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Lifeguards train to save lives, keep their cool

  • Published
  • By Tarsha Storey
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  He stepped up on the diving board, jumped in the air, landed in the water and settled on the bottom of the pool. In one second, a typical day at the pool quickly became a rush to save the life of a 9-year-old boy. 

Even though this event happened in the mid-90s, the 20th Services Squadron lifeguards are aware this event could repeat itself at anytime. This is why the lifeguards’ training is very important, said Tim Godwin, 20th SVS pool supervisor and Wateree assistant supervisor. 

Mr. Godwin said each lifeguard at Shaw is required to have at least 40 hours of training prior to working for the pool. This training consists of first aid, CPR and many types of rescue skills. They must be at least 15 years of age, be able to swim 500 yards continuously, be able to tread water for up to two minutes and retrieve a 10-pound brick from the deepest part of Shaw’s pools: 12 feet. 

Retrieving a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool is designed to simulate retrieving a person. If the lifeguard can retrieve the brick, he or she can retrieve a drowning person from the bottom of the pool, Mr. Godwin said. 

The lifeguards are also required to undergo additional training throughout the summer to ensure they are able to rescue anyone at anytime. Every third week of the month, they conduct various types of training such as preventative training, rescue training, response time training and accident training. Response time training not only tests the lifeguards, it also tests Shaw’s emergency personnel who respond to the scene. This ensures there is one smooth transition from the lifeguards to the fire department and
ambulance teams. It also cuts down on the amount of panic because everyone knows where they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to do, Mr. Godwin said. 

“The training is hard, but it’s worth it when you save a life,” said Brittany McMickell, 20th SVS lifeguard. 

Another aspect of being a lifeguard is teaching swimming lessons. Lessons are Red Cross certified and are in two week increments. Sign up is available every third week on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $50 per child, Mr. Godwin said. 

“Everyone needs to know how to swim, or, at the very least know how to rescue someone from the water while standing on the side, using a device such as the sheppard’s crook,” Mr. Godwin said. 

When the lifeguards are not training, teaching swimming lessons or saving lives, they enforce the pool’s rules and watch for any swimmers who may need their help, Mr. Godwin said. 

Mr. Godwin said the pool can be a dangerous place if the rules are not followed. A few of the possible injuries that can result from not following the rules include: head trauma, spinal injuries and broken bones. Lifeguards are strict in enforcing the rules for the safety of the patrons. 

“So be cool, follow the rules!” he said.