As the summer winds to a close, my job as a lifeguard does as well. I've spent this break working almost every day, standing guard over people's lives and protecting them from water and sun disasters here at the Burlington Outdoor Pool.

Okay, so it's not as dramatic as that. Actually, we're more of a glorified babysitting service most days. Between making sure kids don't drown each other and separating teens who are PDA-ing, I come home most days wondering if it's too soon for a hysterectomy. This is my third summer working, and it's not a particularly strenuous job by any means, but there are a few annoyances that my co-workers and I could deal without. So, if you're planning on getting some last minute rays in before school starts, here are some dos and don'ts of an outdoor pool you should remember.

DON'T tell the lifeguards how to do their jobs. I cannot tell the number of times I've heard "Lifeguarding sounds so easy. You get paid to sit there and tan!" False. Lifeguards are paid to sit in any weather, from 65 degrees and rainy to 110 degrees and sunny, and watch everyone else have a good time with family and friends. While it isn't labor intensive by any means, it's just as difficult and annoying at times as any other summer job.

DO listen to the lifeguards. I've been trained in lifeguard skills, CPR, and AED Machine usage, in which I've re-certified twice. I do know a thing or two about what I'm talking about, as any other lifeguard on stand will. If you hear a whistle at an outdoor pool, look at the guard. I promise they aren't doing it to entertain themselves.

DON'T leave your kids unattended. So many parents and babysitters either sit on the side of the pool, chatting with each other or drop their little angels at the pool and leave, and I hate it. Do you honestly think that the outdoor pool is a functional babysitting service? Lifeguards are there to guard lives, not to monitor specific kids.

DO swim/play with your kids. It's summer, people! Swimming is a great bonding activity, and there are so many attractions at the average public pool. Slides, diving boards, splash parks, take your pick! Go spend time with the littles, and you get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Win, win situation.

DON'T splash the lifeguards. I get it: we've been standing in the heat all day, and your trying to do us a favor by cooling us down. Let me stop you right there and say that you're WRONG! I can't tell you any lifeguard who wants this. It's like giving someone who has been walking in the desert for three days a sip of water and saying, "This is it." and then chugging the bottle in front of them. It's not funny, and it's not helpful. Thanks, but no thanks.

DO give compliments. Lifeguards rarely get compliments. This is mostly because we are a precaution in case a life-threatening situation occurs, so most people just see us standing/sitting around yelling at kids but never in actions. If you see a lifeguard who is constantly watching the pool and looks like a stand-up individual, tell the manager. It's nice to hear that we're appreciated, and it makes our job more enjoyable.

DON'T run. I know that you just have to get to the slides like five minutes ago, but I promise that they will be there whether you walk or run. This is a rule that you will find at any pool you go to, so it's safe to say "no running" is expected.

DO walk. Seriously. I've said "walk" so many times this summer that it's lost all meaning. If I had a dollar for every time I yelled "walk," then I wouldn't need to work ever again. Ever. Just do it, please.

DON'T argue with the lifeguards. Again, we took classes on this stuff. We do know how to do our job, and we know the rules of the establishment better than you do, guaranteed. If you need to ask a question about a rule or you're not sure why that's a rule, ask away. However, don't fight what I say. I'm incredibly sorry I won't let you run on the slippery concrete or make-out with your "bae" in a family-friendly establishment, but rules are rules, and I'm not going to change them because you yell at me.

DO follow the rules. Most of them are common sense, I promise. Listen to lifeguards and don't be stupid. If you do that, it will be smooth sailing through chlorinated waters.

Enjoy the last little bit of summer, and wear sunscreen!