Whether it's at a water park, a hotel resort, or just a local community pool, being a lifeguard follows the same concept. A lifeguard big or small, goes through extensive training, many hours spent at in-services, and applying countless amounts of sunblock throughout the course of the summer. Believe it or not there's more to it than just directing people to the bathroom and repeating, "We close at 6pm. This evening."
But there is something that you should know about your local lifeguard. I know it's our "job" but it's also our worst fear. No one can have enough training to prepare you for what the moment will actually feel like when you see a toddler struggling to stay afloat, or seeing the look on a parent's face when you pull their child from the bottom of the pool. But due to our diligent scanning, focused care and sharp skills, that little boy is home playing with his family.
I mean "The lifeguard is watching so nothing bad can happen." But after seven years, I'm here to tell you that it can happen, it will happen and it has happened.
The whistle I direct at you and the request I make to you are not sadistic and overrated. I only told you because I believe your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy. When I ask you to move the umbrella that you just opened directly under my stand, it is not because I want to ruin your day and give you a hard time; it's because I can't see the group of four year old's who just came off the slide. When I run out of my way and break my 10/20 to suggest you use a life vest , it's not because I'm trying to be smart, it's because I won't be able to run fast enough to help you if you need it. When I ask you to turn your music down just a hair it's not because I don't enjoy jamming to some T-Swift in the middle of June, it's because I want to make sure I can hear the other lifeguards if they need anything.
I love my job, and I'm proud to be a licensed professional lifeguard. It's a privilege and a pleasure to serve my community in this way. We are not nearly as valiant as soldiers and not as brave as a police officer or firefighter. Our task at times seem to serve a more trivial purpose. But, without lifeguards the pool wouldn't be the summertime paradise that it should be. It would be a sin if people couldn't enjoy the simple joy of relaxing by the pool and unwinding from a long day. I thank you for allowing me to spend my summer at the place I love most and alongside some of the greatest co-workers I know.
