Aquatic center opens 24 May; safety paramount

  • Published
  • By Kymberley Wayne
  • 60th Force Support Squadron
TRAVIS AFB, Calif. --  The Travis Aquatic Center is scheduled to open May 24. The Travis community will have the opportunity to participate in open and lap swim, which are both free. In addition, the center offers private parties, water aerobics, kayaking classes and more. This year, the Aquatic Center staff has placed extra emphasis on safety.

To be hired at the Aquatic Center, all lifeguards must possess a valid nationally recognized lifeguard certification covering lifesaving and water rescue methods, skills and procedures. In addition, lifeguards must possess a valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. However, the Travis Aquatic Center's staff is mandating their lifeguards to participate in additional safety education and training. Every two weeks, each lifeguard must complete an hour of strategic safety training exercises. These exercises include working with an underwater rescue full body mannequin, underwater physical training exercises and CPR situational training.

"The goal is to consistently keep safety as the number one priority this summer," said Jesse Mead, Aquatic Center activity manager. "We don't want any unfortunate accidents at the pool. When it comes to a swimmer underwater, you really don't know what it takes until you actually perform a live rescue. If needed, we want our lifeguards to be prepared to quickly retrieve a full adult body, bring it up to safety and prepare any needed CPR."

That's the reason the Aquatic Center is making an extra effort to make sure all their lifeguards become familiar with the rescue mannequins.

Additional CPR situational training will be offered because CPR can buy extra time for a loved one, until professional help can arrive.
 
"We are taught that a person only has 4 to 6 minutes to survive without oxygen. It is imperative that our lifeguards never panic and are ready for any situation by performing CPR without hesitation", Mead said.

When swimming this summer, the goal is to have fun but be prepared with safety in mind. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your children at all times when near a pool," he said. "Kids can drown in a matter of seconds and in silence. Another great tip is to protect your child from sunburn by using SPF 15 or higher and both Ultraviolet A  and Ultraviolet B protection. Also, it is not advised to allow children to use air-filled swimming aids (such as water wings) in place of life jackets. When children use these devices on a regular basis they become too independent on them and will start feeling like they can float with or without the swimming aids. It is best to teach children how to swim and the Aquatic Center offers lessons throughout the summer.

Bo Costales is the head lifeguard and he has been a Travis Aquatic Center lifeguard for six seasons. In addition, nine of the 13 lifeguard's hired are returning from last year. The staff feels very comfortable with the lifeguard team this summer.
 
"We want children and parents to have a memorable time at the Aquatic Center this summer," Mead said. "If parents learn the pool safety tips and adhere to them, we will do our part with providing well trained lifeguards prepared to act if anything unexpected takes place."

 For upcoming swim hours at the Aquatic Center, call 424-5283.