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Closer Inspection: Jump in!

Now open after a two-year renovation, Rosedale Community Center and Pool in Northeast Washington has many new features, with about a half-dozen lifeguards keeping watch over it all. Here, a look at the pool’s features and lifeguard equipment. — Erin Williams

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Renovations at the pool were extensive. “We went over this design seven or eight times,” says Sean Link, aquatic program manager for D.C. Parks and Recreation. “The only thing we have from the previous structure is the filters and the pumps.”

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Lifeguards are required to carry a rescue tube at all times while at their post. It slips around the lifeguard’s body when she attempts to rescue a swimmer, and it acts as an additional arm for victims to hold on to. “It’s definitely an assist,” says Sean Link, aquatic program manager for D.C. Parks and Recreation.

Lifeguards are required to carry a rescue tube at all times while at their post. It slips around the lifeguard’s body when she attempts to rescue a swimmer, and it acts as an additional arm for victims to hold on to. “It’s definitely an assist,” says Sean Link, aquatic program manager for D.C. Parks and Recreation.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Two of the pool’s lifeguard stations measure six feet; the other two are four feet high. The chairs can be moved as needed. Lifeguards operate on a “push,” meaning they rotate chairs every 15 to 20 minutes of their shift.

Two of the pool’s lifeguard stations measure six feet; the other two are four feet high. The chairs can be moved as needed. Lifeguards operate on a “push,” meaning they rotate chairs every 15 to 20 minutes of their shift.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The long flat spinal board holds individuals up to 500 pounds and is key in rescuing a victim with a suspected back injury. “It keeps them stable ... so that whatever possible injury there is, it won’t be intensified,” Link says. The lifeguard office also has additional foam boards, a defibrillator, a first-aid kit and chemical test kits for the water, which is checked every hour for proper balance.

The long flat spinal board holds individuals up to 500 pounds and is key in rescuing a victim with a suspected back injury. “It keeps them stable ... so that whatever possible injury there is, it won’t be intensified,” Link says. The lifeguard office also has additional foam boards, a defibrillator, a first-aid kit and chemical test kits for the water, which is checked every hour for proper balance.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The pool has two slides — the “biggest attractions,” Link says — and one allows for two people at a time. Today’s multi-use pools allow for both fun and fitness, Link says. “We can do swim team practice, we can do water aerobics classes. ... Spray parks, leisure pools and features are kind of where we’re at now,” he says.

The pool has two slides — the “biggest attractions,” Link says — and one allows for two people at a time. Today’s multi-use pools allow for both fun and fitness, Link says. “We can do swim team practice, we can do water aerobics classes. ... Spray parks, leisure pools and features are kind of where we’re at now,” he says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

In the water, an automated floating alligator chases swimmers.

In the water, an automated floating alligator chases swimmers.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen a trend away from the classic 25-yard rectangular lap pool.” More kid-friendly features include the smaller, more intimate wading pool with a whale that spouts water from its head. “It is amazing — they go crazy,” Link says.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen a trend away from the classic 25-yard rectangular lap pool.” More kid-friendly features include the smaller, more intimate wading pool with a whale that spouts water from its head. “It is amazing — they go crazy,” Link says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

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