It’s 4:45 a.m., dark, and this time of year, mighty cold. A distinguished gentleman lets himself into the front door of the Y and walks down to the pool deck. He scans the pool area and then picks up the red phone to inform the Lincoln County dispatcher that the pool is open. He retracts the four special blankets that have been laid overnight in order to keep the pools warm and save energy, pulls out the vacuum, tests the chemicals to ensure that the levels are correct, and takes one final scan of the pool surrounding. He lays out kick-boards and weights and other favorite gear that he knows the morning’s swimmers like and will need for their workout.

Once he is satisfied that everything is ready, he flips the sign around to “Open” and unlocks the pool doors by 5:20 a.m. There are between five and 15 members who swim laps or take an aqua combo water exercise class who are eager to come in. He greets every person by name and has been known to fill up a water bottle half way through a member’s swim. He has great taste in music and changes his playlist depending on the mood or the season. He has even been known to get a tip or two from the pool regulars, which of course, he donates to the Annual Fund.

Who is this tireless and joyful gentleman? It is Rob Wheeler, president of J. Edward Knight Insurance.  J. Edward Knight is a generous sponsor of the Y and Rob and his wife Sandy have been members for almost 19 years. He’s a busy guy but makes time to help out in the dark hours of the morning. How in the world did this volunteer gig begin? 

Rob explains. “Last year, I heard that the Y might have to cut back on hours at the pool due to the lack of lifeguards. I decided I wanted to help. With a little encouragement from CEO Andy Hamblett, I signed up to take the lifeguard training course and exam. I remember telling my wife that I was going to do this and she said, ‘Do you think you can pass the swim test part of the exam?’  I said, ‘Sure, I used to be on the swim team, it will be fine.’ She quickly brought me back to reality by reminding me that it had been over 40years since I participated in any swim programs!”  

Rob continues, “I am in my second year of lifeguarding and I cover two opening shifts per week. I am up early anyway and I am glad to help out. I have really enjoyed the group of swimmers who show up every morning. It has been fun getting to know them, and to be honest, I look forward to seeing them and miss them when they take the day off. We call each other our ‘pool family.’  The YMCA has always been important to me and my family. We spent a lot of time at the facility growing up and have great memories. I am glad now to be in a position to give back to the Y. In my current role as a volunteer lifeguard, I think I get as much out of the job as I put in.”  

“We love that Rob jumped right in to help the Y in such a tangible way,” says Hamblett. “He is a great example of a member of the community helping out the Y when we need it, and we really need volunteer and paid lifeguards in order to keep the pool open. We also have a lot of fun!”  

The Y has two pools and open hours are contingent on having lifeguards on the pool deck. Volunteers also help with swim lessons and the swim team.  The Y welcomes volunteer lifeguards and also has open paid part-time positions. If you are interested in getting in on the fun, helping the community, and having access to the Y’s fabulous pools, please contact Aquatics Director David Washburn, at dwashburn@brymca.org.