SCOTTSDALE, AZ — As Arizona continues to struggle with deadly child drownings, Scottsdale is spotlighting the nearly 200 lifeguards who keep its pools running and its swimmers safe.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for Arizona children between the ages of 1 and 4, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Three in four child drowning deaths happen in pools, hot tubs or spas, and 83% of those victims did not know how to swim.
Against that backdrop, Scottsdale is drawing attention to the nearly 200 lifeguards working across its four aquatic centers, staff the city describes as first responders in everything but name.
According to the city, lifeguards are trained to be the first to spot a swimmer in distress, begin a rescue and deliver emergency care before firefighters or paramedics can get there.
Parks and Preserve Senior Director Nick Molinari said the role goes well beyond watching the water, describing lifeguards as highly trained professionals who protect thousands of residents and visitors each year while also teaching water safety to the next generation.
Water emergencies, the city noted, happen quickly and often without warning.
To test that readiness, Scottsdale runs an annual Guard Recognition Incentive Program evaluation in partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department. Each lifeguard must identify a swimmer in distress, activate the emergency action plan and complete a coordinated rescue alongside fellow guards and Scottsdale firefighters.
The city said lifeguards complete extensive training throughout the year leading up to that moment.
Many of the guards have a personal connection to the pools where they work, the city said. Some learned to swim at Scottsdale aquatic centers, competed in the same water and now help teach younger swimmers, closing a loop between their own experience and the community safety mission.
For families looking to build those same skills, Scottsdale Aquatics will offer weekday swim lessons in August and September, with Saturday lessons available in September and October. Lessons are open to all ages, including children as young as 6 months.
Scottsdale Aquatics will also soon begin recruiting new lifeguards. Anyone 15 or older can enroll in a lifeguard certification class and apply to join the team after completing it. A Junior Lifeguard program is also available for youth ages 13 to 15.
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Scottsdale, AZ Patch
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