When Training Turns into Instinct

Most afternoons at the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center follow a familiar rhythm. Voices echo across the pool deck as instructors call out encouragement and swimmers focus on technique, one lap at a time. 

On this day, an adult swim class was moving through its lesson as planned. Water Safety Instructors Addison Jones and Brooklyn Raynor were in the pool, working closely with participants and keeping a watchful eye on each swimmer. It was the kind of routine session the aquatics team leads every day. 

Then, without warning, everything changed. 

One of the women in the class began having a seizure in the water. Jones recognized the signs immediately and moved into position behind her, supporting her and keeping her head above water as the situation unfolded. 

Pool Manager Matthew Mast, who was nearby, saw what was happening and jumped in to help. 

“Within seconds, Addison, who was positioned directly behind the woman … was able to support her and keep her from submerging,” Mast said. “I was nearby and able to move immediately to take over from her as the emergency response began.” 

From there, the response was seamless. The center’s Emergency Action Plan was activated, staff moved into assigned roles without hesitation and the woman was quickly brought out of the pool. Oxygen was administered, her airway was maintained and she was continuously monitored until emergency medical technicians arrived. 

“The team executed the response as trained,” Mast said. “Seeing the staff in action that day reinforced why we place such a strong emphasis on regular training.” 

Pam Radow, the recreation center manager on duty, said having those specialized skills can make a rewarding and positive difference.  

“We are trained in how to work as a team in an emergency,” Radow said. “We know our roles and use constant communication during emergencies. There is a feeling of pride having used this training in helping and aiding others.”  

As rescue efforts continued, Swim Lesson Manager Kathie Clapp helped clear the pool and keep other patrons safe. She explained that aquatics staff are trained around the Chain of Drowning Survival, which emphasizes early recognition, calling for help and getting an emergency action plan in motion immediately. 

“We do value training and preparedness, so when incidents like this one come up, we all know what to do and we know that those around us are equally trained,” Clapp said. “We can act and care for the situation with our full attention because others know what to do in that situation, as well.” 

Additional staff moved quickly to support the rescue. Lifeguards Maksym Hrebinnyk and Adam Salem responded with a backboard and crash bag, while Logan Manwiller provided emergency backup coverage in the pool so care could continue uninterrupted. 

About a week later, staff followed up with the woman. She shared that her doctors were surprised she had not aspirated any water during the seizure, something Mast said underscored just how critical those first moments were. 

For Robert Belcourt, the recreation center’s general manager, the outcome affirmed what he sees every day. 

“Of course, I’m very proud of our team, but I’m not surprised,” Belcourt said. “From our lifeguards to our pool managers, everyone works incredibly hard every day. We never take for granted how much knowledge, practice and ongoing training this job requires. When something happens, it’s always difficult, but I have complete confidence in the care they provide and the professionalism they bring to every situation.” 

For the aquatics staff at Sharron Baucom Dale City, the experience was a reminder that the hours spent training are not abstract. They are preparation for moments when seconds truly matter.