Drill helps lifeguards help swimmers
Humboldt Police Officer Tom Nielsen gives some pointers to staff at the Humboldt Family Aquatic Center following a drill. Humboldt Independent photo by Jeff Gargano.
A “Red Shirt drill” was held at the Humboldt Family Aquatic Center on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4.
The unannounced drill happened about 3:30 p.m. and the “victim” Morgan Mann suffered a neck injury.
In addition to lifeguards and staff at the aquatic center, the Humboldt Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service responded to the scene.
Lifeguards assisted the victim, escorted pool patrons outside the fence area and opened gates to allow emergency personnel access. An announcement was made over the loudspeaker to let patrons know it was a drill.
During the drill, ambulance personnel and officers spoke with the lifeguards and gave tips on assisting the victim.
According to Humboldt Recreation Director Paxton Petersen, the purpose of the Red Shirt drill is to force the lifeguards to practice skills they work on all year in a real life situation.
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