LUCAS VETTORAZZO FROM RIO A state law requiring all swimming pools in Rio to have lifeguards has created an unusual position in Olympic history. Although not having much to do (the chance of a highly skilled swimmer drowning is practically zero), the lifeguard, or 'pool guardian', as the profession is technically named in Brazil, has the best view in the house for the competition. Rio resident Juarez Almeida, 55, spends the day by the lanes at the Olympic Aquatic Stadium watching the athletes go back and forth. "Nobody gets hurt. Sometimes I even get sleepy", he jokes. A total of 78 people have been working as lifeguards since the 27th. They earn R$1,500 (US$ 460) per month and have as their responsibility names like American legend Michael Phelps who will be competing at the stadium. The lifeguard's chair is located beside the starting line. So far, none have needed to jump in the water, at least not for professional duty. When a lane boundary comes loose from the side, or a banner falls down, the lifeguards spring to the "rescue". According to State Law 3,728 from 2001, all swimming pools bigger than 6 X 6 meters need to have a lifeguard in order to be certified by the Fire and Rescue Department. Seven Olympic installations have 'guardians'– in addition to the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park, and the guards take six-hour work shifts at all the training pools. In the case of an "incident", Juarez wouldn't think twice. "I'd jump in with my clothes on, only taking off my glasses", he said, since he uses dark glasses due to the stadium spotlights. Translated by LLOYD HARDER Read the article in the original language +Latest news in English *Abandoned Parents of Babies with Microcephaly Go to Court in Brazil *Federal Police Report Shows That Lula Instructed Renovation of Country House *'The Olympics Could Be a Game-Changing Moment in Our Lives," Says Syrian Refugee