The primary goal of a lifeguard is patron safety, and the best way to achieve safety is accident prevention. Our lifeguards are trained to read situations and anticipate what's about to happen next, so they can do their best to prevent incidents from occurring. We asked our guards to share stories of their experiences, and as they opened up, a common theme emerged.

The story generally involves an individual who is relatively new to the facility and is often with a group. Members of the group move to the deep end for free swim or to try tricks off the diving board to impress each other. One individual holds back, but their resolution to remain with the group is strong. The lifeguard notices this dynamic within the group and sees the hesitation. In almost every case, the lifeguard blows the whistle in an attempt to get that person's attention and step in with some intervention. 

In some instances, this intervention prevents an incident from occurring. Other times, it's either the sound of the whistle that launches the victim in motion, or they may already be too focused on joining the group to see or hear anything else. In the next moment, the victim jumps in the water. Once panic sets in, the victim struggles to stay above water. Thankfully, the guard was alert to the situation as it unfolded and quickly springs into action, bringing the victim to safety. 

Even with the most vigilant prevention strategies, lifeguards come to understand that not all emergencies can be avoided. They embrace their training to keep their skills sharp and remain prepared to respond to an emergency. Lifeguards get together each month for in-service training to practice skills, promote team building, discuss customer service scenarios and enhance their physical fitness. All of our guards must work together to ensure that patrons are safe in the pool, as well as in other areas of the building. Some of the scenarios that are practiced during in-service can simulate water rescues, response to a first aid call, a victim that needs CPR or an AED, or breathing emergencies with oxygen administration. 

Mary Helen Thomas was instrumental in promoting water safety and learn to swim programs in the Tidewater area. Her aquatic career dates back to 1957 when she started teaching out of the YWCA in Norfolk. They didn't have a pool, so she taught in the open water of the Ocean View Beaches, at the Cavalier Hotel, and at private pools. Under her leadership, the YWCA swim program taught lessons to approximately 1,000 people annually.

Mary Helen was such an integral part of the YWCA that when she retired, they retired their aquatics program. She received many awards throughout her career and is honored by having the Mary Helen Thomas Racial Justice Award named after her for having broken down the racial barriers within the swimming community in the 1960s. In addition, her peers started a special fund in her name for promoting water safety in the Tidewater area, and we honor her memory through the Mary Helen Thomas Day of Water Safety in June.

Free water safety lessons for ages 4-12 will be held:

- Saturday, June 7 | 12:30 - 2 pm | Seatack Rec Center | (757) 437-4858
- Saturday, June 7 | 12:30 - 2 pm | Williams Farm Rec Center | (757) 385-2950

- Sunday, June 8 | 1 - 2:30 pm | Kempsville Rec Center | (757) 474-8492

- Sunday, June 8 | 1 - 2:30 pm | Princess Anne Rec Center | (757) 426-0022

Swim lesson scholarships and other prizes will be raffled off at each site. To register, please call the location of your choice by June 2.