Macon-Bibb community pools prepare to re-open, need more lifeguards

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s a big weekend for Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation with five of its community pools re-opening for Summer.

“We have the pool here at Delores A. Brooks, then we have Memorial which is on Second Street Booker T. Washington, Bloomfield Park pool and we’ll have Frank Johnson pool.”

That’s why lifeguard coordinator Brittni Fletcher says they’re getting ready for the Memorial Day rush.

“We’re really excited about giving the community an opportunity to come out and swim in a safe environment, so we’re providing all the resources we have all the equipment to make sure the swimming is as safe as possible,” she said.

So the whole goal is not to end up on a stretcher but even if you do, Macon-Bibb Parks and Rec life guards say the training they go through is pretty extensive so they’re prepared for any and every accident.

The training is three days long but jam packed with ways to test whether they’ve got their sea legs.

“They’re put through a series of swimming tests whether they have to swim 11 laps or tread water for five minutes,” said Fletcher.

Life guard Shanya Kadian says anything can happen while heads are under water.

“A pool patron could hit their head on the side of the deck or they could just not be able to swim and go under water.”

So in order to avoid being in hot water, safety is their number one concern for anyone coming out.

“The ultimate goal is that all patron’s leave the pool the same way they came,” she said.

They’re expecting a pretty big turn out this weekend so Kadian says they’ll need all hands on deck and all eyes on the water.

Fletcher says she’s still looking to hire more lifeguards so anyone who can swim is welcome to apply. The next training session is in June. You can find out more information about how to become a lifeguard here.