SHARE

Weston Lifeguards Prepare for Pond's Opening Day

WESTON, Conn. -- Steven Kos sat on a lifeguard stand shivering Friday as he went through his fourth year of training at Bisceglie-Scribner Pond, which opens for the season Saturday.

"The water is freezing. It's probably 60 degrees. Every year, it's overcast for training," said Kos. "We have to experience the worst so we're prepared."

Capt. Saam Greenman gave instructions while the lifeguards practiced active rescues, saving drowning victims and back boarding in the pond, lifeguard Chris Hutchins said.

"Capt. Saam comes to help teach us before the pond opens tomorrow," said Becky O'Brien, who graduated from Weston High School on Wednesday. "We all work together, switching off practicing as people drowning."

This will be O'Brien's second year lifeguarding at the pond. She works there with her brothers, Danny and Ben, who also work at the school's pool during the school year.

Lynn Stevens, director of aquatics at Weston Parks & Recreation, said lifeguards have had to save children wandering deeper than they can touch but haven't had an incident in the deep end.

"I had to pull children out who were floundering or who lose their balance," said Kos.

The lifeguards continue in-service training every week, practicing CPR and doing other drills, said Stevens.

The staff started training at 10 a.m. Friday and continued for about four hours. "The most important thing is making sure the staff is rescue ready," said Greenman.

Bisceglie Pond opens for the season Saturday, June 25. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday through Labor Day.

Are you going to Bisceglie Pond this summer? Send photos to shenry@thedailyweston.com!

 

to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE