One of the most surprising findings from last year’s statistics is that 19 drowning victims were aged 50 and older. This proves that it’s not just children who need to be watched, adults and seniors can be just as vulnerable.
A professional lifeguard provides not only physical safety but also encourages a culture of responsible pool behavior; enforcing rules like “no running,” “no diving in shallow areas,” and maintaining general order. That oversight helps prevent accidents before they happen.
You might assume that beach cities have the highest number of drownings and near-drownings; but the data says otherwise.
The city with the most incidents was Irvine, recording two deaths and ten near-drownings. Santa Ana followed closely with one death and nine near-drownings.
What’s even more concerning is the unknown number of unreported near-drownings. Many of the 44 reported non-fatal cases resulted in permanent brain damage — a tragic outcome that could have been prevented with trained supervision.
When compared to the cost of a single life; or even a lifetime of reduced quality of life; the expense of hiring a qualified lifeguard is a small price to pay.
Interestingly, drowning rates in beach communities tend to be lower. Why? Residents in those areas are more likely to take swimming lessons from a young age because of their proximity to the ocean and pools. Growing up in Huntington Beach, for instance, my parents made sure we learned how to swim early; it was as natural as going to school or the park.
This demonstrates the critical importance of swimming lessons as a first line of defense against drowning. But even skilled swimmers can experience fatigue, cramps, or unexpected medical emergencies, and in those moments, a lifeguard’s presence can mean the difference between life and death.
While it’s understandable that HOAs aim to control costs, investing in safety should always come first. Hiring a professional lifeguard service not only protects community members; it provides peace of mind.
So, at your next HOA meeting, consider bringing this up. And when your community is ready, reach out to Premier Aquatics for highly trained, reliable lifeguards who can ensure everyone enjoys the pool safely.
Because in the end, what you’re truly investing in isn’t just a lifeguard; it’s peace of mind, and that’s priceless.
