10 August 2008
WAXAHACHIE, Texas - It’s a blazing hot summer day, so you decided to take a swim in a local pool. Upon arriving, you note the lifeguard blowing her whistle to get a child to stop jumping off the side of the pool wall. You may think to yourself, that she is being overprotective and she should just ignore the child; but being a lifeguard is not an easy job.

Recently this summer I became a Red Cross certified lifeguard and received a job at the Waxahachie County Club as a lifeguard. With this new job, I have a completely different perspective about lifeguards. I used to believe that the only thing lifeguards did was just sit and watch people while they get tans. But now that outlook has entirely changed.

At my job, first when I arrive, I empty dirt and leaves out of the pool filters. Then I make sure there is enough chlorine in the pool. Next, I vacuum the dirt and leaves off the bottom of the pool. Once everything is clean, I prepare myself for patrons to come by putting on plenty of sunscreen and staying hydrated.

When patrons arrive, I always keep a watchful eye on both swimmers and people just watching the swimmers. While observing the patrons, I mainly focus on weak swimmers and swimmers in the deep end of the pool. The reason for this is that weak swimmers could easily slip below the surface and not be able to come back up, and the swimmers in the deep end could become exhausted of supporting their body weight and sink to the bottom. I also keep watch over the people just watching others, because they could become dehydrated or have a heat stroke or even have a heart attack. Vigilance is key.

Mostly I blow my whistle only when a child is running or jumping off the side of the pool. If a child runs with wet feet he might fall and cut himself, and if a child jumps off the pool he might jump too close to the wall and hit his head on the side. Those are my main two reasons for blowing my whistle.

And of course, CAP knowledge has helped me with being a lifeguard. One, by keeping my self hydrated, two, by keeping a watchful eye on others, and three, by knowing basic first aid procedures. Although I’ve never had to save anyone yet, from CAP I know without a doubt how to.

With all of this in mind, I hope I have given you a bit of an insight as to why lifeguards do the things they do, and the reason why they do them. We lifeguards also like it when patrons bring us some water to drink.

Don’t forget, if you ever need a lifeguard for a squadron, group, or wing activity feel free to ask me. Have a great summer and stay hydrated!

 

Article and pictures submitted by Capt Tiffany Hamm