FORT HOOD, Texas - Looking out at a pool filled with Soldiers and their families, a sun-kissed Soldier wearing red shorts peers into the clear, blue water looking for signs of danger.
Although he doesn't have to worry about dangerous sea creatures, he does stay in a high level of alertness - because he's a lifeguard.
By keeping his head on a swivel and watching for safety violations, he is able to work with his team to maintain a safe environment for patrons to enjoy a refreshing swim.
Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are working with other brigades to provide lifeguard support to the 1st Cav. Div. Pool here through Oct. 13.
"We have to go through a two-week-long course in order to be certified," said Sgt. Bryan Davies, a Georgetown, California, native and lifeguard team leader with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. "We are tested in CPR, trained on blood-borne pathogens, and taught basic lifeguarding techniques."
To start the process of becoming a lifeguard, Soldiers must show they are proficient in swimming.
"We had to do three tests to qualify," said Pfc. Trinity Blankenship, a M2A3 Bradley mechanic with 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd BCT. "We had to tread water for two minutes, perform a brick retrieval test and swim 300 meters."
A brick retrieval test consists of the lifeguard candidate swimming the length of the pool. Once at the other end, the candidate dives to the bottom of the pool to recover the submerged brick and then returns to the surface. The candidate then swims backwards to the starting point using only his or her feet while holding the brick to their chest.
"They emphasized a lot on how to save someone with a spinal injury," Blankenship said. "You have to be exact with your technique during the whole rescue process."
Lifeguards noted that spinal injuries can occur if a patron dives into the shallow end of a pool or swims into another swimmer. In this situation, the on-duty lifeguard would call 911 and then spring into action.
Should an injury of this type occur, the lifeguard follows strict protocol and avoids water movement. The lifeguard would carefully enter the pool and place their arms into a position to serve as a splint supporting the injured swimmer's head and neck.
"We would carefully get them to the surface while swimming at an angle to avoid them flopping on their back when we reach the surface," Blankenship said.
The lifeguards would then use a backboard to raise the injured patron out of the pool.
Having received all necessary training, certified lifeguards work at designated pools to help ensure the safety of all those who visit the area pools.
"Our job is to maintain the facility and supervise patrons as they enjoy the pool," Davies said. "We sweep around the pool and scrub the sides of the pool, along with other chores."
To maintain their physical ability to rescue anyone in distress, the lifeguards swim 500 meters every day. They also monitor chemical levels to ensure the water is safe for swimmers.
"This is a nice change in pace and it's great because we work alongside Soldiers from other units in the division," said Davies. "It sounds easy, but most people don't see what goes into becoming a lifeguard."
There are many pools throughout Fort Hood. All pool facilities are free and open to all DoD card holders. For information on pool locations and hours of operations please visit www.hoodmwr.com.
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