Expandable tubing grid resides on pool floor, ready to be inflated to lift potentially drowning person above water surface. One or more poolside emergency stations are provided, displaying appropriate signage instructing bystander(s) to press Life-Saver button to lift potentially drowning person to surface. Radio-controlled (RC) transmitter is provided for lifeguard use for same purpose. System activation floods expandable tubing within seconds, in selected section, or entirety of tubing grid (as configured) raising occupants above expanded section to surface. Bystander(s) pulls endangered person to edge enabling extraction and timely resuscitation. System is usable in senior communities with swimmers wearing waterproof transmitter using sound transmission effective underwater or in air.