In the News: Several members of a youth organization began experiencing a variety of symptoms a few days after their group visited a public pool. Their symptoms included fever, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Drowning at Summer Camp: A 4-year-old boy was found dead at the bottom of a swimming pool on his first day of camp. Despite barely passing his swim test, he was left unattended in a pool being watched by two lifeguards and three camp counselors.

Father of 8 Drowns in Boating Accident: Don Monday Jr., a father of eight, drowned on a lake in Texas with two of his children sitting in the boat. He entered the water to make repairs on the boat, but never came back up.

Reality Alert: A minor incident nearly turned tragic after a young boy began exhibiting signs of a potentially fatal condition called secondary drowning. While attending a birthday party earlier in the day the young boy fell into a hot tub, but was instantly rescued.

Reality Alert: A busy YMCA pool was filled with young children participating in swim lessons. A swim instructor brought a three-year-old over to the side of the pool and took off his floatation device.

Many community organizations and YMCAs are committed to helping their members lead healthier lifestyles. One way many do this is to offer different fitness classes.

Reality Alert: An employee at an outdoor pool helped a patron who got a severe bloody nose while swimming. Unfortunately, the employee was exposed to some of the patron’s blood despite wearing gloves.

Having enough qualified lifeguards is crucial for any aquatics facility. Aquatics directors know the lifeguards they hire must be certified; however, there are multiple organizations that certify lifeguards.