Sumter's Next Generation, presented by CCTC: SHS graduate, Aquatics Center lifeguard Jordon Bradley shares importance of leaving a legacy

Inspiration can be found in the most unsuspecting places - and Jordon Bradley hopes youths will find it when they're out by the pool.

With plans set to attend the University of South Carolina in the fall to major in civil engineering, he's soaking up as much sun and chances to inspire the next generation of swimmers as he can as a lifeguard at the City of Sumter Aquatics Center.

Jordon was just as old as the young swimmers of today when he had his first swimming lesson at the Aquatics Center. Charmed by the way of the water, swimming became a favorite pastime for him. While he went on to play other sports, notably basketball, at Sumter High School, he still had a desire to flex his human fins.

Jordon would don the red uniform and tinted shades of a lifeguard nearly two years ago. Inspired by older cousins who were lifeguards in North Carolina and in need of a summer job, he decided to apply for the job in Sumter. A typical day for him begins at 11:30 a.m., pulling out umbrellas and pool tubes, refilling water coolers and ensuring the pool is clean - all before the center opens at noon. Throughout the day, he rotates lifeguard stands, ensure that he and his coworkers have a keen eye on all corners of the pool at all times. While a day out at the pool is a perk in itself, Jordon finds happiness in other aspects about his job.

"I'm really involved in the community," he said with a smile. From being involved in his church's media ministry to volunteering at youth basketball camps, Jordon was inspired by local athletes and community members, like Justus Boone and Nakeem Isaac, to get involved and be a positive influence on youth. Being among energetic children who are enjoying their day of play at the pool has prompted Jordon to be aware of the kind of legacy he leaves once he hangs up his rescue tube.

"I want to be remembered as a figure in the community that people look up to. I want kids to be able to come to me and say 'Oh, I heard about you! I heard you do this and that, and that really inspired me to be great'," Jordon expressed. "I just want to be a motivator for younger kids."

And lifeguarding is one of the ways he hopes to do that. But first, he has to keep them safe. There have been a few times when he's had to spring into action. While thankful that his swimmers remain safe and sound, there are ways to avoid any dangers. No running, no jumping in the water, never swim alone, be cautious of your surroundings, listen to the lifeguards, and the most important one, "don't pee in the pool," Jordon said with equal parts humor and seriousness.

It would be these tips that Jordon would pass on to his junior guard. Junior guards shadow current lifeguards to learn the ropes in hopes of one day becoming a lifeguard themselves. While he hopes to leave a long-lasting impression on these aspiring guards, Jordon emphasized the role isn't given; it's earned.

To be a lifeguard, one has to be in shape, learn to swim and be willing to go the extra mile. Whether it's teaching swimming classes or taking them yourself, according to Jordon, "the more you practice, the better you'll get."