20 Things You Learn While Being A Lifeguard
Start writing a post
Entertainment

20 Things You Learn While Being A Lifeguard

The only job where you truly can whistle while you work

15213
20 Things You Learn While Being A Lifeguard

For my four past summers, I have worked as a lifeguard. Being a lifeguard, I am not only a guarder of someone's life, but I am also a therapist, a friend, a manager, a babysitter, a professional tanner, Baywatch, etc. Through all these different titles, there is no doubt that I am walking away, full of life's most important knowledge.

1. How To Save A Life.

(Cue The Fray.)

2. The delicate art of tan lines.

There is nothing more appealing than that circle tan on your back. Nothing. (Except, of course, the coveted "X" tan line.)

3. The perfect whistle twirl.

What else are we supposed to do on stand? Watch the pool?

4. Storms are better than Christmas. Period.

(Cue rain dance.)

5. Work flings don't work. Don't do it.

6. There are no secrets.

Everyone knows everything. (See #5). What else are we going to talk about on break? (except, of course, that total DILF by the kiddie pool)

7. Gossip. Lots of mom gossip.

When you're virtually invisible to all the patrons, the art of eavesdropping becomes one of your best skills. I mean, honestly, we could probably rival the CIA.

8. NO RUNNING.

9. Those kids who poop in the pool are the ultimate champs.

Seriously, though, these kids deserve an award.

10. The color red makes you look the tannest. Trust.

11. How to get away with staring.

Thank you, sunglasses.

12. Kids are the absolute worst.

Except, of course, the kids of that DILF by the kiddie pool.

13. The art of suntanning.


Checking the UV index is as essential as breathing. Nothing beats a UV of 10. Period. You literally get paid to tan. Need I say more?

14. Chlorine and sunscreen are the only perfume.

15. The blue popsicles are the best.

Was this even a question, though? (If you like orange popsicles, we probably aren't friends.)

16. Lifeguard parties beat every type of party.

I mean who wouldn't want to party with a bunch of bronzed gods who know CPR? (if you catch my drift)

17. Clothes are overrated.

When you spend all day in a swimsuit, the thought of clothing becomes basically irrelevant. What's business casual, anyway? You feel comfortable wearing virtually nothing in front of anyone all the time. What do you mean "no shirts no service"?

18. Closing time is the best time of the day.


Especially if you play "Closing Time" by Semisonic on repeat. (Take a hint: Please LEAVE.)

19. Anything and everything can be entertaining.

Whether it be pushing your co-workers in the pool, hiding pictures of the new hire around the office, or decorating the office for Christmas when you work at The Jewish Community Center in July, we truly know how to make everything into a good time.

20. Summer is the best time of year.

End of story.

Lifeguarding is possibly the easiest and hardest job you may ever have. It is where you meet some of the best people who may even turn into your best friends. Getting paid to tan and hang out all day with endless breaks can be quite taxing; however, it truly is the only job where you can "whistle while you work."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57756
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37225
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958928
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191902
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments