Whenever i tell a person, "I'm a lifeguard", the first thing they say is, "that's such an easy job", but they are wrong; very wrong. Lifeguarding is far from easy. Other people's lives are in YOUR hands. You can't get side tracked or distracted because one minute things may be going well and the next a child is having a hard time to keep their head above water. Here is a few of many struggles lifeguards deal with on a daily basis
1. Awkward tan lines
"You're going to be so tan" i get told on a daily basis by everyone that knows i'm a lifeguard. That's what i thought too until i had a giant white line going diagonal across my back. The rescue tubes are worn across your chest so when your back is to the sun it leaves an ugly, embarrassing tan line.
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2. Poop in the pool
Believe it or not, this happens. I thought it was something that only happens in the movies but I was wrong. Very wrong. It actually occurred more than once. What i still don't understand is why use the pool as the bathroom when the toilets are 10 feet away?
3. When patrons come 10 Minutes before closing time
When closing the pool, we ALWAYS start to clean up 20 minutes early. We have to pick up the trash on the pool deck, fix umbrellas, take out the trash, clean the bathrooms, etc. For some reason there is always that person that comes in right before closing to swim and then gets angry when we blow the whistle for closing to time.
4. Patrons that come when it's raining
For some people, not even the rain will stop them. And then you have those people who come in when the pool is closed due to thunder and rain and ask if they can still go in the pool.
5. Parents who don't watch your children
We are not your babysitters. I cannot stress this enough. As parents, you should be watching your kid. We are there to ensure that they are safe, but we shouldn't be the only ones watching. That's your child, not ours.... am i right?
6. Kids that run on the pool deck after being told not to
This happens on a daily basis. Kids will run around the pool chasing each other or run when the whistle blows when break time is over. There are signs everywhere that say "NO RUNNING". Maybe we should make them bigger and add a little neon to it because clearly our message isn't getting across.
7. Working on 100 degree days
Sitting in the hot is draining. Think about when you go to the beach and how tired you are at the end of the day. This is how we feel everyday and the thing is, we can't jump into the pool to cool off while watching the patrons. You eventually get used to the sweat.
8. Cleaning up puke on or around the pool deck
Just like pooping in the pool, this happens a lot. The most common reason is because little kids will accidentally swallow the pool water which causes them to vomit. On the plus side, the pool closes for a little while, but we spend that time cleaning up the throw up.
9. Dealing with crazy patrons
People will find anything to complain about. One of the biggest issues is the infamous pool pass. As lifeguards, we are not allowed to let anyone in without a pass. That rule isn't enforced by us so please, don't yell. Bring your pool pass and everything will be fine.
10. Green hair and always smelling like chlorine
If you have really blonde hair, you know the struggle. Chlorine will turn your hair green. Being in and around the pool gives you the distinct smell of chlorine that not even a shower can get rid of it.
When it comes down to it, I love my job. My coworkers rock and being by the pool all summer is pretty great. Also, whenever there's a birthday party at the pool, the leftovers are given to us. Who says no to pizza and cake? I sure don't. Next time you think about a summer job, consider lifeguarding. From my experience, it's been awesome.
