Three Saves At Crowded Smithtown Landing Pools

Lifeguards are keeping busy as the heat wave has sent residents splashing into Smithtown Landing pool to cool off. 

"You might think it would only be busy on the weekends but on these hot days we tend to get really busy," said Pool Director Jim Desmond. "We were actually a little busier yesterday." 

Lifeguards on staff at Smithtown Landing saved three swimmers in distress as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, most of the saves where children playing on the slide. 

"Sometimes will go off the slide as many as 20 times, and by the 20th time they are a little tired. The force of the water can push them under," Desmond said.

The town lifeguards also don't take any chances. 

"Our philosophy is you have to get in the water if there's any uncertainty about the swimmer and the swimmer's ability," he added. "On the plus side, it helps keep the lifeguards cool." 
 
Desmond said lifeguards are kept on a swift 15-minute rotation to keep them fresh and alert when watching the pools. 

Lifeguards are on duty at Smithtown Landing pools  each day starting at 8 a.m. for swim lesson classes through 8 p.m. for private events, including the town's summer recreation courses. 

Of course, the best part of working at the town pools, according to one life guard, is being able to jump in at the end of the day. 

Editor's Note: Smithtown's Superintendent of Recreation Tom McCaffrey said there are "no budgetary restraints in regards to the safety of the residents" contrary to earlier reports.