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PAST REVIEWS
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shared such outstanding reviews — your words mean the world to us! If you've trained with us, we'd love to hear about your experience too. Leave us a review on Google.
Featured
This letter is in reference to Lifeguard Systems and the water rescue class they provide. Six Flags Great Adventure highly recommends their services and programs. In April 1996, production started on a new water ski/stunt show for the 1996 season. As the planning, rehearsing, and production moved ahead, it was apparent that specialized training in water rescue was going to be needed. Lifeguard Systems was recommended by other paraprofessionals in the area.
Prior to any actual training, Lifeguard Systems spent many hours viewing the show, interviewing performers and technicians to gather information regarding their concerns, abilities and roles, and developing a rescue program that was tailored to our needs and stunt show. Once the rescue program was developed, four training sessions were held. The first session, all the technicians were present, EMS and the Fire Department were represented, but only one performer was in attendance. During that session, all the "classroom" work was covered. After the first session, more performers became interested in the class. Lifeguard Systems then set aside additional time just to work with the performers.
The last three sessions were all practical in nature. While crews were practicing lifesaving techniques in the water (both for the victim and the rescuer) other crews were practicing skills on land. Some of the skills covered on land were CPR, rope bag throwing, basic life support, and C-spine immobilization. The in-water skills included spinal injury management and transport with backboards, buoy deployment, and self-rescue for the rescuer. The last day was spent dealing with simulated rescue scenarios with varying degrees of injuries.
Aside from the preparation and actual training, Lifeguard Systems provided Six Flags with a list of recommended safety procedures, corrective measures, and needed rescue equipment they felt was warranted by the level of activity in the stunt show. What impressed us the most about Lifeguard Systems was their professionalism, their friendliness, and their genuine interest in both our questions and concerns and in making the stunt show a safe show, both for the performers and the would be rescuers.
— Edward A. Zakar, Safety/Risk Manager & Bob O'Neill, Manager of Entertainment, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
REVIEW CATEGORIES
LGS TRAINING
"LGS is the best training agency in the US today"
"In 99% of classes I attend, I am reading my Kindle and counting the minutes until I can leave. I didn't take out my Kindle once during this class"
"I have taken over 800 hours of classes at the state fire academy and I have not had any instructor as knowledgeable as the ones in this class."
"I am a member of a volunteer fire department in Whitehall, PA. Our team consisted of several recreationally trained divers with certifications ranging from open water to divemaster, and all equipment was personal gear which was not standardized. We were able to get the department to buy standardized gear for all of the divers, but we realized we were still missing a key component… Public Safety Diver Training. Over the next few years, several of us attended courses designed for Public Safety Divers put on by various instructors and organizations. Although I could spend a lot of time telling you about the bad experiences we encountered with some of them, I can without any hesitation recommend one company . . . Lifeguard Systems! We scheduled a Rapid Deployment Search and Rescue/Recovery course in our town, and opened it up to other organizations. We were able to train a large group of our divers, while also generating some reimbursement from enrollment by students from outside our department. Since that first class, we have continued to utilize Lifeguard Systems, and at least three other local agencies have also scheduled programs with them. Lifeguard Systems provided us with well thought out procedures that were proven in real life situations. They taught us not to take something for granted without testing it in realistic conditions. The most important thing we learned is that we only have one job we must do on every call out . . . we need to go home at the end of the day! This emphasis on safety of the PSD is paramount to their training method."
"I called Monday morning to order an Ice Rescue Sling, and was in need of having it by Thursday. I am happy to say that the sling was delivered on Tuesday morning. I would like to thank you for your quick service. Having this device for our squad training on Thursday will be a great asset. Thank you again for your help."
RAPID DEPLOYMENT SEARCH AND RESCUE/RECOVERY
"This past week I took the RDSR program in Portland Conn. I was overwhelmed by the teachers and the systems taught. Andrea and Ken did a fantastic job. I received great information to bring back to my dive team."
"The training I have received from Lifeguard Systems has been invaluable to myself and our Dive Recovery Team. We have changed our techniques to reflect those taught by Andrea and Bryan. There has already been a significant improvement in our recovery operations. The confidence level of our divers has also increased. I look forward to more training in the future with the excellent staff of Lifeguard Systems."
"I would like to take this opportunity to express how much the members of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Dive Team who recently completed Rapid Deployment Search and Rescue/Recovery found the training a worthwhile investment in training time and cost. We found the course well organized and on the cutting edge of what is currently available. In addition to your efforts, those of your assisting staff members are also appreciated and recognized as being of professional caliber. We all now have a better understanding of what our current resource and skill limitations are and what we must do to develop and improve our capabilities. Thanks for an excellent training course. Keep up the good work and spread the word."
