood vessels usually caused by atherosclerosis.

cardiovascular endurance

The extent to which the heart, lungs, and circulatory system can sustain vigorous exercise.

cardiovascular system

The heart and blood vessels, which bring oxygen and nutrients to body cells through the circulation of blood.

caries

A progressive destruction of bone or tooth, especially tooth decay.

carotid artery

Either of the major arteries of the neck that supply oxygen to the brain. The carotid artery can be palpated to detect the pulse of an unconscious adult or child.

carpals

The bones of the wrist.

carpal tunnel syndrome

A common, chronic condition of nerve entrapment in the wrist characterized by tingling, sensory loss, and bilateral wasting of the median nerve distribution to the hand.

carry

In first aid and lifesaving, a method for moving the victim to safety over land or through the water.

cartilage

Flexible connective tissue found in many areas of the human body, including joints, the rib cage, the spine, the ear and the nose. Unlike other connective tissue, cartilage does not contain blood vessels, so it grows and heals more slowly than other tissue.

case

1. A legal suit or action. 2. An instance of an illness or injury. 3. A situation requiring investigation or other action.

case history

A record of a situation that cites pertinent details (such as environmental conditions, victim behaviors, rescuer actions, etc.) for the purpose of analysis or illustration.

cataract

Partial or complete opacity of the ocular lens.

catch

The first part of the power phase of a swimming stroke during which the swimmer places his or her hand(s) in position to engage the water. The catch is followed by the midpull and the finish to complete the power phase. The recovery follows the power phase to bring the arms back into position to catch the water again.

catch pool

A small pool at the bottom of a water slide.

catchup drill

A technique for practicing body roll and balanced head movement with breathing for the front crawl. To perform the catchup drill, the swimmer starts by pushing off the wall and kicking with both arms extended in front. The swimmer takes an arm stroke, exhales in the water, and rolls to that side so that his or her belly button faces the side of the pool and his or her head (chin aligned with the sternum) rolls out of the water. The swimmer takes a breath and recovers the stroking arm by placing on top of the arm still extended. The swimmer repeats this drill using the opposite side of the body and continues to practice until he or she feels comfortable and balanced when rolling and breathing to both sides of the body.

cell

The smallest functional unit of all living things. In the human body, cells specialize to form organs and body systems that perform vital functions.

center of buoyancy

The point (usually in the chest) around which a body's buoyancy is concentrated.

center of mass

The point (usually in the hips) around which a body's mass is concentrated.

central vision

The focused or direct portion of the field of vision, produced by stimuli impinging directly on the macula retinae.

cervical collar

A rigid device positioned around the neck to restrict movement of the head and neck.

chemical feeder

A device that automatically dispenses chemicals into swimming pool water to maintain predefined levels.

chest

The upper part of the trunk of the body containing the heart, the lungs, and major blood vessels.

chest thrust

A forceful push on the chest of a patient with an obstructed airway, usually delivered in a series of 5 or more, for the purpose of expel any foreign matter blocking the airway.

childbirth

The culmination of a pregnancy which results in the delivery of a healthy newborn.

chloramine

An undesirable chlorine compound formed when free chlorine combines with ammonia and nitrogen-containing compounds in the water. This type of chlorine is not effective in disinfecting the water and may result in eye irritation and other health issues. Chloramines can be eliminated from pool water using breakpoint chlorination. Chloramines are also known as combined chlorine.

chlorinator

An electronic device that allows for the safe, automated introduction of chlorine to swimming pool water as needed.

chlorine

A chemical element added to swimming pool water as a gas (dichlorine), a liquid (sodium hypochlorite), or solid (calcium hypochlorite) to act as an oxidizer, sanitizer, disinfectant, and biocidal agent.

chlorine demand

The quantity of chlorine that must be added to swimming pool water to destroy all chloramines and to oxidize all organic material.

chlorine lock

A theoretical condition of pool water in which a high level of combined chlorine exists that does not respond easily to breakpoint chlorination. Some pool experts do not believe chlorine lock exists.

chromatic vision

Normal color vision in which the colors of the spectrum are distinguished and evaluated.

circle swimming

A technique for sharing a lane during lap swimming or training in which two or more swimmer stay to the right as close to the lane line as possible, creating an elongated, counterclockwise circle pattern within the lane that allows for swimming in both directions. Circle swimming etiquette includes selecting lanes and swimming partners who are performing similar types of workout at similar speeds, use an agreed upon passing signal (like a tap on the foot).

circuit breaker

A switch to manually override an electric circuit. The circuit breaker can also be automatically tripped when fluctuations in electric current occur.

