People can tell me as much as they want, "Yeah but all you guys do is sit there all day and you don't do anything." To those lifeguards that aren't good lifeguards, yes that's all they do. To those who are good at their job, no we don't just sit there all day. Let's make a list of things we good lifeguards do and why we should be appreciated.
1. We Train.
Before becoming lifeguards and getting the job, we use our own money to pay for classes, train, and test so that once we begin work you are always safe and we know what to do
2. We Save.
It's hard to go into a pool knowing there's no lifeguard and you aren't safe. If the time comes that you need our help we are there to save and protect, but without us there, there are cases of possible injuries that could be minor or lead to death.
3. We Clean.
Don't ever think that once we get off those chairs for a break, we are on break. Depending on what the pool has, we clean as well. The messes you all leave behind don't just sit there. We walk around to pick up what you left, clean the bathrooms so they are in good use for you.
4. We Serve.
If a pool has a concession stand. Most of the time it's probably run by the lifeguards who are either, on break or asked to just work there for the day. We are always running around, making food and keeping expectations high.
5. We Scan.
When we are sitting in a lifeguard chair, we are not just sitting there, doing nothing. We are continuously scanning. We are watching every inch of the pool to make sure you are safe, following direction and happy.
Next time you visit your local pool, appreciate your lifeguards. If they are telling you to stop doing something, know it's not because they want to ruin your fun but because they want to keep you safe at all times. Also, thank them. Not only did the train for you, spend money to keep you safe, and clean up after you, but we stand in the sun for hours and assure your safety, and most of us do it because we love It.
Don't give us such a hard time. Like the rest of you, we are only doing our job to the best of our ability. Parents if a lifeguard is saying something just know to agree with them because it's the safe thing to do. Kids don't do the opposite of what we ask you because you think you're bad and tough. We all have jobs and this is ours, come to respect it or get your own pool!
