I was offered the opportunity when I was sixteen to be a lifeguard through my high school swim team. This would be my first job and I was very nervous. I would have people’s lives in my hands; their safety would depend on me. I almost thought about backing out. Looking back I am so glad I didn’t. That first summer was more rewarding than I could have asked for. I worked with good people and I loved my job. I loved this job so much that I continued to apply for the next four years. I would work with the best boss I’ve ever had and under the best manager who taught me that sometimes you have to just stop and pick flowers.
Even though it is an irritating position to be in at times, being the lifeguard is awesome. All negatives aside. If you are a lifeguard at a public or a neighborhood pool, odds are you will get to know the children. You will see them most likely every day of the summer, even if it is cloudy with a 90 percent chance of rain – they will be there. We had those kids. It was a group of the most rowdy boys in the pool. Always came rolling up right when we opened, and didn’t miss a beat at yelling the time if we were running a minute late getting the pool clerk set up. You will hate them at times, and you will love them more. When they hurt, you will hurt. There will also be that one family, that comes almost every weekend. They make your days so much easier because you can tell your frustrations and just let it all out. You will love their kids. Then when one of 'your' kids becomes a lifeguard you will feel a small hint of pride.
Getting attached to the children will make you a better guard. Also being comfortable with your team will make you a better pool staff. Over the years I’ve worked with mostly the same people, some have come and gone, but there are those few that have been there the whole time. When you form that bond with your fellow guards that’s what makes you all better guards. When you can play pranks, take goofy pics, and squad up for the lifeguard competition (which we totally should have won) that is what separates you from just being lifeguards at the same pool. Then when something happens that affects one, it affects you all.
A lifeguard is always trained. A lifeguard is prepared. But no matter how trained and how prepared, the first time you have to perform CPR or put someone on a backboard, you will be scared. Your adrenaline will be flowing and you will know exactly what to do but there will be this fear in the back of your mind. I’ve had to perform CPR once in my lifeguarding career, and it was on a friend. And I cried the whole way home afterwards. I was more than prepared and trained – but I was still scared. It is alright to be scared, but you have to be able to push through your fear to do what needs to be done.
Being a lifeguard is more than just getting paid to get a tan. It’s about learning, interacting with people, teaching children how to swim, working with others, and so much more. And above all keeping people safe.
