Triple-digit heat: How El Paso lifeguards battle rising temps

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Triple-digit temperatures have continued to blanket the Borderland, sending people to Ascarate Park Pool to cool off — and keeping lifeguards in the heat for hours at a time as they work to keep swimmers safe.

Kaylee Sianez, a lead lifeguard at Ascarate Park Pool, said a typical shift lasts about six hours.

“Day-to-day basis, our common shifts are about six hours,” Sianez said.

She said she is “usually working the open swim.”

Open swim runs from noon until 5 p.m., meaning much of a lifeguard’s shift can be spent under the sun.

Sianez said she prepares by staying hydrated, using sunscreen and bringing extra protection from the heat.

“So having caps and hats for shade is the best thing for us,” Sianez said.

Usually I always try and bring a ton of water. I also like to get those electrolyte packets.

Emily Schmalz reports on Ascarate pool lifeguard braving the heat

During breaks, Sianez said lifeguards use the time to cool down — whether that means getting into the pool or finding shade.

“We do pool breaks and jumping in the water here, and there helps to cool off a lot. We also have these towels that we put in the water,” she said.

“I think the shade is a big help, standing under an umbrella or here in our shed.”

Breaks come every 15 minutes, but Sianez said she can sometimes spend up to 45 minutes on the stand.

After hours in the heat, she said it can be easy to lose track of time and skip needed rest.

“I think we forget to give ourselves that break, and I think once you start to feel a little bit too used to it, you get comfortable; that’s when you kind of have to give yourself that break,” Sianez said.

As the heat sticks around this week, taking a dip can help people cool off, but pool-goers are also urged to stay hydrated, take breaks out of the sun and watch for signs of heat illness.

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