One could argue that the 2024 Paris Olympics are the ultimate sink-or-swim situation. But that doesn't mean the International Olympic Committee actually wants its athletes to go under.
"It is not worthless at the Olympics to have lifeguards," retired Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones insisted to the Associated Press. "Anything can happen. You can cramp up, God forbid. So it’s not the most worthless job."
Still, added the four-time medalist, who holds the world record in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, "That meme was hilarious."
For those who haven't jumped into the deep end of social media, the 40-year-old was referencing snaps of the Games' seemingly bored lifeguards with the caption, "If you ever feel useless just remember that someone is a lifeguard at the olympics swimming event."
And while, yes, the idea of your average swimmer needing to save world class athletes like Katie Ledecky and Ryan Murphy might feel ludicrous on the surface, having a just-in-case back-up plan is every bit as necessary as all those E. coli tests in the Seine.
"It is a misconception that we're useless," lifeguard James Meyers—a veteran of several Olympic trials—told Business Insider back in 2021. "Unfortunately, people do get hurt so we have a role. Of the four Olympic trials where I've been a lifeguard, this year was the first we didn't have to get in the water."
Breaststroke specialist Lilly King has seen firsthand what a splash they can make.
"I’ve seen them pull people out several times,” said the three-time Olympian, whose collection of medals includes two gold, two silver and a bronze.
To ensure they're ready to leap into action, lifeguards "are very particular in our training," Matt Kovacs, who oversaw the staff at the Indiana University Natatorium, told the AP, "making sure we are at that top level, ready for anything to happen."
To ensure they stay sharp, the AP detailed of the crew bound for the 2021 U.S. Nationals, they rotate to new stations every 20 minutes and get a 20-minute break every hour.
"It is funny when you think about it," acknowledged Regan Smith, whose second-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke brought her medal tally to four-and-counting. "Its not like any of us are not able to tread water and things like that."
However, she continued, "accidents happen all the time. I think the second that people are, like, getting cocky and it’s like, ‘Oh, we don’t need lifeguards here,’ that’s when a freak accident happens. So, I’ll always take the stand that you can never be too careful. I’m glad they’re here. I don’t know how to do CPR. They do."
Of course, the poolside patrollers aren't the only ones making an, uh, splash at the Games.
We dove deep into the Internet and pulled out all the best moments from the Paris Olympics thus far.
Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
LeBron James and Steph Curry were definitely feeling it after the USA men's basketball team beat Serbia to advance to the finals.
2 Become 1
Xu Shixiao and Sun Mengya from Team China were clearly working together during the women's canoe double 500-meter semifinal.
Come On, Gold!
Team USA's Sha'carri Richardson picked up her first gold in the women's 4x100-meter relay.
A Most Iconic Duo
Everyone's favorite BFFs Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart hitched a ride on a golf cart.
High Kicks
Team China's Liang Yushuai gave folks a new photo pose to try next time they visit the Eiffel Tower.
Careful With the Bike!
Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen was very enthusiastic about nabbing a second gold medal.
Shock and Awe
Emma Roberts couldn't believe what she was seeing during the men's semi-final basketball match between the USA and Serbia.
Chomping On the Gold
Tara Davis-Woodhall of Team USA went for the customary biting of the medal after winning gold in the women's long jump.
Don't Lose Your Shirt
Sergio Camello of Spain found his own way to celebrate after scoring his fifth goal against France.
A Trip to Sesame Street
Elmo loves getting hugs from Simone Biles.
Tuck It In
Emilia Nilsson Garip of Sweden dove into the water during the women's 3 meters springboard final.
A Slam Dunk
Gabrielle Union was cheering on Team USA as they went head-to-head with Serbia in the men's basketball semi-final match.
Nothing Left For Them To Do But Dance
Team Spain got into the groove during the rhythmic gymnastics competition.
Royal Onlookers
Ben-Sylvester Strautmann, Alexandra de Hanovre, Prince Albert of Monaco and Alain Bernard cheer while at the Men's Team Bronze medal match.
Double the Fun
Paulina Paszek and Jule Marie Hake of Team Germany celebrate earning third place in the Women's kayak double 500m final.
Zoom In
Carmelo Anthony wanted to remember the moment as he and son Kiyan Anthony watched Team USA beat Serbia in men's basketball.
A Queen
Team USA's Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone celebrated after breaking her own record and winning gold in the women's 400m hurdles final.
Twisting Every Which Way
Elzhana Taniyeva of Kazakhstan showed off her very impressive range at the rhythmic gymnastics Individual all round.
Parisian Pride
One fan really wanted everyone to know which country he was rooting for.
Go, Dad, Go
Bronny James cheered on father LeBron James as Team USA took on Serbia in the Men's basketball semifinals competition.
Quick Break
Noah Lyles of Team USA needed a second after competing in the men's 200m final.
Not the Face!
Great Britain's Bradly Sinden tried to protect the goods during the Men's Taekwondo 68kg quarterfinals.
Dance It Out
Italy's Milena Baldassarri put on quite the show during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around competition.
Yee-Haw!
Tara David-Woodhall pulled out the cowboy hat after winning gold in women's long jump competition.
Flying Through the Air
Team USA's Tom Schaar put on quite the aerial display while competing in the men's park skateboarding final.
Go Team!
USA's water polo team was full of excitement as they beat Australia and advanced to the semifinals.
Going for the Ball
The game was heated as the USA took on Nigeria in the women's quarterfinal basketball match.
One Final Hurdle
Grant Holloway repped the USA after winning the gold medal in the Men's 110m hurdles final.
Do You Even Lift?
Venezuela's Katherin Echandia Zarate showed that she never skips arm day during the weightlifting competition.
An Unfortuante Spill
Michelle Jenneke of Australia didn't quite clear her hurdle in her Women's 100m heat.