It's summertime. Who doesn't love spending the day at the pool? Getting to lay out, jump in the water and cool off, and repeat the cycle. Throwing pool parties are the highlight of the summer and the best days for your kids. Even being able to relax some because you don't have to keep an eagle eye on your child, you have lifeguards to do that.

While that is their job, there are several things that parents and pool members do that drive lifeguards crazy. Watching the civilians in and around the pool is part of the job, there are several things that are not.

1. Dropping your underage kids off and leaving them.

Yes, there is a lifeguard and so they are safe, but lifeguards are not free babysitters. There is an age limit for a reason. If you know that your child is not a strong swimmer or not old enough to stay solo, then don't leave them. Period.

2. Leaving messes.

We are supposed to keep the pool and the surrounding areas clean, but purposely leaving messes can prevent you from returning to the pool. We are not your maids. Clean up your own messes like adults.

3. Undermining the lifeguard.

At the pool, the lifeguard is in charge. Period. No exceptions. If you do not like the lifeguard or do not agree, then leave. They are there for your own safety and they have plenty of training in order to keep you safe. They probably have more training then you do, so trust them because they will know what is best for the pool and for you.

Please please please do not be rude to the lifeguard. Don't leave you annoying kids in their care if they are underage. Don't leave gross messes for the lifeguards to clean up. Listen to them and follow their instructions. They are here to keep you safe, nothing more, nothing less.