Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, March 12, 2007

HAY RIVER - During her 10 years as a lifeguard, Ashley Nyberg has never had to dive into a pool to rescue a swimmer in serious distress.

"We don't have a lot of jumping in and doing rescues," said the head lifeguard at the Hay River Aquatic Centre. "But if it ever has to happen, we're prepared for it."

Nyberg, 25, has been a lifeguard in Hay River for over four years and has been head lifeguard for three years. She started at the now-closed Centennial Pool before moving to the new aquatic centre.

Lifeguards watch for signs of possible trouble, such as a young person hanging on to the edge of the pool, and take action instead of waiting for dangerous situations.

"You prevent them from happening," said Nyberg, one of seven lifeguards at the Hay River pool, which opened last year.

When not on duty watching the pool, a lifeguard has other roles.

Nyberg said they teach swimming lessons, lead fitness classes and run various programs for children and adults.

"There are a lot of avenues you can choose," she said of the career. "It's fun. It's very well-rounded."

As a lifeguard, Nyberg ensures people, especially school groups, know the rules of the pool.

"We sit the kids down and go over the rules and the behaviour they need to show us when they're in the pool," she said.

One dangerous situation is not in the water at all, but is running on the often slippery deck, Nyberg noted. "You can fall and really hurt yourself."

Nyberg said she loves everything about being a lifeguard.

In particular, she enjoys working with people and offering them tips to improve their swimming strokes.

She began as a lifeguard in her hometown of Champion, Alta., when she was 14- or 15-years-old.

Nyberg said being a lifeguard is a very satisfying job.

"It's the smiles and watching people have fun," she said.

A swimming pool is a wonderful place to work, she noted. "It's great to wear a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flop sandals." Nyberg said it's important for lifeguards to be enthusiastic around the pool to create a welcoming and fun environment. "I think you have to enjoy what you're doing."