Saving lives, Barksdale lifeguards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  As it gets hotter, members of Team Barksdale often visit the base pools to cool off and relax.

Even though swimming and playing in the water can be fun, it can also be dangerous and it's up to the lifeguards to safeguard those who are out there to have a good time.

"My job is to make sure everybody is safe," said Kasey Schluter, head lifeguard and nursing student at Northwestern University. "Not only in the pool, but around the pool."

This year is Schluter's third season as a lifeguard here, but she has been swimming here ever since she was young. As a kid, she received swimming lessons on base when her father, Lt. Col. John Schluter, Air Force Global Strike Command, was first stationed here.

In order to be a lifeguard, applicants must have CPR and lifeguard certification, said Paul Williamson, Outdoor Recreation manager.

"The American Red Cross offers Lifeguard training classes," Schluter said. "I also have a water safety instructor certification, so I can teach swim lessons."

The lifeguard course teaches prospective lifeguards how to perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator, first-aid and how to use proper rescue and surveillance skills, according to the Red Cross website.

"I feel like it's important we teach children water safety early on and give them swim lessons," Schluter said. "To see a kid struggle to swim at first and then to see them swim by themselves as they move up is very rewarding."

Most of the lifeguards here are full-time students, so this job gives them an opportunity to work when they are not studying, Schluter said. She also enjoys swimming and the experience she receives from it. However, even though it's something she loves to do, she knows just how important her role is.

"Lifeguarding is serious," she said. "It's all fun and games being at the pool, but you need to be serious when on the stand watching. Even when you are not on the stand, you have to be very diligent and watch everyone, not just those in the water."

Lifeguards do not have an easy job, Schluter added. While it may look like they are sitting all day, she pointed out just how hot it can get. She also said the pools can get packed at times, and it can become difficult to watch everyone.

"It gives people peace of mind knowing someone else is watching, too," she said.