As a July baby growing up, I was fortunate to have pool parties — especially because we grew up with a pool. The summer after sixth grade, I invited some girlfriends to come over and celebrate the ultimate tweenager rite of passage — turning 12 and transitioning to middle school. It was a pool-party-slash-barbecue, and I was shocked when my mom hired a professional lifeguard — a college student trained in CPR — to supervise us.
“I’m too old for a babysitter,” I whined.
My mom agreed, but stressed that because she couldn’t swim, and pool owners need to be extra vigilant in case of drowning, she hired a lifeguard for my party. I didn’t really get it then, but definitely do now — swimming is the only sport that saves lives (no offense, baseball), and knowing how to swim along with basic CPR can be very beneficial in case of an emergency.
I took a CPR class in New York City five years ago, but my certificate has since expired. I plan to renew it very soon by taking a weekend course at the local community college.
Better safe than sorry
CPR class is for everyone
When I enrolled in my first CPR class at a fire station with five other people, an older man standing nearby waiting for the deli next door to open asked why we were standing outside the firehouse.
On a whim, he decided that minute to take the CPR class too, because “why not?” He registered on the spot and told us he’s glad he stayed, in case he’s ever around anyone choking or drowning. I never forgot about this man, and hope there are more potential lifesavers like him out there. You don’t need to be a parent or aspiring lifeguard to learn CPR.
Pool safety is a family affair, says Dr. Simonian. I’m going to continue being water vigilant by making sure my kids continue their swimming lessons and eventually CPR classes — especially my special needs child. You can take CPR classes at the local library, fire department, community college, or high school. The Red Cross’s website lists places near you that offer them, or you can ask in Facebook community groups. No matter where you take the classes, the point is to take them before you need them. You won’t regret it.