"Our three day training session in August proved to exceed our high expectations. We've always felt that, as a team, we had an excellent group of divers and were quite well prepared for the job that we are called to do. Starting with the first evening session, we could see the passion for what you teach and that you had well founded reasoning for your procedures. We knew from this point that this would be a learning few days. Both of you brought to us, as a team, a new vision for how we need to operate. You're right…finding something is easy. What's hard is to do it in a safe & methodical way while documenting and recording the complete operation for immediate and future use. You have put us on the right track of accomplishing this and we now have the knowledge tools to polish our operational procedures. I'm sure we'll be working with you in the future!"
"I am a rescue diver for Whitehall Fire Dept. in PA. I have been through 2 courses from LGS, Rapid Deployment Search and Rescue/Recovery, and Rapid Deployment Ice Diving Search and Rescue/Recovery. I enjoyed them both, learned a lot, and I look forward to the next one. The techniques work since we started using them (twice with positive results)."
"On behalf of the Drowning Accident Rescue Team, I'd like to thank you for putting on the Rapid Deployment Search and Rescue Dive Course. All those that had the opportunity to attend the course came away with valuable knowledge I know will be employed to a high degree in our future operations. Thank you again for your team's expertise. Bryan and Andrea were superb instructors."
"I have been active in the fire service for 28 years and have attended a training class or two. However!!! This past weekend had to be the BEST TRAINING I have ever had!!! If any of you ever get a chance to attend any of LGS training DO IT!! You may have flashbacks from any past military service and you'll go home tired…but you will learn that the most important thing to learn is to be sure that 'YOU GO HOME WHEN THE JOB IS DONE!!'"
"I would like to personally thank you and your staff for sharing with me your experience and suggestions that will enable me to return safely home after each dive. Your suggestions for enhancing not only my personal, but our teams readiness will enable us to serve our community better when the need arises. In over seventeen years as a Police Officer, I can not remember when I had the privilege to work with as well trained and professional team as I did last weekend. Thank you again for taking the time to share your expertise and ideas with us."
"I was fortunate enough to take your Rapid Deployment Search and Rescue/Recovery course at the Pittsfield FD. I just wanted you to know what a valuable experience it was. I have been diving for going on twenty six years and although I have taken many rescue courses I have never learned so much in such a short period of time. As a Fire Training Instructor for Berkshire County I know how important it is to keep things interesting so as to keep students attention. Let me just say that I can't speak for everyone, but I was certainly 'glued to my seat'. Thank you for a great course and teaching me so much."
"I think this class should be a standard to being on a dive team — just like going to the fire academy to be a fire fighter."
"We learned a lot about how to work together as a team. Learned why it is so important to go home safe at the end of the day. Whether you are a new team or existing team, LGS has something for everyone to learn. You can never know enough about safety."
"Extremely worthwhile. During this course you will be tested as a diver or tender. This course makes you think not just now but to be prepared for what is going to happen in the short and long term."
"Great info. Great instructors. Great Experience."
"YES! this class was very informative and hands on. It is much more useful than Dive Rescue I ever was."
"A must-have if planning on or already have a dive team. I realized how much I didn't know….it's not as simple as sending a diver out on a rope."
AQUATIC DEATH AND HOMICIDAL DROWNING INVESTIGATION
"In 11 years of attending countless trainings, I felt like I learned the most from this class"
"Yes — should be required for all dive and detective divisions"
"Awesome class. Very well done. I have never had a better class"
"I learned a lot of useful info for both CID/Child Death Investigations as well as dive team work"
"As both a diver on the Sheriff's Office's Dive team and a crime scene investigator, I now know what to look for"
"I learned more about homicide investigation in the 2 days than in the combined total of 3 other courses spanning 2-5 weeks"
"There is so much info in this course that will help us conduct more thorough death investigations"
"This training was fantastic. Not one boring topic and Andrea kept everyone's attention. Andrea's life/work experiences are a must to hear"
"The material and instructor were awesome! I will never look at another drowning the same way again"
"I have never attended a class that went into this much depth regarding drowning. I think all patrol officers should attend a class like this, so much evidence can be lost in a short amount of time"
"Bringing Law Enforcement, Fire, Coroner, EMTs together for this training is absolutely a must. Having all the potential stakeholders trained the same improves your chances of a successful investigation"
"Every detective should take this course. Simple awareness of drownings, scene management and exhibit / evidence preservation."
