CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. β Three separate medical incidents involving lifeguards occurred at Pocahontas State Park during extreme temperatures, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The DCR reported one of those incidents may have been heat-related.
The incidents occurred at the park's swimming pool, where lifeguard services are contracted through SwimMetro.
According to DCR, the first incident may have been heat-related and EMTs were not called to the park. The individual asked to go home as they were not feeling well and the request was approved.
Shortly afterward, a second lifeguard fell from their stand into the water. They were quickly rescued and given immediate medical aid before being transported to the hospital by Chesterfield EMS.
A third incident occurred later when a lifeguard, who had permission to leave early, experienced a medical emergency in the parking lot. EMTs responded and attended.
"The safety and well-being of both our staff and visitors is our highest priority," DCR officials wrote in a statement. "All appropriate procedures were followed on July 25, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe environment at all of our facilities."
DCR officials said safety measures were in place for both visitors and lifeguards, including 30-minute breaks after every 45-minute lifeguard rotation, access to umbrellas, training on the importance of hydration, a break area with air conditioning, and the option to cool off in the water as needed.
Officials indicated that the pool temporarily closed twice during the medical incidents on Friday but later reopened. Some pool operations were scaled back to reduce staffing needs, and additional supervisory support was provided.
DCR did not provide an update on the status of the hospitalized lifeguard. SwimMetro could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
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