View from lifeguard's chair at Peacock
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on June 18, 2015 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Lifeguard Logan Cole looks over the water at Peacock pool on Wednesday when swimmers were at full capacity in the record-breaking heat.
Peacock Pool was at capacity on Wednesday afternoon.
Families laughed and splashed in the water.
It was loud, and it was hot.
Lifeguard Logan Cole kept watch.
He counted heads and scanned the water constantly.
He has been a lifeguard for the last five years, and he is one of the six guards at Peacock Pool.
With the record-breaking temperatures this week, he says the pool has been at capacity every day.
"It's been really busy with camps and regular people," he said.
The guards are being especially vigilant for heat-related injuries this week.
"The main concern is the heat right now," he said. "We're watching for heat stroke and the symptoms. We're reminding people to drink their water."
He said a guard got sun-poisoning at the other pool, a bubbly sunburn that requires special treatment of aloe vera and ice water.
"You have to be careful," he said.
So far this year, he has not had any rescues. He says he stopped keeping track over rescues once he hit 50.
"Just listen to the rules," he said. "Everyone knows no running, but adults need to watch their children."
He pays special attention to the shallow water with younger children.
During training, the guards run through scenarios like spinal injuries and active drowning.
"It's a long day," Logan said. "It gets hot."
He is accustomed to the heat though. During the year, he coaches swim teams and guards in his spare time.
Peacock Pool has umbrellas for the guards to provide shade and relief from the sun. However, Logan says he misses the fans they used to have. They were stolen last summer.
He takes a water bottle with him to the stand to stay hydrated.
"I enjoy the authority," Logan said, laughing. "It's fun, I enjoy the people."
During the week, the lifeguards switch out to keep cool on 25-minute rotations and take a break after 50 minutes to keep them sharp.
The guards work seven-hour shifts.
Logan relieved guard Chris Smith.
Chris is 20 years old and has been a lifeguard for four years. It is a summer job for him.
"I try to get as dark as I can," he said.
He applies SPF 30 sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
On weekends, when they can reach what Logan describes as "full-full capacity" of 75 people, they have three guards on the stand for 50 minutes at a time.
Peacock is located at 1503 Herring St. The pool is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday and Saturday it is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday hours are from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.