OMAHA, Neb. -For one week this summer, Omaha will be at the center of the competitive swimming universe.

More than 1,000 Olympic hopefuls will be in town trying for a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team that will compete in the summer games in Great Britain.

Although these are some of the top athletes in the world, someone has to be charged with keeping them safe.

“An accident can happen at any time,” said Dayle Nervig, Prairie Life Fitness water supervisor.

The chance to watch over greats such as Michael Phelps is what made lifeguard Jake Kruger volunteer to work at Omaha’s Olympic Trials.

“Last time, when the trials were here, I had a really good time watching, and I wanted to see what it was like behind the scenes,” he said.

Kruger is one of about 40 certified lifeguards who plan to work at the week-long event. Guarding part of two pools inside Omaha’s CenturyLink Center should be a far cry from the practice pool at Brownell Talbot where the lifeguards are training.

“It’s intense,” said lifeguard Amanda Kettle. “I never really thought you’d need to jump in at all, but during practice, when they’re in the practice pools, they collide a lot.”

Coordinators said the practice time is invaluable for the lifeguards.