circulation system

The circuit of plumbing and pumps that continuously move water from the swimming pool through heating, filtering, disinfecting, and pH balancing elements and then back to the pool again.

circulatory system

A body system consisting of the heart, lungs, blood vessels and blood components that work together to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the body and to remove carbon dioxide.

clarifier

A chemical used as a coagulant of suspended microparticles in swimming pool water. This helps the swimming pool filtration system by clumping these particles into filterable sizes.

clavicle

Either of the two collarbones of the human body.

clinical death

The condition of a patient who shows no signs of life (i.e., no movement, breathing, or pulse). In this condition, a patient who receives effective basic and advanced life support may recover fully. Every second counts. Without prompt and effective care, clinical death can progress to biological death (i.e., irreversible damage to brain cells) in as little as 4 minutes. Following biological death, signs of obvious death occur over time.

clot

(n) A small coagulated mass of blood. (v) To undergo chemical changes that result in converting fluid blood into a coagulated mass for sealing openings in blood vessels.

clothing layers

A method of dressing for comfort and insulation in the cold, consisting of 3 layers: a base layer of wool or capilene to keep you dry, an insulating layer of wool or fleece to protect you from the cold, and an outer layer (shell layer) of waterproof Gor-Tex or equivalent to protect you from wind, rain, and snow.

coagulant

1. The chemical agent involved in blood clotting. 2. A chemical added to swimming pool water to act as a clarifier by clumping suspended microparticles together so they can be filtered out as pool water circulates.

coagulate

To cause to become viscuous or thickened into a coherent mass, as with blood clotting.

collarbone

Either of the horizontal bones extending from the sternum to the right or left shoulder. Also called the clavicles.

color vision

Perception of and ability to distinguish colors.

combined chlorine

The measure of chlorine that has reacted with other molecules (typically ammonia and nitrogen compounds). Many of these compounds are present in water as undesirable chloramines.

comedo (plural: comedones)

The medical name for acne. An open comedo is a blackhead; a closed comedo is a whitehead or pimple.

competitive swimming

A sport in which participants race each other in one or more events that require swimming particular strokes for prescribed distances.

complete airway obstruction

A blockage of the breathing passage to the degree that the patient cannot cough, speak, or breathe.

complication

A secondary disease or condition occurring during the course of a primary disease or condition.

conditioner

Another name for cyanuric acid, a stabilizer in outdoor pools to prevent the dissipation of chlorine due to exposure to the sun.

conduit

A pipe used to carry cables from a power source to a load.

consciousness

The state of being aware of one's self and one's surroundings. An ill or injured individual can experience a lowering level of consciousness or unconsciousness.

consent

Permission to provide care given by an ill or injured person or, in the case of a child, by the parent or guardian of the ill or injured child.

contact transmission

A major pathway of disease transmission that occurs through direct or indirect contact with an infected individual, animal, or inanimate object.

contaminant

An undesirable element in a place or substance (e.g., a swimming pool) that poses a health hazard. Examples of contaminants include bacteria, dirt, sweat, urine, etc.

cool down

The final part of a workout in which the swimmer tapers off from the higher intensity workout to allow the heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism return to their resting levels. Cool-down activities are similar to warm-up activities and should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Cooper 12-Minute Swim Test

An age- and gender-adjusted swimming test of aerobic capacity and endurance, performed by having the swimming cover the greatest distance possible in 12 minutes using whatever stroke(s) are preferred and resting as necessary. A chart defines the following fitness categories based on age, gender, and distance swum: excellent, good, fair, poor, and very poor. To download the Cooper 12-minute swim chart, check out this University of Michigan lab sheet.

coping

The capstone on the top of the bond beam which finishes the edge around a pool or spa.

copper sulfate

A chemical used as a coagulant and flocculent in water (usually in ponds,not swimming pools).

corrosion

The etching, pitting, and/or erosion of swimming pool surfaces and equipment due to low pH (acidic water).

cough

(n) An act or sound of coughing. (v) To expel air from the lungs suddenly with an explosive noise.

cough CPR

The use of voluntary coughs every 1 to 3 seconds after the onset of a heart attack to generate blood flow and to prolong consciousness. This practice should be limited to environments where the patient is being monitored by health professionals; it should not delay conventional care.

coupling

A fitting designed to join two pieces together.

cover

A plastic or vinyl "blanket" cut into sections that float on the surface of the water and cover the entire pool to magnify the sun's rays to warm the water while minimizing the dissipation of pool chemicals.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

critical burn

Any of the following: A burn of the head, neck, chest, hands, feet, or genitals; a 2nd or 3rd degree burn over more than one body part; or any burn caused by fire, chemicals, or explosion.

cross-training

A method of exercising so that the effects of training in one sport enhance the effects in another.

crust

Dried serum, pus, or blood mixed with epithelial and sometimes bacterial debris. Crust composed of blood is also called a scab.

cutaneous

Of, relating to, or affecting the skin.

cyanosis

Bluish color in the skin due to insufficient oxygen levels in the blood.

cyst

An epithelial-lined cavity containing liquid, semi-sold, or solid material.

