ROUND ROCK, Texas – There’s probably no better way to cool off in the summer heat than splashing around in the pool, but the fun can quickly turn deadly.

According to the CDC, more children between the ages of one and four die from drowning than from any other cause of death, and more than 4,000 people die unintentionally in the United States each year.

The unsung heroes of every summer don’t wear hats, but bright red swimsuits.

“Knowing that I am actually keeping people safe gives me a great sense of purpose. I am educated and can actually help people when they need help,” says lifeguard Malu Camargo.

The lifeguards here in Round Rock, as well as in Camargo, were recently named some of the best in Texas.

However, they had to win this title in a nationwide competition. Teams of four had to complete three different scenarios in front of the jury.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen,” said lifeguard Ragan Barrow. “You go in blind and then just pretend.”

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This year the competition took place on home soil.

“I was happy because I feel comfortable here every day,” said lifeguard Adlee Colegrobe. “This is pretty much my second home, but I was a little nervous because I would somehow lose out in our own home.”

Thankfully, they didn’t lose. The team even made history for Round Rock by taking home the league title for the second year in a row. In 2022, they finished in second place.

“It’s a great feeling to know that all the hard work we put in, all the hard training we do, is paying off,” Barrow said.

It’s a big win that will surely make waves all summer long.

“Being able to compete has allowed me to continue pursuing my love of lifesaving and even teach people as I am coaching this year, my third year. It has allowed me to continue doing what I love to do,” said Barrow.