Every single year, Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite times of the year because that means the pools open for the summer and it's time for me to get back up in that lifeguard chair. Setting up the pool in early May, getting ready for the start of the season and most importantly seeing all your co-workers who you most likely haven't really seen since the pool closed in September. All in all, every year I look forward to going back to my summer job doing what I love, at the place I love, with the people I love. If that wasn't enough to convince you why lifeguarding is the best summer job, here are 14 more reasons.

The Pool

I love living at the pool. Enough said.

Free Tanning

That one piece guard suit tan line, I wouldn't want it any other way.

The Apparel

Guard shirts, jackets, sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts, tank tops....I can't get enough of it.

Coffee Runs

Madison Burkhalter

Happy hour Dunkin' Donuts is the only thing that gets us through a night shift.

Rainy Days

AKA getting paid to sit and goof off with your co-workers in the guard office.

Swim Lessons

I love kids, therefore I love teaching kids. So much joy to teaching kids in the summer time.

Day Campers

Yes, they are wild and crazy, but you're lying if you say that you don't at least secretly love them.

Breaks

Oh, so I only have to sit in the chair for maybe an hour and then I get a break? Ummmm...yes sign me up!

Free Concessions Food

Two words. FREE FOOD.

You're in Charge

With a whistle comes great power and great responsibility, but guarding lives, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Saving Lives

The fact that you have the skills to save lives is extremely important, exhilarating and pretty damn awesome.

Staff Parties

The only way to party in the summer.

Co-workers

Co-workers are friends, but let's be real, the pool is more like a family.

When The Summer Season Ends

Labor Day, when my pool closes for the summer. Although most of the staff is already away at college, Labor Day is a love-hate relationship, you're happy your summer job is done for this year, but you are sad to see it go until Memorial Day when it starts back up again. Bittersweet goodbyes to the best job ever.

So, thanks lifeguarding for being my stable summer job these past four summers, until next year...