Natalie Lucas had been a lifeguard for the past three years. She was well-versed in life-saving procedures, knew how to perform CPR, and was well-versed in safety rules and regulations. But, in her three years as a lifeguard, she had never assisted in the delivery of a baby! That was before Little Mister Tobin Thomas Rider arrived in the world on the Longmont, Colorado YMCA pool deck!

Natalie Lucas was having a typical work day when Tessa Rider and her husband, Matt Jones, came to the pool for a swim. Tessa had been experiencing hip pain, especially after her pregnancy had gone past her baby’s due date. Swimming seemed to alleviate the pain. Natalie wasn’t concerned at first, but she soon noticed Tessa was struggling. She watched as Tessa struggled to get out of the pool while resting on a pool noodle.

“She had a [pool] noodle to try to relieve some stress from all that weight on the front of her, I’m guessing,” Natalie explained. “And then she began crawling out of the pool… and I was like, okay, I need to go check to make sure everything’s okay there.” Natalie went to check on Tessa and noticed that her water had broken, and she overheard Matt announce that Tessa was in labor and a baby was on the way!

Tessa took off her swimsuit, and Natalie saw that the baby was indeed on the way! Natalie Lucas jumped into action to assist Mom and Dad after Matt dialed 911. Natalie gathered a first aid kit, medical supplies, and towels from the front desk, her adrenaline pumping but her desire to remain calm. She stayed with Tessa and Matt during the delivery, talking with them, assisting them in focusing on the baby, and putting Tessa in a comfortable position.

Natalie was impressed by the couple’s “comfort.” But Tessa and Matt couldn’t be happier with Natalie’s assistance during the birth of their beautiful baby boy! Tobin was in good hands with Natalie Lucas, and he’ll likely get to know her better in the future. He’s been given a YMCA membership for life!

That’s a fantastic birthday present—and an even better birth story!” and is well known for her good deeds, such as raising children, showing hospitality, washing the Lord’s people’s feet, assisting those in need, and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” First Timothy 5:10