Even if a person seems healthy and has no family history of heart disease, heart related issues can strike suddenly, and with little warning. This can present a tricky pool safety issue, because otherwise healthy people (especially women), often dismiss the symptoms—and may not ask for assistance right away. So lifeguards should be on the lookout for any kind of unusual behavior poolside, and be ready to implement an emergency action plan immediately.

One such incident happened last summer at Green Valley Swim Club in Reisterstown, where 52-year-old Lutherville resident Annie Lawler was holding swimming instruction classes. A former triathlete and competitive swimmer, Annie teaches swimming at Michael Phelps Swim School and is a master coach at Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center in Mount Washington.

Active and fit, the last thing she expected to experience while teaching swim lessons was an intense burning sensation in her chest. Lifeguard and pool manager, Lindsey Baylor, noticed her climb out of the water and sit in a chair. “Miss Annie looked distressed,” said Baylor, a 25-year-old college student who works summers at the swim club. And when she caught Annie’s eye across the pool and saw her mouth the words, “I don’t feel right,” she sent another lifeguard, Emily Makhlouf, to check on her.

“I’ll be OK,” Annie told Emily, initially refusing assistance. But as she experienced pressure building beneath her sternum, Annie used her cell phone to call her sister, a retired emergency room nurse, for advice.

Emily was concerned, and kept an eye on her. By the time Annie finished her conversation with her sister, who told her to have someone get her to the hospital immediately, Emily had already dialed 911.

Thankfully, observance and quick response of emergency procedures by DRD lifeguards facilitated a happy ending. Annie was indeed experiencing a serious medical issue, but she got to Sinai Hospital in time to prevent major heart damage—although she needed six stents to restore her circulation.

Now back to her active lifestyle and thankful to be alive, Annie says she’s glad that the lifeguards didn’t let her brush off her symptoms. It’s easy to do—especially when the person experiencing them is fit and active, with no prior history.

We’re very proud of Lindsey Baylor and Emily Makhlouf, who exhibited calm professionalism and caring in an uncertain situation. Congratulations, ladies, on a job well done!

Tags: Annie Lawler, DRD Lifeguards, Green Valley Swim Club, lifeguard, lifeguard training, pool safety