I have been a lifeguard at my city's public pool every summer since I was 15. At the end of every summer, I tell myself that next summer I won't work there and I will get a job somewhere else. But I always end up coming back. Why? Because lifeguarding is the best summer job a college student could ask for. Sitting in the sun, yelling at little kids, checking out cute guys behind the safety of your dark sunglasses – what could be better than that?

These are some things that only someone who has been a lifeguard can understand.

1. You're a rule follower. And you have no problem getting onto patrons who break them.

2. You must have a great tan.

3. You always smell like a mixture of chlorine, sweat, and sunscreen.

4. You never want to go to the pool with your friends when they invite you.

5. Thunder sounds like music to your ears.

6. Lightning is your number one best friend.

7. You make friends with the families and kids who come to the pool regularly.

8. You always have your water bottle with you.

9. Day camps are your worst nightmare.

10. You get upset when you see kids and adults who don't know how to swim.

11. You're always hungry, tired, and sunburnt.

12. You've considered paying a kid to throw up in the pool so you have to close early.

13. Putting lane ropes in the pool is the only workout you need for a day.

14. You have a LifeProof iPhone case.

15. Your skin is always wrinkled, peeling, leathery, and callused.

16. Your fellow guards are some of your best friends.

17. You know what it's like to save someone's life.

18. You have little ways to entertain yourself whilst watching the pool from the stand.

19. You were personally offended when you realized that neighborhood kids were sneaking into the pool after hours.

20. No matter how much you complain about it, you know you have the best summer job ever.