Olympics 2024: A Deep Dive Into Why Lifeguards Are Needed at Swimming Pools

One could argue that the 2024 Paris Olympics are the ultimate sink-or-swim situation. But that doesn't mean the International Olympic Committee actually wants its athletes to go under. 

"It is not worthless at the Olympics to have lifeguards," retired Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones insisted to the Associated Press. "Anything can happen. You can cramp up, God forbid. So it’s not the most worthless job." 

Still, added the four-time medalist, who holds the world record in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, "That meme was hilarious." 

For those who haven't jumped into the deep end of social media, the 40-year-old was referencing snaps of the Games' seemingly bored lifeguards with the caption, "If you ever feel useless just remember that someone is a lifeguard at the olympics swimming event."

And while, yes, the idea of your average swimmer needing to save world class athletes like Katie Ledecky and Ryan Murphy might feel ludicrous on the surface, having a just-in-case back-up plan is every bit as necessary as all those E. coli tests in the Seine. 

"It is a misconception that we're useless," lifeguard James Meyers—a veteran of several Olympic trials—told Business Insider back in 2021. "Unfortunately, people do get hurt so we have a role. Of the four Olympic trials where I've been a lifeguard, this year was the first we didn't have to get in the water."

Breaststroke specialist Lilly King has seen firsthand what a splash they can make. 

"I’ve seen them pull people out several times,” said the three-time Olympian, whose collection of medals includes two gold, two silver and a bronze. 

To ensure they're ready to leap into action, lifeguards "are very particular in our training," Matt Kovacs, who oversaw the staff at the Indiana University Natatorium, told the AP, "making sure we are at that top level, ready for anything to happen." 

To ensure they stay sharp, the AP detailed of the crew bound for the 2021 U.S. Nationals, they rotate to new stations every 20 minutes and get a 20-minute break every hour. 

"It is funny when you think about it," acknowledged Regan Smith, whose second-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke brought her medal tally to four-and-counting. "Its not like any of us are not able to tread water and things like that." 

However, she continued, "accidents happen all the time. I think the second that people are, like, getting cocky and it’s like, ‘Oh, we don’t need lifeguards here,’ that’s when a freak accident happens. So, I’ll always take the stand that you can never be too careful. I’m glad they’re here. I don’t know how to do CPR. They do."

Of course, the poolside patrollers aren't the only ones making an, uh, splash at the Games. 

We dove deep into the Internet and pulled out all the best moments from the Paris Olympics thus far. 

Leon Marchand of Team France gave a whole new meaning to "green eyes" while competing in the Men's 200m Breaststroke Semifinals.

Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee and Hezly Rivera of Team USA take their ceremonial bite of the medal after winning gold in Women's Gymnastics.

Stephen Nedoroscik from Team USA's men's gymnastics team won the hearts of the world with his instantly iconic pommel horse routine that helped the team win a bronze medal—breaking a 16-year-long medal drought.

Team Great Britain's Andy Murray had quite the celebration during the Men's Doubles Second Round match against Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen from Team Belgium.

Women's basketball got intense as Team USA and Team Japan competed for the win.

Team Brazil's Gustavo Batista de Oliveira did a full 360 during the Men's Park qualifier.

Marta Kostyuk of Team Ukraine needed a moment to cool down during her tennis matchup against Maria Sakkari of Team Greece.

Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin of Team South Korea clearly loved winning bronze during the mixed doubles table tennis match.

Japan's men's gymnastics team reveled in their gold medal win. 

Great Britan's Tom Daley and Noah Williams sunk the competition to earn a  silver medal. 

USA's Vinson Chiu went sky high during a Mixed Doubles Group Play badminton match. 

Great Britain's Heather Cowell took a stiff arm from Ireland's Amee Leigh Murphy head on. 

Brazil's Gabriel Medina appeared to float above the water during the men's round three surfing competition, making for one of the best photos to emerge from this year's Games so far. 

Team Great Britain divers Tom Daley and Noah Williams shared a hilarious moment as they picked up silver for synchronized diving.

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel of Ecuador had a less than terrific time competing in the equestrian competition. 

Team USA swimmer Katie Grimes gave us all double vision.

Lauren Scruggs, Lee Kiefer and Eleanor Harvey of Team USA and Team Canada's foil teams celebrated their Olympic medal wins with the iconic biting of the medal.

Denmark and Norway delivered during the preliminary handball competition.

Frida Andersen of Sweden went for an epic jump during the equestrian competition. 

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal celebrated a win in their first double match. 

Lebron James made winning look easy. 

USA fencer Lee Kiefer celebrated her win against China's Huang Qianqian. 

Vietnam's Ha Thi Ling took a punch from Tonga's Feofaaki Epenis. 

Gymnastics champion Simone Biles gave a shoutout to her fans at the gymnastics qualifyers on day two of the 2024 Olympics.

Surfer John John Florence of Team USA got jiggy with it as he and his teammates celebrated the Opening Ceremony in French Polynesia.

Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comaneci shared an excited moment with French Tennis player Amelie Mauresmo during the torch ceremony.

Team Japan didn't let the downpour soak their spirits as they lived it up during the Opening Ceremony.

Team New Zealand was clearly in a celebratory mood as they sailed down the Seine during the Opening Ceremony.

Surfer Saffi Vette of Team New Zealand maked sure to pour carefully as she partook in the sand ceremony in French Polynesia.

Team USA landed an incredible moment during the 2024 Opening Ceremony as they marked the start of the games in Paris.

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