The Impact of Lifeguard Training on Body Composition and the Effectiveness of Various Towing Techniques

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Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to assess changes in body composition following a water lifeguard training course and to examine the relationship between body composition parameters and the effectiveness of mannequin towing using different towing techniques. (2) Methods: Thirty-one male participants (22.69 ± 3.35 years) completed pre- and post-course assessments, including body composition analysis and 50-m mannequin towing tests performed using three techniques: Two-handed back tow, Chin tow, and Sailor’s tow. Body composition variables included body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and total body water (TBW). Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate differences in towing performance and associations between body fat and towing time. (3) Results: No significant changes in body composition parameters were observed after the course (all pFDR ≥ 0.29). Towing performance improved significantly across all techniques (p < 0.001). A significant main effect of towing technique was detected by the mixed-effects model (p = 0.04), indicating overall differences among techniques. However, none of the post hoc pairwise comparisons remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Body fat percentage was not significantly associated with towing performance (p = 0.55), and no consistent relationships were found across techniques or timepoints. (4) Conclusions: Short-term lifeguard training improves mannequin towing performance primarily through functional and technical adaptations rather than changes in body composition. Technical proficiency and motor coordination may therefore play a greater role than somatic characteristics in young, trained lifeguards.

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