I have spent the past four summers of my life working as a lifeguard for minimum wage and premature wrinkles. Many of the others I work with have been at the same pool for even longer than I. My favorite season of the entire year is when the pool opens and I sit in the hot sun all day, yelling at rule breakers, and praying for thunder. I could study abroad, search for an internship, or nanny for the summer -- yet for FOUR years, I have come back to lifeguarding. Any lifeguard loves to hate their job, but under the façade we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

1. I love being outside. A job inside serving food or filing papers would drain me.
2. I like my tan. I know skin cancer and wrinkles are no joke, but for now, my Italian skin loves the sun.
3. We prevent drownings. I work at a sizable pool that has many rescues every year. Of course, no lifeguard ever wants anyone to be in danger, but we love helping people. Saves don’t scare us.
4. Rainy days are a blessing. What other job gets a day off when it storms? Or better yet, gets paid to be at work while off duty?
5. Our uniform is a swimsuit. I wear a suit to work. A one piece, not three. Give me my whistle and shades and I’m good to go.
6. I’m in the best shape during summer. Most health conscious people are generally in better shape during the summer and that applies to lifeguarding, with regular lap swimming and packed lunches.
7. I’m always learning. I have learned so much in my four years of lifeguarding that I will keep with me. First Aid and CPR techniques, among so many other skills that I need to know always seem to be changing and keeping me on my toes, but always knowing that I can help people.
8. I meet some of the best and worst people. Part of lifeguarding is definitely customer service. I have learned how to help all kinds of people with all sorts of problems from nosebleeds to anxiety to, you know, drowning. Often people aren’t happy with the way you deal with things and appeasing them is just another aspect of customer service.
9. I have really grown in my four years. I started as a rookie 16-year old working with a lot of older high school, and many college students. I was intimidated so badly I barely spoke to anyone in my first year. By my second year I started gaining confidence from my experiences and I became a much more valuable guard on the staff.
10. I save lives. At the end of the day, I know that I make a difference. At my job, I know that I have the skills to help people and I am surrounded by people with the same knowledge. And I know that when I leave I will take with me what I have learned.

I’ve made so many friends through this job, learned so much, and that’s why I keep going back. The long hours, low pay, chlorinated hair, sun damaged skin, and stress are negated by the incredible experiences and growth I have gained, and if I could go back and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.