POTSDAM – The joint town and village Recreation Committee is looking into a possible requirement that lifeguards be trained and equipped to administer nalaxone to opioid overdose victims.

In a discussion of Recreation Committee matters at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, committee co-chair and councilor Rose Rivezzi said that Recreation Department Waterfront Director Michelle Garrow is looking into the requirement, which would apply to the lifeguards at the beaches next to Pine Street Arena and at Postwood Park.

Concerns were expressed during the discussion that administration of medication could give rise to liability issues, and that lifeguards, some as young as 16 years old, might have difficulty in dealing with a situation such as an overdose.

Since the explosion of overdose cases involving over the counter opioids and heroin, many people, particularly police and rescue squad members, have been trained in the use of nalaxone, also known by its brand name, Narcan. The drug has been saving the lives of overdose victims for years, and its importance has only grown as the number of overdoses – and overdose deaths – has spiked.

The discussion included the related issue of epinephrine, a drug frequently administered with a “pen,” to combat allergic reactions to things such as bee stings.

Both drugs are included in some Red Cross first aid training courses.