I was so excited in regards to the London Olympics. I simply wished to be part of it – I didn’t care if I used to be outdoors the venues dancing. A yr earlier than the Video games, I believed, they’re going to want lifeguards, and Googled “London 2012 volunteers”.
On the time, I used to be a lifeguard on the Telford and Wrekin leisure centre in Shropshire. I’d labored for a couple of years in reception and the soft-play space when my supervisor urged I practice as a lifeguard. I took the Nationwide Pool Lifeguard Qualification and handed.
I figured there’d be hundreds of candidates for the Olympic lifeguard function, so I didn’t count on to listen to again. However, a couple of weeks later, I used to be invited to a two-day examination on the London Aquatics Centre. It was the top of April – I keep in mind as a result of it was my birthday and I’d simply turned 37.
It was intense. There have been knockout levels and also you solely received one probability. The very first thing they did was throw a model to the underside of the 5-metre-deep pool. Those who couldn’t make it to the underside had been reduce. Then there have been different duties and concept exams. Once I handed, I felt disbelief. I keep in mind sitting on the ground within the showers – it had simply hit me that I may very well be lifeguarding the highest athletes in the entire world.
I’ve heard individuals say, “Who wants lifeguards on the Olympics?” And a few take the mick out of us on-line. Each Olympics, I see memes saying “It’s the best job on the earth.” It’s belittling. While you’re a lifeguard, you learn to deal with every little thing from a suspected spinal harm to an bronchial asthma assault. You’re not a health care provider, however you will have the gear and have to be ready. Apart from, you possibly can be a prime surgeon however in case you don’t know learn how to pull any individual out of the water appropriately, you’ve executed the harm earlier than they even get therapy.
Not all of the 2012 pool occasions had been proven on TV, and accidents did occur. A diver hit the water abdomen first, and was taken off with suspected inner accidents. A synchronised swimmer hyperventilated within the water and fainted. Fortunately, she was pulled to the facet instantly.
I used to be engaged on completely different swimming pools when these incidents came about, so I used to be fortunate.
Throughout my time on the Olympics, I assisted a couple of athletes who had been so exhausted they’d nothing left. We helped them out of the pool, made certain they had been OK. I additionally handled a couple of suspected damaged noses in the water polo.
As soon as, I noticed a Paralympian swim headfirst into the wall whereas coaching. He was advantageous, however I wasn’t glad; I’d seen the power of the collision. He seemed dazed, so I radioed the medic. On the finish of the day, I make the decision.
The Paralympians and Olympians valued us; they knew we had been there to help them. They’d signal autographs or give us issues. I’ve received a Crew Korea jacket, a German T-shirt and a Crew GB swimming cap.
I don’t get starstruck, however you’d be loopy to not suppose it’s surreal whenever you’re standing subsequent to somebody like Michael Phelps.
after publication promotion
Sooner or later I used to be in a hall ready to start out my shift when Phelps and Ryan Lochte walked handed. They gave us all excessive fives. While you see athletes have a good time, you have a good time with them. After they fail, your coronary heart breaks for them.
That stated, it’s very skilled whenever you’re within the chair. You don’t keep in mind the race since you’re so centered on checking every athlete’s actions to see if something doesn’t look proper. Why is his arm doing that? What’s taking place along with his foot? Is he getting cramp?
Even now, I nonetheless get nervous whereas lifeguarding. You’re doing a continuing threat evaluation in your head. You can have a pool stuffed with the fittest-looking individuals, however they may have underlying coronary heart circumstances or a historical past of seizures. On the Paris Olympics, the Slovakian swimmer Tamara Potocká collapsed poolside after her occasion – she had had an bronchial asthma assault. She was given oxygen and brought off on a stretcher. Not all medical points are seen.
I now work as a lifeguard at a pool close to Telford. Each time I watch the Olympics, I all the time look out for the lifeguards. There’s stuff happening behind the scenes that nobody realises. We mix in and preserve calm. But when there’s an issue, we’re there.
As advised to Charis McGowan
Do you will have an expertise to share? E-mail expertise@theguardian.com
Supply hyperlink