The Quitman city pool, one of the shrinking number of public pools yet serving their communities, saw another solid year. They will close on Saturday, Aug. 6 for the season.

Joining Tristan Eley, Adam Blalock and Nicholas Eley in providing lifeguard support this year were Oliver Barnes and Abby Gates.

Pool manager Susan Rogers lauded the performance of the 2022 lifeguards, “They do exactly what I ask of them,” she explained, “and they are exceptionally aware of their responsibilities for the safety of our youngsters and all who enjoy the pool.”

Each year, Rogers accepts applications for lifeguards, each of which must have an official two-year certification. During the season the learning and practice for the new lifeguards continues. Every other week a certified water safety instructor conducts an in-service period to keep their expertise sharp.

Fortunately, there have been no waterborne emergencies at the Quitman pool this summer, although they did respond to a case of heat exhaustion.

Rogers has great confidence in the lifeguards’ abilities should an event occur.

For the lifeguards, Tristan and Nicholas Eley commuted from Sulphur Springs, Abby Gates traveled from Whitehouse, while Adam Blalock and Oliver Barnes are from Mineola.  

Their experience and connection with the water is diverse. For Nicholas Eley, the experience of growing up in Washington state and enjoying the waters of Puget Sound shaped his early years. Barnes commented that his favorite swimming spot was at Hot Springs Lake in Arkansas, and Blalock offered that a seasonal pond in his backyard was always his favorite spot growing up. 

Rogers has plans to expand swimming opportunities in 2023 to include some evening adult swim time in addition to the open swim hours, private swim parties and instructional lessons. Whatever the event, there will be young men and women from the local area providing the oversight and, if necessary, intervention necessary to keep all swimmers safe. 

Anyone interested in a unique and rewarding summer duty as a lifeguard should contact Rogers at the Quitman City Pool to place an application for next season.