D

daily log

A written journal of daily activities, statistical data, and important happenings kept by the aquatic staff.

dam

A man-made barrier across a water course to hold back or control water flow.

DE

Diatomaceous earth.

debris

The remains of something broken down or destroyed; rubbish or trash.

decay

1. The destruction of an organic substance by slow combustion or gradual oxidation. Also known as putrefaction. 2. In dentistry, caries.

decompression sickness

A sometimes fatal disorder caused by the release of gas bubbles (e.g., nitrogen) in body tissue due to a rapid decrease in air pressure after a stay in a compressed atmosphere. Decompression sickness is marked by neuralgic pains and paralysis, distressed breathing, and collapse. Also called the bends.

deep water

Generally, water over 5 feet deep. Also, water over the head of any person.

deep-water line search

A search pattern used in deep, murky water in which several lifeguards with mask, fins, and snorkel surface dive in a line formation and swim underwater to cover sections of waterfront to find a submerged victim.

deer tick

A tiny variety of tick, found around beaches and in wooded or grassy areas, that commonly attaches itself to deer and field mice. The deer tick transmits a microorganism that causes Lyme disease in humans.

defense

Any of the various current or former lifesaving techniques used to keep a drowning victim from grabbing the rescuer, including the block, block and carry, block and turn, front drive, and front active victim defense.

defibrillation

An electric shock administered by an automated external defibrillator (AED) to correct a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm.

defibrillator

A device that sends an electric shock through the chest to correct a life-threatening heart rhythm.

deformity

A physical blemish or disfigurement of the body.

dehydration

An abnormal depletion of body fluids.

denture

A usually removable set of false teeth.

dermis

The sensitive vascular inner layer of the skin between the epidermis above and subcutaneous tissues below.

descending rest interval

A training technique used in competitive swimming during which the participants maintain a constant swimming rate but decrease the rest period between each swim.

descending set

A training technique used in competitive swimming during which the participants perform each swim faster than the previous swim of the same distance.

designer drug

A synthetic version of a controlled substance (like heroin) that is produced with a slightly altered molecular structure to avoid having it classified as an illegal drug.

developmentally disabled

A person with physical or mental impairments that manifest prior to the age of 18.

diabetes, diabetes mellitus

Any of a group of diseases of the endocrine system that affects carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, resulting in high blood sugar due either to body's inability to produce insulin or the cells inability to use insulin produced by the body.

diabetic

A person with diabetes.

diabetic coma

A medical emergency characterized by a lower level of consciousness due to either hypoglycemia (caused by a failure to eat, strenuous exercise, and/or insulin overdose) or hyperglycemia (cause by a lack of insulin and dehydration).

diaphragm

A sheet of internal muscle that extends across the bottom of the rib cage (separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities of the body) and assists with respiration by contracting during inhalation and relaxing during exhalation.

diastolic blood pressure

A measure of arterial pressure when the heart is at rest.

diatomaceous earth (DE)

A white powder made up of the porous, fossilized skeletons of one-cell organisms called diatoms. DE is used as a medium in DE filters used in certain swimming pools.

diatomaceous earth (DE) filter

A swimming pool filter designed to use DE as a filter medium.

dichlor

The commercial name for sodium dichloro isocyanuric acid, a quick dissolving chlorine compound made up of chlorine and cyanuric acid (stabilizer) with a pH of 6.9. Dichlor should only be used for regular chlorination since too much cyanuric acid in pool water can lead to overstabilization and chlorine lock.

differently abled

A term coined by Toy R Us to reflect the social model of disability and to emphasize that all children are unique in their talents and abilities.

