In just a short few months, water parks will be opening their doors to thousands and thousands of patrons to enjoy a fun-filled summer. And while splashing in cool water on the hottest day of the year is super fun, there are a few things you should remember that would help out the fellow lifeguards trying to enjoy their summer as well.
1. Get swimming lessons
Almost 99% of the saves lifeguards have been avoidable. If you, your friend, or your child cannot swim, check the depth of the pool and know where you can go. Don’t jump off diving off the diving boards, they are more than likely to have more than 6 feet of water below them.
2. Watch your kid.
We are not a babysitting service. You decided to have children, and therefore you have to be responsible for your children. Lifeguards are there to help in emergency situations. If we are running around with a lost kid in our arms, we can’t really help where we are actually needed. Please, watch your kid.
3. Put floaties on your kid.
If you’re going to sit on the side of the pool, put your child in floaties. But not any floaties, coast guard approved floaties. Certain floaties aren’t safe, and can actually cause drownings. Children should be watched at all times anyways, but floaties are the next best thing.
4. Don't talk to the lifeguard.
If you have a question you just have to ask, try finding a guard who isn’t actively scanning the pool, or a supervisor. The smallest distractions like conversations can cause us to miss something very important. Usually, your questions can be directed at some other employee. Lifeguards are in charge of the water, not the location of the bathhouse.
5. Read the pool rules.
You probably get really annoyed by the number of whistles you hear while trying to enjoy your day at any water park or public pool. The biggest point prevents this is simply everyone knowing the rules. They are posted at entrances to the park. If you can’t find them, ask any off-duty guard or supervisor where to locate them. Knowing the rules will prevent so much distraction from the guards, and allow for a much peaceful day.
6. I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do about your lost earring.
Lost items are not lifeguards responsibilities. We can’t find things for you, it’s not technically in our job description. But yet, we find ourselves digging at the bottom of the pool for a one-centimeter-large item. Please remove valuables before entering the pool, we have other things we need to take care of on our breaks.
7. I don't know why, but the rules are the rules.
We are aware some of the rules in place make absolutely no sense, but usually, we don’t know why either. We are told to enforce them. We know them, follow them, and ask you to follow them as well. Any real questions can be brought up with managers. We probably should know why they are the way that we are, but we don’t, so save your time and find a supervisor.
8. Just walk.
Slow down, Forrest! Please, just walk. The most common thing we shout to everyone at the pool is to just simply walk. It is all we ask. There’s a lot of people we are watching. People running around can be distracting, and it’s a safety hazard to you as well. Small first aid incidents like falling on concrete are so avoidable and would help keep us focused on the water.
