8 Things Lifeguards Want Patrons To Know | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

8 Things Lifeguards Want Patrons To Know

A guide inside a lifeguard's head.

51
8 Things Lifeguards Want Patrons To Know
blackclarksville.com

Summer has rolled around again, meaning you can catch me in my guard chair for the majority of the summer until I head back to Athens. Though I do enjoy many aspects of my lifeguarding job, there are some things that make it less desirable. Dealing with misunderstood patrons is one of them. Thus, I have compiled together 8 things us lifeguards want you, the patron, to know.

1. One word: WALK.

I know, I know you hear it all the time. But really, we want you to walk on the pool deck for your safety! With surrounding areas being slippery, the chances of you falling are high. So please, patron, walk. We truly appreciate it.

2. We probably don't want to be splashed.

Yes, we may be sitting in a swimsuit all day, but chances are we don't want to be splashed. You may find it funny to splash us, but sometimes it just isn't and can distract us from our job. Always ask before you splash!

3. Look at us when we whistle.

I don't know what it is, but some patrons just don't look when we whistle. Which means we must proceed to whistling until we finally get your attention... Please just look at a lifeguard when they whistle, it makes our lives (and possibly yours) easier.

4. We are not babysitters.

Shocking, right!? Yes, we do watch to make sure each patron is safe, but you still should be keeping a close watch on your children. If you don't, they have the potential of wandering into areas that are more difficult for them to swim in. Kids get tired relatively quickly when they swim and we don't want anything happening to them. Also, we need to continue scanning the pool, which means we cannot keep an eye on just your child. Keep them safe and keep an eye on those kiddos!

5. "Free swim" isn't everything.

We get it, is so cool to swim in the diving well when no one is going off of the board. But, is it really necessary to do? Or necessary to tell kids to not go off of the board just so you can "free swim?" I say, enough with free swim!

(Just kidding, just not when the pool is busy.)

6. Stop playing underwater breath holding games.

Have you ever heard of shallow water blackout? Probably not. It is real and it is scary. Look it up and you will never want to hold your breath underwater for extended periods of time again.

7. Just take the swim test.

Just do it. Well, take it if you are required. Parents, I know it can be annoyance, and kids, I know you get tired but it is really to ensure safety.

8. We are NOT out to get you.

Despite what you may think or how we may act, we are never out to get you or your child. We are enforcing the rules strictly for safety.

If there is one thing patrons should know it's that everything a lifeguard tells you to do is for your safety. All we wish is for every person at the pool to enjoy their time and enjoy it by abiding the rules so you can continue having a wonderful visit.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26163
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10911
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8068
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments