Lifeguards explain pool safety
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Lifeguards want you to have fun at the pool and protect you and your loved ones. WAFF 48 News wanted to know what all goes into a day's work and how lifeguards keep pools safe.
"Helping our patrons throughout the day, even if it's a small cut or carrying down a cooler to the deck," said lifeguard manager Trent Conquest at the Hampton House.
The lifeguards on the stand scan every inch of the pool.
"Especially here of all pools, it's a big pool. We are the last line of defense for children's safety and adults' safety. If anything were to happen, a random patron would not be able to make that save, so it's good we have trained professionals to help out," Conquest explained.
They rotate guards every 30 minutes to keep fresh eyes on swimmers. Guards may ask a parent if they see a child struggling to swim with their child so guards don't fixate on that one child.
Whistles usually mean a safety warning.
"Swimming is very exhausting and if you go a long period of time without taking a break you could potentially get cramps and drown and it's very dangerous so it's best to have everyone take a short break so people can catch their breath and get some water in your system and feel better," Conquest explained.
The Hampton House lifeguards have mandatory trainings three times per season and they can randomly get tested every summer. Guards practice CPR and saving active and passive swimmers more often than you think so if the time comes they are ready.
"So far it's going well we've only had one save which is pretty record low if you ask me here most pools have to make saves weekly," Conquest said.
While they keep the pool tidy they encourage every swimmer to learn the pool rules. Every pool is different.
"The majority of them are for safety even the double bounce rule," said Hampton House pool manager Julie Wyte.
Even if lifeguards are on duty they want parents to be aware of their child.
"It's very important that you know what your children are doing and where they are and if they are able to swim and responsible at the pool," Conquest added.
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