Real-Life Decision Making
Since lifeguards are responsible for the safety of the swimmers, they must make many unpopular or difficult decisions.
Lifeguards are the people with the whistles who tell you to quit running when you're just having fun. Or, they're the ones who won't let you swim in the deep end if you're not a strong swimmer.
These decisions are in the best interests of the swimmers, but swimmers don't always appreciate being told what to do.
Lifeguards must also make decisions on how to take care of someone who's been injured in the pool.
"Lifeguards have to decide what is the best way to remove...or move someone with severe spinal or nerve damage, that is, in some cases, without a heartbeat and in instant need of CPR and EMS. Sometimes it's best to leave them in the pool like how they were found to prevent further injury, but the EMS personnel refuse to enter the water to stabilize the person. So, the decision has to be made what to do," explains Tracy Schiiler, a full-time lifeguard.
Also, sometimes the lifeguard's own safety is compromised.
"If I walk into a situation that requires my aid, yet will likely be a danger to my safety, the focus has to be my safety too, not just someone else's," says Schiiler. "This could be a really tough decision, when say in the instance of a fire, you know there are people stuck in the change rooms but the fire has engulfed the entire facility and there's no way you and the victims can get out safely."
You're a lifeguard working at an indoor pool that stays open year-round. Because you have the privilege of being around the swimmers more than just seasonally, and because you conduct classes several times a year, you personally know many of the people who swim at your facility.
One of your favorite swimmers is a little redheaded girl named Cissy who is 12 years old. Cissy comes from a well-respected family whose father is a physician. In fact, the father serves as a member of the board of directors of the indoor pool where you work. He's a friend of your father and you've known him for years.
Cissy is an only child, and she's very quiet and introverted. But over the past year, you've managed to become her good friend and she trusts you totally.
One day, Cissy comes to class but won't participate. She sits on the side of the pool with her arms wrapped around her legs, staring into the distance. You try to encourage her to come in the water, but she won't. In fact, she won't even take off the T-shirt she's wearing over her swimsuit.
After class and everyone has gone, you sit beside Cissy and try to talk to her. Finally, she turns, looks at you intently, and whispers, "If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone?"
You quickly answer, "Yes."
"You promise?"
"Yes."
"My dad hits me all the time," Cissy says with tears running down her cheeks.
She continues, "But you can't tell anyone -- you promised. He said he'll hurt my kitty if I tell anyone. It's OK really, but I just need to talk to someone."
You're speechless. This is the last thing you expected. Is she telling the truth? Why would she lie?
Her father is a fine upstanding citizen, and a good friend. He's a doctor, for goodness sake. He wouldn't hurt anyone, especially Cissy. Or would he?
What do you do?