Following International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, we're continuing to celebrate the important work of the City's pool lifeguards and profiling one of our very own.
We employ 216 lifeguards across our seven indoor and outdoor Swim Sport and Leisure centres to protect the community. We had a whopping 2.3 million visits across our centres in the last financial year.
John Crockett, a retired Ford engineer, has been a lifeguard at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre, North Bellarine Aquatic Centre and Splashdown Leisure Centre for nearly 12 months.
Water has always been a big part of John's life and when the novelty of retirement wore off, he decided to give being a lifeguard a go.
At first, I thought it would be all young kids and it wouldn't be for me, then a few days later I thought 'maybe I can be of value and share some of my experiences with the young crew'The interview was a group interview, and I was the oldest there by about 35 years, but they were all great and very inclusive.
John enjoys the flexible hours, as well as getting to meet so many new people.
Everybody is accommodating and friendly.
The lifeguard is keen to highlight the importance of keeping an eye on children around water and recognises that most parents he sees are doing the right thing.
But you can be the best parent and still take your eyes off them for a second - that's why we're there to be an additional set of eyes.For example, a really diligent dad was with his little boy in the deeper 25 metre pool, which was way over the little boy's head.
The little boy was hanging on to the side of the pool while playing with his dad.
Dad briefly turned to talk to someone next to him and the little boy let go of the edge and went straight to the bottom - it was so quick!
The dad turned back around and the boy was gone, he quickly realised and pulled him back up - the look on the dad's face was one of horror then relief.
This all happened in an instant so it just shows you how quick it can happen.
Thankfully, John has only had to put his comprehensive training into use one time, which he describes as 'surreal'.
I was walking around the pool and I saw a patron whose head was partially under the water.Sometimes people may just duck down at the end of the lanes and hold their breath, clean their goggles or even put fins on.
In this instance, it seemed a little different, so I reached down and tried to get a response, but there was no reaction.
Luckily, this all happened at the end of the pool, and I could just reach down and pulled the patron straight out of the water.
I called over my radio for assistance, which initiates our internal emergency response procedures and placed the patron into the recovery position [while we waited for an ambulance].
Fortunately, the water that was swallowed was vomited back up, so all I had to do was monitor until the paramedics took over.
John's most memorable moment was when a little boy aged around three approached him.
He said to me, "Thank you, Mr Lifeguard for keeping me safe at the pool today."
Another highlight are Saturday mornings at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre.
There are lots of little kids doing swim lessons and as a grandparent, you appreciate the little people even more – watching them run along the floating mats and jumping off into the arms of mum, dad or grandparents.
Training is a big element of becoming, and staying, a lifeguard, including annual Lifeguard and CPR recertifications, and City training components such as First Aid, water rescue practice and how to deal with a variety of different scenarios.
We get training on methods that help you stay focused - things like keeping moving, always checking the bottom of the pool or counting the people in the lanes.I like to keep moving to stay focused, so I can walk between 11-11.5 kilometres per shift at North Bellarine Aquatic Centre. I get my steps in and get paid for it – now that's a great job!
The most distracting thing for me is when water aerobics is on and the last song they play normally gets stuck in my head for the rest of the shift – recently it was [the Village People's] YMCA!
The remainder of that shift took an eternity!
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Dedicated lifeguards keep an eye on community members of all ages at the City's aquatic centres.A massive thank you to all our pool lifeguards who are keeping us out of harm's way so that we can exercise, play and enjoy the water safely.
Lifeguards like John play a crucial role in proactively preventing accidents and supporting safety and fun.
Councillor Chris Burson
Water is a big part of life in Greater Geelong.Our lifeguards give us a sense of security around pools but it's important we all do our bit to keep these facilities safe.
Please treat our lifeguards with respect and follow their directions at the pool, because your safety is their number one priority.
