title: Impact of error self-perception of aerobic capacity in the safety and efficacy of the lifeguards.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The strong physical demands that are required of lifeguards during rescues also require an accurate self-perception of one's fitness level to be able to regulate the intensity of effort.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the real aerobic capacity (RAC) and to compare it with two self-reported measurements: subjective appraisal of aerobic capacity (SAAC) and appraisal of physical exercise (APE).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two professional lifeguards were included in the study. For an objective assessment of RAC, the lifeguards' maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) values were measured during treadmill stress tests. A fitness assessment questionnaire was used to obtain the SAAC and APE values.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a statistically significant association between the APE and RAC variables in the contingency analysis (p < 0.001). In total, 93.7% of the lifeguards who obtained a VO2max value below 43 ml kg(-1) min(-1) considered their aerobic capacity to be high or very high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This self-perception error of true aerobic capacity could lead to premature fatigue during a rescue, endangering both the lifeguard's life and the life of the victim. These data may help lifeguards and beach managers to become aware of the need to know lifeguards' true physical conditions through testing and structured training programs.
authors.affiliation: a University of Oviedo , Spain.
authors.forename: Jose A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Prieto
authors.affiliation: a University of Oviedo , Spain.
authors.forename: Paloma
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nistal
authors.affiliation: a University of Oviedo , Spain.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Méndez
authors.affiliation: b University of Vigo , Spain.
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Abelairas-Gomez
authors.affiliation: b University of Vigo , Spain.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barcala-Furelos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D018635:Rescue Work; D012449:Safety; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: aerobic capacity; lifeguards; safety of beaches; self-perception of physical fitness