By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Techniques Of Lifesaving Taught At Pool
Placeholder Image
"They are the lifeguards of the future," said Riverbank Recreation Director Sue Fitzpatrick.

Six young people ranging in age from 11- to 14 attended five mornings of training in lifeguard techniques at the community pool between July 7-11.

Guard Start was only an introduction to becoming a lifeguard. But it showed various ways of rescuing a swimmer in trouble and, if necessary, providing first aid until emergency medical technicians arrive at the scene of water accident.

The youths who took the course were Kathryne Auen, Kenny Johnson, Nick Tryon, Annelise Tryon, Cameron Munsell and Cory Arlt.

"My two other kids signed up for swimming classes. Cameron already knows how to swim. So he decided to take the lifeguard class," said Cindy Banner of her son, Cameron Munsell.

"She wanted to take the class because she's interested in becoming a lifeguard," said Barbara Auen, mother of Kathryne Auen. "She's a good swimmer and she loves kids."

Pool manager Robby McCain instructed the class with the help of his assistant lifeguards Brittany Allen and Matthew Morgan.

On Friday, the last day of instruction, he covered first aid in some detail.

McCain demonstrated how to slow or stop bleeding, whether by taping the wound with gauze pads, raising a limb above the heart or applying pressure to squeeze an artery against a bone.

He also showed the use of splints for possibly broken bones. Many items can be used to immobilize a limb, he noted, using a rolled up magazine for an arm and a towel as a soft splint for a damaged ankle.

McCain finished with some remarks on handling problems caused by extremely high or very low temperatures. Exposure to the sun can cause heat stroke, for instance, while overlong immersion in cold water can bring on hypothermia when the body loses the ability to stay warm.

"Wear sunscreen and wear sun glasses. That's something a lifeguard must do," he cautioned his students, noting the glare of the sun off water can cause serious sunburn and even damage the eyes.

There is no set time period for qualifying as a lifeguard, said McCain, provided you have the ability and can pass the exams. Most lifeguards are high school and college students because they have time off from their studies in summer when the pools and beaches are open.

By JOHN BRANCH