18-Year-Old YMCA Lifeguard Helps Deliver Baby After A Mom Went Into Labor On The Pool Deck
On July 24, eighteen-year-old Natalie Lucas arrived at her local YMCA in Longmont, Colorado, for another routine lifeguarding shift.
But, the teen rose way above her job description that day after a female member went into labor.
The expectant mother, Tessa Rider, had been visiting the Y pool with her husband, Matthew Jones. Tessa was just a couple of days past her due date when, upon entering the pool, her water immediately broke.
“All of a sudden, I felt this need to push,” she said in an interview with The Washington Post.
Tessa alerted her husband to retrieve the car while she tried to get out of the pool. The couple’s plan was to race to the hospital and deliver their baby there.
But, once Tessa stepped out of the pool, she collapsed onto her hands and knees. At that moment, the mom knew her baby was not waiting any longer.
Natalie was the only lifeguard on duty that afternoon and jumped into action. The teen quickly gathered a first aid kit and towels and told her supervisors about the birth.
Then, the teen lifeguard of three years focused on making sure Tessa remained comfortable.
Facebook; pictured above is the adorable baby born at the YMCA
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“I stayed calm, and I didn’t freak out because that is what you need to do for this job. You cannot really hesitate or wait for someone else to come. You are the lifeguard; you are the lifesaver,” Natalie said.
Just a few minutes later, the couple’s baby– Tobin “Toby” Thomas Rider– was born. Matthew cradled his son in his arms for warmth until EMTs arrived and assessed the baby. Thankfully, both Tessa and Toby are doing just fine.
And following the miraculous delivery, the YMCA of Northern Colorado recounted the events in a Facebook update.
The post congratulated Tessa and Matthew and also commended Tessa for her delivery assistance. Tons of community members have also shared their shock and delight regarding the entire situation.
“Incredible! Kudos to the lifeguard and best wishes to the family!” commented one user.
“Wow. What an amazing event. Congratulations all around! ‘Lifeguard’ takes on a whole new meaning,” wrote a second user.
“This is amazing– goosebumps!!! Congratulations to all, and welcome to the world, precious baby!” said a third.
To view the original Facebook post, visit the link here.
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