Lifeguarding: The perfect summer job for young adults who don't want to get a desk job, but would prefer to be paid more than they would for babysitting. It's a young adult past time really, and if you've been one, there's certainly some things that will come back to you as soon as you see those cranky teenagers looking down on the kids at the local pool:
1. Being able to yell "WALK" without actually seeing the kid because you have developed a sixth sense on the matter (aka the little flash of movement in the corner of your eye)
It's like the universal pool rule. Plus, could they really be in that big of a hurry to get somewhere?
2. The complete lack of tolerance for the kid that gets in trouble and says, "But they were doing it too!"
That's usually a good way to hurt your case.
3. The level of hatred you feel when it's your turn to go inside for your break and the person switching you rotates late.
WE BOTH KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS YOU HORRIBLE MONSTER.
4. An extreme level of annoyance when you see kids that think it's a good idea to go underwater and have breath-holding contests.
Don't do that! The last thing I want to do is think you're unconscious and jump in just to see that you were playing a game. Then I look ridiculous and you are definitely in trouble.
5. Trying not to get mad when a little kid who obviously can't swim just hops in the water with no parent or other guardian in sight to be in the water with them.
Yes, we are here to help and make sure everyone is safe. No, we are not here because you couldn't find a babysitter and decided that dropping them off at the pool was a good substitute.
6. Believing that the sound of thunder or a flash of lightning is literally a gift from God himself.
Sometimes, getting off an hour early is truly the best thing in the world.
7. The first inevitable and miserable sunburn that comes with the first week of work, making you wonder if you might have been high when you picked up the lifeguarding job application.
But hey, once you get that first check, you can buy some high-end aloe vera.
8. Being irritated by kids day after day for the entire summer, but ultimately feeling good about yourself and the choice to be a lifeguard at the end of the day.
Although sometimes people might think that we don't do much, lifeguarding is actually a job and a half in the end of it all. But at the end of the day, you leave the building with a sense of pride because you have a little extra money to spend, kids think you're cool, you get a decent tan, you give kids a great place to have fun, and you have the ability to help people when they need it. In my opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons when I think about my experiences as a lifeguard.