Diploma Award

The highest lifesaving award issued by the Canadian Lifesaving Society and the Royal Lifesaving Society of the United Kingdom via the Royal Lifesaving Society Commonwealth. It is designed for those seeking a challenging opportunity to demonstrate exceptional lifesaving ability and leadership. The Diploma Award encourages excellence in practical ability and theoretical knowledge either by the development of superior aquatic skills or through the completion of a major project or assignment.

dip/swing

A National Pool & Waterpark Lifeguard Training (Ellis and Associates) rescue used to turn an unconscious victim at the surface of the water onto his/her back. To perform the dip/swing, the lifeguard approaches the front of the victim, reaches over his/her rescue tube, "shakes hands" with the victim, and dips and swings the victim's arm and shoulder in a deep semi-circular movement causing the victim to turn onto the back and be drawn onto the rescue tube.

direct carry

An emergency move used to transfer an unconscious, nonspinal victim from a stretcher to a hospital bed. To perform this carry, position the stretcher at a right angle to the bed (i.e., the foot of the stretcher at the head of the bed). With the help of another rescuer, lift the victim as unit by supporting the victim's head and shoulder and waist and hips and curl the victim toward your chests. Turn the victim toward the bed and gently lower the victim.

direct contact

A mode of disease transmission caused by direct person-to-person contact, such as touching infected wounds or blood with an unprotected hand or having sexual contact with an infected person.

direct lift

An emergency move used to transfer an unconscious, nonspinal victim from the ground to a stretcher or, in the water, from the surface of shallow water to a low deck. To perform this move, three rescuers line up on one side of the victim (the side facing away from the litter or deck). The rescuers place hands under the victim at the head and shoulders, the waist and buttocks, and the hips and legs. As a unit, the rescuers lift and curl the victim and place the victim on the stretcher or deck. (When on land, the victim can be lifted in two steps: first the rescuers lift to one knee and then the rescuers stand up.)

direct medical control

A type of medical oversight in which an emergency care physician talks directly to emergency care providers at the emergency scene.

direct pressure

A technique for controlling severe bleeding by pressing firmly on the wound, usually with a gloved hand after applying a sterile dressing.

direct vision

Another name for central vision.

disability

A physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological variation intrinsic to an individual that results in an impairment or limitation. In the medical model of disability, the impairment itself is seen as reducing the quality of life and causing clear disadvantages to the individual. In the social model of disability, the emphasis is on the systemic barriers, negative attitudes, and exclusion by society as the true source of the individual's disadvantage. To see how one company reflects the social model of disability, check out the Toys R Us toy guide for "differently abled" children.

disinfection

A treatment that destroys microorganisms on an object or in an environment (such as swimming pool water).

distance per stroke (dps)

A measure of stroke speed and efficiency, the yards or meters traveled during one complete cycle of the arms. Also called stroke length.

diving board

An apparatus used for entering deep water that consists of a springboard mounted to a 1- or 3-meter structure with an adjustable fulcrum to increase or decrease the bounce in the board.

diving platform

An elevated stationary structure used for diving. Often, diving platforms are built into a diving tower with diving boards and platforms are various heights.

diving tower

An elevated structure used for diving that consists of diving boards and platforms of various heights: 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 meters.

dolphin breaststroke

A variation of the breaststroke performed by dropping the hips and bringing the shoulders upward, forward, and well out of the water as the arms sweep inward. Then, after taking a breath, the swimmer returns his or her head to the water as arms extend forward in the recovery. This creates a wave-like undulation similar to the butterfly.

dolphin kick

A leg kick performed with the butterfly stroke by thrusting legs downward together in a "fishtail" action from the hip and recovering the legs upward, timed to the wave-like movement of the entire body, thus producing one or two kicks per arm cycle.

double dolphin kick

The leg action of the fully developed butterfly, two kicks per arm cycle.

Down Syndrome

The most common genetic condition (occurring in 1 of every 691 babies) most often caused by an extra 21st chromosome. This extra genetic material alters the course of development and causes characteristics associated with the condition, such as cognitive delays, low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant of the eyes, and a single deep crease across the middle of the palm. Every person with this condition is a individual and may possess these characteristics to varying degrees or not at all. Children with Down Syndrome learn to sit, walk, talk, play, and do most other activities. only somewhat later than their peers without Down Syndrome. About 10% to 20% of children with Down Syndrome have atlantoaxial instability (a looseness in the ligaments supporting the cervical vertebrae) and should not learn head-first diving.

drag

The resistance acting upon a body as the body moves through a fluid (e.g., air or water).

drag suit

A training device with strategically positioned pockets to be worn by a swimmer to increase resistance while swimming. The drag suit was developed by James E. "Doc" Counsilman.

drowning

Submersion in water that results in suffocation. The outcomes of a drowning can be death, recovery with morbidity, or recovery with no morbidity.

dryland training

The use of out-of-water techniques (e.g., stretching, resistance workouts, weight training, etc.) to improve swimming skills.

duration

The amount of time spent during each exercise session.