Story & Photos by ACACIA RODRIGUEZ

Get to know the uniforms and gear of fellow DC 37 members.

Local 461’s New York City Lifeguards keep aquatic enthusiasts safe while enjoying NYC Parks Department beaches, outdoor pools, and indoor pools in all five boroughs. Clad in vivid orange swimsuits, these water guardians stay alert whether poolside or on the sand, ready to jump in at a moment’s notice to rescue swimmers in distress.

Luis Martinez has been a pool lifeguard for 15 years. When he arrives at Manhattan’s Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center, he dons his lifeguard uniform, checks the equipment, and hydrates before his watch begins over the indoor pool. As an NYC lifeguard, he has completed the lifeguard training program, passed a written test, and successfully completed the swimming test.

With safety as the top priority, Martinez has important advice for all poolgoers making a splash.

“The two most dangerous behaviors are running on the pool deck and diving in head first,” he said. “Also, it’s essential to maintain supervision of all children at all times, because they run and are unpredictable.”

A lifeguard’s poolside uniform and equipment includes:

Whistle: “The most important piece of equipment we use on a daily basis is the whistle. It instantly alerts patrons and signals to everyone all at once to be careful,” Martinez said.

Hip Pack: individual mini first aid kit with lifeguard essentials, including a packable mask for CPR, sunscreen, and lip balm.

First Aid Kit (at right): contains essential supplies used to address common injuries and emergencies, including gauze, scissors, disposable gloves, Band-aids, over-the-counter medications, disinfectant, bandages, cold packs, and CPR masks. Lifeguards aim to stabilize the injured and immediately call 911 for further emergency services.

Pool Buoy (at left): a long, soft foam flotation device that can be maneuvered under a swimmer’s arms or used as a guide to safety.

Ring Buoy (at right): a durable float that one or more swimmers can grab and be moved to the edge of the pool. The attached rope can be tossed to swimmers and pulled to safety.

Shepard’s Hook (at left): a long pole attached to a blunt-end hook used for guiding swimmers to the edge of the pool.

Backboard (at right): buoyant rescue boards used to lift swimmers from the pool or stabilize swimmers in danger of a spine injury.

Portable Oxygen Tank: (at foot of backboards) used to administer supplemental oxygen to swimmers in need. Each tank comes with a disposable adult- or child-size mask.