For the past few weeks, I have worked in Sonoma County, California as a lifeguard for two different facilities. One is the town pool, and the other is a beautiful country club. I have endless gratitude to have found short-term jobs and a place to stay, as I get ready for work in the woods of N.H. Although the pools are vastly different between physical spaces, they both come along with the general and well-known "Pool rules."
As lifeguards all over the country can relate, here are some of the most repetitive and relevant sentences said at any pool facilities.
1. “Walk Please!"
2. “Off the landline!"
3. *Blows Whistle for the adult swim* *That one kid stays in*
“Are you an adult?” “Get out!”
4. “No Horseplay!”
5. SLOW DOWN!!!
6. “Hands off of him!”
7. "No eating in the pool!"
8. *Kids playing colors* “Feet first!”
9. "No Diving in the shallow/small pool!”
10. “Stop dragging him!!”
11. *A kid does a front flip WAY too close to the diving board* *Lifeguard has a mini heart attack*
12. "STOP RUNNING!!!"
13. “IF YOU RUN AGAIN 2 MINUTE SIT-OUT”
14. "ONE bounce on the diving board please!"
15. "Stop making a whirlpool"
16. "Ring Around the Rosie Applies to that!!"
17. *Kid is floating-head down first* *Lifeguard stares at them until they come up for air*
18. "No Chicken!"
19." No backflips!"
20. "Swim away from the diving board!!"
21. *Silent Headshake*
*Says “WALK” in your sleep for the rest of time*
Lifeguarding can be a tough, long, and sticky job, but as many can relate, it can be incredibly rewarding. Being able to swim is not always a given, and watching them teach their friends is amazing. It is even gratifying to witness kids being inclusive and playing kindly. Even though my voice may be horse for weeks after I leave, I absolutely love lifeguarding.
