The job that is often taken for granted during the summer months is that of a lifeguard. They are often seen standing by the pool or perched upon their chairs, scanning the water for a swimmer that may be 'in over their heads' or having some trouble navigating through the water.

The job might seem like it would be just the opportunity to have fun with friends or enjoy being outside on a beautiful day while getting the opportunity to soak up some sun, but being a lifeguard is much more serious then that.

According to Wikipedia, a lifeguard supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers and others enjoying water sports in swimming pools, water parks or beaches.  Lifeguards should be strong swimmers and be trained in first aid, certified in water rescue techniques and be able to use rescue equipment. All pretty important things!

So when a video surfaced on the internet (presumably recorded somewhere in the United States) of a lifeguard spotting a drowning child in a pool filled with other swimmers, I thought it was time to remind people who may be heading to their favorite pool or water park just how important those lifeguards really are.

In the video, a little boy loses control of his inflatable in a wave pool. After falling into the water and then struggling to stay above the water, the lifeguard spots the little boy in trouble and within 10 seconds is able to swim to the boy and save him from drowning.

The female lifeguard quickly gets the boy's head above water, hits his back to clear his lungs of any water and brings him back to the side of the wave pool.

This video shows just how difficult it can be for lifeguards to notice a small child having problems in the water, even while other people are close by.  A scary statistic is that water experts say almost half of children who drown die within 25 yards of a parent or other adult.

If you are at a pool, lake or water park with no lifeguards on duty, watch for the signs that someone may be drowning.

  • Swimmers head will be low in the water or tilted back. Mouth may be level with the water and open.
  • The swimmer may be unable to focus or their eyes may be closed entirely.
  • The swimmer may be gasping for air or hyperventilating.
  • They may be trying to roll over on their back or even trying to swim in a direction but not getting anywhere.
  • The swimmer may even appear to be trying to climb an invisible ladder.

Be honest, would you have noticed this drowning little boy? The good news is that this little boy is okay. The better news is that there was a trained lifeguard nearby and recognized the warning signs of someone drowning. Watch this video and then take the time to thank a lifeguard for doing just that: guarding your life.

 

 

 

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