Lifeguard Saves the Day

A Franklin, Tenn., lifeguard saved an 8-year-old boy from drowning at Cottonwood Pool in July 2003.

Kit Wilson, the on duty lifeguard, made the rescue after seeing the boy hit his head on the diving board. The boy had no serious injuries despite a cut on his head.

It was the first time that Wilson had saved someone’s life. However, he was confident in his abilities as a lifeguard.

“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Wilson said.

After pulling the unconscious boy to the shallow end of the pool, Wilson took proper safety measures and bystanders called for emergency medical assistance.

Following the rescue, the boy’s family often brought Wilson cookies and even posters. Wilson said the family was appreciative of his work and felt safe swimming at the pool under his watch.

“The number one rule is to prevent things from happening,” Wilson said. “You have to be the annoying lifeguard.”

Wilson has been a lifeguard since he was 15.

“I’ve always been around pools,” Wilson said.

After giving swimming lessons, becoming a lifeguard was the next logical step. Wilson said he views the role of lifeguard as a “professional babysitter” whose job is to watch for hazards.

Wilson said he hopes to become a certified lifeguard instructor in the future. A certified lifeguard instructor is responsible for teaching and certifying other lifeguards.



1. When did this happen?
2. How long have you been a lifeguard?
3. Where did this happen?
4. How could you tell someone was drowning?
5. Were you the only lifeguard?
6. Were you confident you could save the victim?
7. Who was the victim?
8. How old was the victim?
9. How did you feel afterwards?
10. What comments did you receive afterwards (from the victim or witnesses)?
11. Did you receive any award or recognition?
12. Why did you become a lifeguard?
13. What are the main rules to consider when rescuing someone?
14. Did the victim need additional medical attention afterwards?
15. What is the most difficult thing about being a lifeguard?