I can’t believe that the summer is over! We’ve had a cold snap the last few days so we can’t even go swimming. When was the last time you heard of a low in the 40s in August? Today it was only 63 and rainy. I’m SO glad we’re not on vacation this week!
I began thinking about this safety topic a few weeks ago when we were at the town pool and noticed the lifeguards talking among themselves, eating lunch, and talking on cell phones while sitting around the pool. There were 3 of them, 2 swim instructors and 1 “on duty”, but frankly, none of them looked “on duty”.
I was concerned when a small boy (who I later overheard was only 5 years old) was swimming in the deep end and seemed to struggle a bit as he was reaching for the side. He was OK but I immediately looked around and not one other adult was watching him. I couldn’t tell who his parent was and for sure the lifeguard didn’t see him…she was talking to a friend and her back was turned away from the deep end.
When we were on vacation I started to further question how carefully the lifeguards actually guard a pool. We stayed at a lovely resort and they had a nice pool but I watched these lifeguards do the same things. When some older brothers were rough-housing, not one word was spoken to them (by the guards or by their parents) even though they were disturbing the other guests in the pool.
I definitely am not trying to bash lifeguards because it’s definitely a job I could not physically do and the lifeguards at the ocean beaches are the picture of professionalism. But certainly these high school and college kids, who have been through first aid training, know that all it takes is one quick second for a tragic accident to happen. What if the talking guards missed a little swimmer go under and not come back up? What if somebody was bumped underwater by mistake when the brothers were wrestling?
All it takes is a second for something tragic to happen. Even though I have a sense of security knowing there are lifeguards on duty, I will continue to keep my eyes on my kids at all times.
But I expect YOU to keep your eyes on your own kids. I’m tired of being the only adult at the pool watching everybody else’s kids.
August 26th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I totally agree with you!! It does only take a second. Actually, last summer, my son was taking swimming lessons at the local pool and his instructor had a younger helper. Well, the younger girl wasn’t paying attention and on of the students (about 5 years old) starting bobbing in the water! When she finally got him, he started throwing up!! The teacher was shocked and, having missed what had happened, just thought that the child was sick. I was so upset about this that I actually reported it to the manager!!! It was so frustrating! It is a good thing that WE are such great moms, huh?! LOL!
March 26th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
What many people don’t realize is that First Aid Training and CPR AED classes are easy to complete and fun to learn – A must-do for all parents! I’ve even seen organizations train young children. A great way of instilling confidence and a starting them on the right track.