Welcome to the
YMCA of Elkhart County
The YMCA of Elkhart County strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
NEWS FROM THE Y
03 February 2012
If you visit our Y pool often you've probably noticed there is at least one person in the area watching over and keeping swimmers and their families safe while they enjoy their workout or family time in the water. This person would be the lifeguard.Here at the Y there is always at least one guard on duty watching the pool when it's open for swimming, no matter what.
You might think, "Well I can swim so I don't need a lifeguard watching me", but have you thought of what would happen if a swimmer started having chest pains? Maybe a person might unexpectedly lose consciousness! Who would be there to help? Did you know that over 90% of families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard! Whether it's resuscitating an unconscious victim or simply administering first aid to a bloody finger, a lifeguard is the trained person you want on the job!
During lifeguard training they are put through dozens of possible scenarios in which guards must react in a moment's notice. The individuals that take the time to learn and master these techniques could one day even save your life.
Lifeguards are trained in how to react, but not limited to:
- Rescuing all possible situations of active and passive drowning/drowned victims
- Neck injuries
- Back boarding for spinal injuries
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- First Aid
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operation
- Controlling situations in and out of the water
- Administering emergency oxygen
- As well as many other life saving skills
Remember, a lifeguard's #1 priority is pool safety so prevention should be foremost in their minds. Some of the rules that our lifeguards enforce may at first appear strict, however, to be fair and unbiased they are administered to all swimmers to maintain a consistent, safe and fun environment for all!
So next time you complete your swimming workout, enjoy open swim with your family, or pick-up your kids from swim lessons remember to give a little wave or thank the lifeguard on duty for watching over you and your family. Keeping their attention and focus for hours is a tougher job than you'd think and they appreciate acknowledgement and encouragement!
