While some may think that all lifeguards do is just sit and scan the pool, we do a lot more than what is noticed. In this article I will explain all the side-work that goes into being a lifeguard and what we do to train, stay healthy, and what we do to keep the pool safe when we're not scanning. Granted, we do have breaks when no one is in the pool, but that is when all the stuff no one notices gets done. That's when the extra mile is put in and that is when we really feel like we are doing something. Yeah, we get thrill from jumping in the water and saving lives, but the behind the scene work needs to be brought to notice with this article. We love lifeguarding but we do more than just lifeguard!
1. Cleaning bathrooms
Sure, at some pools the lifeguard will not have to clean the bathrooms, but generally, that is our job! We make sure everything is clean and trash is picked up. We take care of the toilets and keeping them clean. We make sure that nothing is left behind that could be turned into lost and found. We like to keep our pools clean for our patrons.
2. Balancing pool chemicals
Yes! We do balance pool chemicals. It takes time to learn how to balance chemicals and can be a hard concept to grasp. It can be a time consuming job, and a dangerous one at that. However, we love it because it's what part of makes us a lifeguard. And we feel like we're on a crime scene show when we get to break out the chemicals and latex gloves.
3. Picking up pool equipment
When patrons leave pool equipment out, it's our job and responsibility to make sure that it gets put away and that the pool looks nice throughout our whole shift.
4. Teaching swim lessons
At most pools it's the lifeguards who teach swim lessons. We get up an extra hour early or stay an hour later because we love lifeguarding, and we love seeing young people making progress in the pool. We love seeing young kids learn a new fun activity and safety skill that everyone needs to know!
5. Scanning
Believe it or not we're not just sitting there, when we are sitting. We're scanning from top to bottom, side to side and every diagonal of the pool. Drownings don't just happen at surface level. And when we are scanning we are playing "what-if's" in our head of what to do if something were to happen.
6. In-Services
In-Services are up-keep on skill drills. At your typical pool they will have one every month where you demonstrate the knowledge and technique of what to do for each save and for each entry. In-Services are key for any good lifeguard.
7. Lap Swimming on our days off
Even if we're off the clock, you can probably find us lap swimming in your local pool. Keeping in shape is important for this job. We need to be able to get to the drowning victim within less than 20 seconds. Staying in top swimming shape is crucial.
8. Fixing goggles
This may not be in the job description but it's definitely something we do a least 100 hundred times a day for one kid. It's not a huge task, but it's something small we can do to keep our patrons happy. And that's what matters is our patron's happiness.
9. Certification
I've had people ask what certification is like and how hard it is. It's definitely not the easiest task, and we lifeguards go through it every two years! Things change within those two years and we are constantly learning better ways to save and protect our community.
10. First Aid
I've had some people think that all we do is jump in when someone needs our assistance in the water. However, we do more First Aid than actually entering the pool. I've personally cleaned up my fair share of throw-up, I've cleaned up nose bleeds, cleaned up deep cuts, and wrapped up injuries.