"Very eye opening"
"Andrea does an amazing job of presenting it"
"Would like to see it more available to police, general practitioners and local medical examiners"
"[recommend to] more 1st responders, police, EMS/fire, prosecutors, medical examiners, emergency physicians"
"Would like to see it applied / instructed at our basic academy"
"[recommend] to everyone. Especially patrol officers, first responders, LAPD Academy"
"One of the greatest eye openers"
"I couldn't imagine another death investigation without this course"
"[would recommend] to all law enforcement medical and coroner / medical examiner personnel, so that suspicious circumstances are not overlooked as natural or accidental deaths"
"It will change how you handle your scene / death investigation forever. Drownings will never just be an accident, tragedy from the start"
"One of the best courses in 21 years"
"It's something every investigator could use. There are not many classes that give this type of information"
"For anyone in death investigation, this course is a must."
"Every dive team should attend this training."
"Lots of good information that helps to open the eyes to the fact that many drownings are not accidental"
"It should be a required course for all detectives"
"I don't know where else I would have gotten this valuable information."
"This is a very important course for all first responders to experience"
"The more people that know what to do at a scene make it easier to do the job with less mistakes"
"Lots of eye opening facts. Great for all first responders — Police, Fire, EMS, etc."
"Due to this training, I will never again look at a drowning as accidental, until all evidence is examined first. A valuable course for all first responders"
"Yes, every Investigator who handles any body in water cases should attend this training"
"All information presented was relevant to real world water related and homicidal drowning investigations."
"Information learned in this class can and will help all Investigators in all agencies nation wide and, it is highly recommended to all in the future. Your class should be full."
"Loved this course, very objective view along with fresh material. This area of investigation is mostly overlooked. Zaferes presented the material like a motivational speaker."
"I learned how to properly process a drowning scene"
"Absolutely! [would recommend] to everyone — EMS, Police and Coroner/Deputy Coroner should have this class — Oh, let's not forget Lawyers and Judges"
"Loved it! Great job! I learned more in 2 days than I have ever learned in a lifetime"
"I have learned more in 2 days than in my life regarding CSI…I would recommend it to anyone in the field of criminal justice"
"Most worthwhile. Second only to the actual dive course for how much I learned. It embodies a change in thinking that needs to occur service-wide. I most liked the shift from an acceptance of 'accidental drowning' explanation and the 3 questions."
"Great tools for actually conducting investigations. Extremely practical. Fantastic. Absolutely [recommend this course] to investigators and rescuers. Very knowledgeable instructor with data to back nearly everything and experience. This was among the top courses I have taken as an investigator in over 11 years on special investigations. Inspiring!"
SURFACE ICE RESCUE
"We have numerous lakes and rivers in our area. We have a high probability of an incident like this happening"
"It was very, very informative. I didn't know there was this much to know about ice rescue."
"It is a great opportunity to get trained and work with tools / equipment you haven't seen before."
"There is a good probability of using this training in my response area. Good class — interesting — informative — confidence building"
"Was a great course on how to safely, efficiently, and quickly recover a victim in an ice rescue situation."
"Dispelled many 'myths' of ice rescue — lots of hands-on – great info, very practical"
"I was very impressed with the incorporation of medical knowledge in this rescue class. I would recommend this class to my Paramedic School Directors."
"Even though we do not have a lot of these calls, every FD should do this course. It can save firefighters' lives."
"Well worth the time and a wealth of knowledge gained."
"This type [of] training will be recommended to all I work & volunteer for."
"Very informative, interesting, and fun. A lot more is to be learned than what home companies have done."
"We have a lot of water incidents in our area. I feel these skills are important to have."
"Well worthwhile. I have taken this class twice before and I pick up more information and techniques each time…helps a great deal with cold water operations."
"The instructors are knowledgeable, the participation is effective. I learned a lot."
"Obtained some valuable knowledge of ice conditions, hypothermia. Learned more about [ice] rescue equipment and methods of use. Never know when you might be in the position of rescuer or victim."
"It has opened my eyes to the effects of cold and the energy required to perform a rescue."
"As a tender [new] I am now aware of all of the duties and responsibilities required of me in my role and am confident now that I can complete the task."
"This class was exceptional and it really raises concerns about the use of recreational training agencies for public safety diving. The current standards for most fire departments are dangerously lacking."
"Course was very worthwhile because by breaking it all down to little steps it makes it easier to get in the ice. Takes fears away by concentrating on details."
INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
"I completed the Team LGS PSD Phase 1 ITC about three weeks ago and have never had a learning experience that came close to comparing to this 10 day course. Bottom line — If you want to learn the most from the best, take the LGS ITC! There were 5 of us in the class, two were already NAUI Instructors, 3 were Dive Team Leaders & I strongly believe everyone left the ITC with the same feeling I have. Prior to showing up to the ITC, Team LGS requires that you complete their Scuba Instructor Readiness Series (SIRS) program. This self-study program includes a 5 video tape series with a 700 page workbook that you fill out as you watch the tapes. The tape subjects are Physics, Physiology, Confined Water Sessions, Open Water Sessions/Dive Tables, and Teaching Concepts. I cannot overstate what an incredibly valuable tool this was. SIRS teaches the subjects in a stimulating manner that keeps you focused & interested. As you are learning the material, you're also learning effective methods of teaching the information effectively. I spent about 3 months, maybe 2-3 times a week for 2-3 hours on the SIRS series. It sounds like a lot, and it is. However, completing SIRS gave me a great advantage once the course began & will be a tool I will always use to increase my personal skill level, knowledge & teaching ability.
Throughout the course they constantly required you to THINK about what you were learning, the reasons WHY something is done a particular way being as important as the how-to-do it. Rather than get up in front of the class & lecture us on the various subjects, we, the Instructor Candidates, are the ones going up there & teaching the information. We each gave about 20-25 or more teaching presentations, not only in class but in the pool, in open water etc. Butch & Andrea did an excellent job of focusing on & working through the student's weaknesses. They always encouraged questions & would spend time outside of class to assist you. The focus was always on your potential students & how you can always maximize their learning experience. Lastly, and most importantly they constantly strove to drive in SAFETY — The LGS motto is 'At the end of the day, go home safely' & everything they do is geared towards that. You will be very challenged finding a safer way to perform public safety diving."
PUBLIC SAFETY DIVING (PSD)
"I have taken open water diving courses before, and did not learn half that I did in this one. All personnel looking to work in public safety diving should take this course"
"Greatly expanded my knowledge of diving. Everyone will benefit from this course no matter how long you have been diving."
"The instructors went in-depth into every part of the course making it easier to learn and made us all around better divers."
"Thank you again for what has proved to be the best diving related course I have taken, both in content and presentation. I would definitely recommend this course for any diver of any certification level. The FN/O2 course provides in depth theory into what causes diving accidents and translates it into practical application that any diver can use in the field. This is true of both self evaluation and evaluation of other divers. I have been teaching scuba for over 20 years and I am not ashamed to say that I learned more teaching techniques in the FN/O2 instructor program than in any class I have ever taken. Plus, I am continuing to learn from the Lifeguard Systems video series. I have already integrated many of the techniques into my classes. In my opinion any instructor's classes would be improved as a result of taking this program, both on an informational level and a presentation level."
SWIFTWATER
"The course was very well taught and the information conveyed well. A lot of good info. I was very impressed with the course content and presentation. I learned a lot about looking at the big picture and keeping things to their basics."
"I have taken numerous LGS courses, you absolutely set the bar in the training industry"
LARGE AREA SEARCH AND RESCUE
"Very much so [worthwhile]! The curriculum of this class is time tested and well thought out. This will save our lives in a bad situation and absolutely improve our performance as a team. [I liked] the knowledge of the instructors, the drills and the strict standards kept by Butch & Bryan. Absolutely [recommend] — very impressive instructors, class content and safety!"
UNDERWATER INVESTIGATIONS
"I have taken over 800 hours of classes at the state fire academy and I have not had any instructor as knowledgeable as the ones in this class."
MOVING WATER SEARCH AND RESCUE/RECOVERY DIVING
"Top of the line Teachers who cared about us learning"
"Field training and application – Perfect balance between classroom and water time"
"The course was very well taught and the information conveyed well. A lot of good info. I was very impressed with the course content and presentation. I learned a lot about looking at the big picture and keeping things to their basics."
"Very beneficial to divers, tenders, and boat drivers."
"Teaches skills essential to public safety diving while keeping safety paramount."
"I have extended my capabilities by diving water I would not have previously dived. Any public safety diver would benefit from this training, experience."
"A good course for any agency that has swiftwater in their response district."
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has shared such outstanding reviews — your words mean the world to us! If you've trained with us, we'd love to hear about your experience too. Leave us a review on Google.
Elite operational training for law enforcement, dive teams, military units, and emergency response agencies since 1989.
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3211 State Route 28
Shokan, NY 12481
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