Understanding why the recovery position helps an unconscious guest who may vomit

Recovery position: the simple move that buys time when danger sneaks in

Picture this: a sunny pool deck, families splashing, the lifeguard chair steady as a compass. Then suddenly an unconscious guest, maybe a bit pale, and a risk of vomiting looms. In that moment, the best aid isn’t a dramatic rescue—it’s a calm, careful move called the recovery position. It’s a staple you’ll hear about from Jeff Ellis Management lifeguard guidelines, and for good reason. It keeps the airway clear and buys time until help arrives.

Here’s the thing about airway safety in a snappy, non-drama way: when someone is unconscious or partly conscious, they can’t protect their own airway. Vomit can slip into the throat and lungs, which is a big deal. The recovery position is designed to prevent that, while also helping the person stay comfortable and stable.

What exactly is the recovery position, and why is it so effective?

• It’s a side-lying position, but with a few careful tweaks to keep the airway open and the person stable.

• It allows any vomit to drain from the mouth instead of backing up into the airway.

• It helps keep the airway clear if the person is not fully conscious and can’t protect themselves.

• It also reduces the risk of choking on saliva or fluids—yep, it’s as practical as it sounds.

Let’s compare it to a few other positions you might hear about in the heat of a moment.

• Supine (on the back): not ideal if vomiting could happen. The tongue can relax back and partially block the airway; vomit can pool in the mouth or throat.

• Front/face-down: this is more dangerous for someone who’s unconscious and nauseous. It won’t protect the airway, and laying flat can make vomiting worse.

• Side-lying (a general “to the side” idea): it’s related, but the recovery position is a specific setup that stabilizes the body and airway more reliably.

Now, how do you place someone into the recovery position—step by careful step, with the poolside in mind and the guest’s dignity intact?

A practical, lifeguard-ready sequence (keep this in mind, adapt to the scene, and always call for help if you’re unsure)

• Step 1: Check and call

• Approach the person, assess responsiveness, and check breathing.

• If they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally, shout for help and summon EMS while you begin CPR as indicated by guidelines.

• If they’re unconscious but breathing adequately, you can proceed to positioning and monitoring.

• Step 2: Get ready

• Kneel beside the person on their side that’s closest to you. Keep your stance stable; you don’t want to bump them or themselves.

• Clear the mouth if you can do so safely and if you can see and remove any obvious obstruction.

• Step 3: Arm and leg placement

• Take the arm nearest to you and position it at a right angle, tucked under the head so the cheek rests gently on the forearm.

• Stretch the arm farthest from you across the chest—this helps with stability and keeps the body from rolling too far.

• Bend the knee furthest from you to create a stable two-point base. This helps prevent the person from rolling onto their stomach or back.

• Step 4: Roll with care

• Gently roll the person toward you onto their side. You’re aiming for a natural, comfortable slope, not a forced twist.

• Position the top leg so that the knee is bent and the foot stays on the ground. This acts like a kickstand, preventing a roll-back.

• Step 5: Open the airway and check head position

• Tilt the head back slightly to keep the airway open, or place the chin in a neutral position if you’re using a simpler, guideline-based approach.

• The mouth should be angled slightly downward so any fluids can drain away from the airway tip.

• If possible, tilt the top cheek away from the ground so the airway can stay clear.

• Step 6: Monitor and adjust

• Keep an eye on breathing and responsiveness. If vomiting occurs, you want it to drain out of the mouth and not into the airway.

• If they remain unresponsive or if breathing becomes compromised, be prepared to adjust the position or begin CPR if needed.

• Recheck every few minutes and stay in position until help arrives or the person regains steady breathing.

A quick note if you’re wondering about comfort and safety on the deck

The recovery position isn’t about glamour—it’s about practicality and protection. When you’re near a pool, you’ll often deal with slippery surfaces, equipment, and a crowd that’s anxious to know what happened. The move is designed to be performed with confidence and minimal extra risk to you or the guest. If the situation allows, you can also place a light blanket or towel under the person for modesty and warmth, but keep the airway free and accessible.

What happens next? Monitoring and action steps worth keeping in mind

• After you’ve got them in recovery, stay with them. Don’t walk away just because you’ve done the move. You’re the lifeguard on the scene—your presence matters.

• Keep checking for signs of breathing or a change in responsiveness every 60 seconds or so, depending on the setting and local guidelines.

• If the person stops breathing or shows any sign of altered consciousness, begin CPR and call for advanced help immediately.

• If vomiting recurs, keep the person in a safe recovery position and clear fluids as needed, never attempting to force fluids or food in their mouth.

• Once help arrives, provide a concise handoff: what you saw, what position you used, how long the person has been in that state, and any changes you observed.

Why this choice matters for lifeguard duty

In a pool environment, anything that threatens the airway becomes a top priority, especially with guests who are unconscious or semi-conscious. The recovery position is a reliable, teachable method that aligns with the goal many lifeguards share: protect life now, stabilize the person, and get professional medical care on the way. It’s simple, effective, and adaptable to real-world chaos.

A few practical tips that can save you seconds

• Practice makes familiarity. If you can practice this move in a non-emergency setting, you’ll execute it more smoothly when it actually counts.

• Keep breathing checks quick and calm. Your tone can influence the guest’s family or bystanders too—staying composed helps everyone stay composed.

• Use your environment. If you’re on a deck with a towel rack, use towels to help position or shield modesty without obstructing the airway.

• Have a plan for multiple guests. If more people need attention after the first rescue, you’ll be glad you have a routine to follow rather than scrambling.

Common questions you might have (and straightforward answers)

• Is the recovery position always the right move? It’s the preferred option for an unconscious person who may vomit and who is breathing. If they are breathing normally and fully conscious, you might not need to change their position—staying with them and monitoring remains key.

• Can I place a person in recovery if they’re not breathing? If there’s no breathing or only gasping, you should initiate CPR and call for emergency help. The recovery position isn’t a substitute for CPR in that scenario.

• How long should someone stay in recovery? As long as they remain breathing and appear stable, keep them in the position and monitor. Help will take over if their condition changes.

Bringing it back to daily lifeguard life

The recovery position is one of those practical tools that feels almost intuitive once you know it well. It’s not about showmanship; it’s about clear thinking, quick action, and a steady hand when people need you most. When you’re patrolling a busy pool, there’s a rhythm to the day—laughter, splash, a whistle, and sometimes a moment that changes everything. In that moment, the recovery position is a lifeguard’s quiet, dependable ally.

If you’re navigating the world of water safety, you’ll hear a lot about airway management, patient positioning, and timely response. What stands out is this: a small, deliberate movement can preserve life, reduce the risk of aspiration, and buy precious time. And that’s exactly the kind of impact that makes lifeguarding not just a job, but a responsibility you can carry with pride.

So the next time you’re on duty and someone wobbles toward the edge of consciousness, remember the recovery position. It’s simple, it’s practical, and it’s proven to help keep airways clear and patients safe when vomiting could be a factor. You’ll do more than save a moment—you’ll help keep people safe long after they’ve stepped away from the water.