By: Safiya Richards 

On October 17th, the swim team coach and members were interviewed about the shortage of lifeguards in the APEX due to COVID restrictions, which could potentially impact the swim team.  

There were more lifeguards before COVID-19, and organizations like the Red Cross did training.  

Peter Kiernan, Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach, stated there was a decline in lifeguards due to the pandemic. “There was something called COVID-19. There were no classes until November 2021.” There weren't a lot of focus classes, so there was a big break. The cities were more restrictive than the outside. According to Kiernan, 35% of the Caucasian population, 50% of the Asian population, and 75% of African Americans don't know how to swim because of the lack of opportunity. The older students go to college, graduate, and go on to their careers, so learning opportunities are no longer available.  

There are three stations for the lifeguards, and there would be another lifeguard in other designated areas of the pool in every area, as well as a fifth at the first aid station for restoration. So, the lifeguards will rotate every 30 minutes. It's called the stationary code, which goes by surface area. “So, if you have a certain area of the pool open 3000 square feet or less, you need one lifeguard.” He states that for every 3000 square feet in space it is required to put another safety personnel. “There are different categories of lifeguards. Supervisory level one and supervisory level two depend on the qualifications. They have lifeguard certification and CPR, which is first aid training for a professional rescuer.”  

Swimming classes are now open for anyone who wants to learn. Peter Kiernan stated, “There are 130 people learning to swim. They do a swim test, but I offer an opportunity for anyone in college to do a job.” Some of the swimmers are lifeguards with qualifications. The coach encourages students to sign up for swimming lessons from Monday to Friday, 12 pm - 3 pm.