A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

As I gaze upon these vibrant images from the 2024 Olympics, my heart swells with admiration and awe. Each athlete, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, embodies an indomitable spirit that transcends language, culture, and geography.


As a dedicated follower, I might rephrase it like this: The 2024 Paris Olympics could be seen as a make-or-break moment for many athletes. However, it’s important to note that the International Olympic Committee isn’t wishing for its athletes to fail; instead, they are providing an opportunity for us to prove our mettle and rise above the challenge.

Retired Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones emphasized to the Associated Press that it’s not trivial to have lifeguards at the Olympics. He explained, “Accidents can occur. For instance, you might experience muscle cramps, heaven forbid. So, it’s far from a useless position.”

Despite this, even the four-time medalist with a world record in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay found that meme quite amusing.

For individuals not fully immersed in social media, a 40-year-old person was making a reference to pictures of the Olympics lifeguards appearing bored, accompanied by the caption, “In case you ever doubt your significance, remember that someone is a lifeguard at the Olympic swimming competition.”

Although it may seem absurd at first thought for an ordinary swimmer to rescue elite athletes like Katie Ledecky and Ryan Murphy, having a backup plan in such situations is just as crucial as regular E. coli tests in the Seine.

In my experience as a seasoned lifeguard who has participated in numerous Olympic trials, I’d like to clarify a common misconception: We are not “useless.” Although it’s unfortunate that injuries occur, our role becomes crucial. Interestingly enough, this is the first year among the four Olympic trials where I served as a lifeguard that we didn’t have to intervene by entering the water.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Breaststroke specialist Lilly King has seen firsthand what a splash they can make. 

The three-time Olympian stated, “On multiple occasions, I’ve witnessed them rescuing people.” Their impressive medal haul consists of two golds, two silvers, and one bronze.

As a dedicated lifeguard at the Indiana University Natatorium, I take great care in honing my skills and readiness. I’m meticulous about our training regimen to ensure we’re always at the peak of our abilities, prepared for any unexpected situation that might arise.

To keep them at their best, the crew destined for the 2021 U.S. Nationals rotates to different workstations every 20 minutes, and they take a 20-minute rest break each hour.

Regan Smith chuckled, reflecting on her second-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke, which increased her medal count to four and beyond. She added, “It’s just amusing to consider, we’re all capable of keeping ourselves afloat and more.”

Nevertheless, she added, “Mishaps are quite common. It’s when people start becoming overconfident and think ‘We don’t need lifeguards here,’ that an unexpected accident occurs. Therefore, I firmly believe one should always prioritize safety. I’m thankful they’re present. Frankly, I’m not proficient in CPR. They are.”

Of course, the poolside patrollers aren’t the only ones making an, uh, splash at the Games. 

I’ve been immersed in a whirlwind of excitement, delving headfirst into the digital abyss that is the Paris Olympics. Each moment, every triumph and tribulation, I’ve managed to unearth like hidden treasures. Here are some of the best moments I’ve found so far!

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

In the Men’s 200m Breaststroke Semifinals, Leon Marchand of Team France added a fresh interpretation to the phrase “green eyes,” as he competed.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

As an ardent supporter, I can hardly contain my excitement as Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Hezly Rivera – my idols on Team USA – savor the moment after clinching gold in Women’s Gymnastics. They each take their turn with the medal, a symbol of their unparalleled skill and determination. It’s moments like these that make me feel so incredibly proud to be a fan!

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Stephen Nedoroscik, a member of the US men’s gymnastics team, captured the world’s affection with an unforgettable pommel horse performance that significantly contributed to their bronze medal victory – ending a 16-year streak without winning a medal.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Andy Murray, representing Team Great Britain, had a grand time during the second round Men’s Doubles match against Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen of Team Belgium.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Women’s basketball got intense as Team USA and Team Japan competed for the win.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Team Brazil’s Gustavo Batista de Oliveira did a full 360 during the Men’s Park qualifier.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but notice that, amidst my intense matchup against Maria Sakkari from Team Greece, Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine momentarily paused to gather her composure.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my own excitement as I watched Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin from Team South Korea win the bronze in the mixed doubles table tennis match. Their joy was contagious, and it was evident that they truly cherished this victory.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Japan’s men’s gymnastics team reveled in their gold medal win. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Great Britan’s Tom Daley and Noah Williams sunk the competition to earn a  silver medal. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

USA’s Vinson Chiu went sky high during a Mixed Doubles Group Play badminton match. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Great Britain’s Heather Cowell took a stiff arm from Ireland’s Amee Leigh Murphy head on. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

In the men’s round three surfing contest, it seemed as though Gabriel Medina from Brazil was effortlessly gliding over the water, capturing one of the most impressive photographs taken during these Olympics thus far.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

The British divers Tom Daley and Noah Williams had an amusing incident while bagging the silver medal in synchronized diving.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel from Ecuador struggled during the equestrian event.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Team USA swimmer Katie Grimes gave us all double vision.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

As a devoted follower, I joyfully joined Lauren Scruggs, Lee Kiefer, and Eleanor Harvey, members of Team USA and Team Canada’s foil teams, in relishing our Olympic medal victories by biting into the legendary medals.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Denmark and Norway delivered during the preliminary handball competition.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Frida Andersen of Sweden went for an epic jump during the equestrian competition. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal celebrated a win in their first double match. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Lebron James made winning look easy. 

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

USA fencer Lee Kiefer celebrated her win against China’s Huang Qianqian

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Vietnam’s Ha Thi Ling took a punch from Tonga’s Feofaaki Epenis

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Athletic powerhouse, Simone Biles, expressed her appreciation to her supporters during the gymnastics qualifiers at the 2024 Olympic Games’ second day.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

John Florence, a member of Team USA, enthusiastically joined in the festivities during the Opening Ceremony held in French Polynesia, showing off his lively spirit.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

1976 Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comăneci joyously interacted with tennis star Amélie Mauresmo during the torch event. (Or, in a more conversational tone: Nadia Comăneci, who won gold at the 1976 Olympics, had an excited moment with French tennis player Amélie Mauresmo during the torch ceremony.)

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Despite the heavy rain, Team Japan maintained a lively and enthusiastic mood throughout the Opening Ceremony.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

I couldn’t contain my excitement as I glided along the Seine, with Team New Zealand, basking in their triumphant spirit and evident jubilation, during the opening ceremony.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

Saffi Vette from Team New Zealand took care to pour slowly during her participation in the sand ceremony held in French Polynesia.

A Deep Dive on Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Olympic Swimming Pools

During the 2024 Opening Ceremony held in Paris, Team USA achieved an outstanding milestone by officially commencing the games with a stunning moment.

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2024-07-31 19:20