For the past five years, I have worked as a lifeguard at the Middlebury Recreation Area located in Middlebury, Connecticut on Lake Quassapaug. Lake Quassapaug is one of the most beautiful, serene lakes in Connecticut and the best location for a summer job. Middlebury residents and guests enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and barbecuing. As a lifeguard, I have learned the values of responsibility, discipline, and friendship. Working as an MRA lifeguard has forever granted me with great memories that will last a lifetime. This article encompasses all the best qualities of working at the Middlebury Recreation Area. This piece is for all the wonderful people I have met at the lake that have become some of my closest friends through the years. I love you all with my whole heart and I hope you enjoy this article!
1. Our Staff
Our staff is made of some of the best people I have ever met. The lifeguards, gate people, and snack staff are made up of the most likable, friendly people. We all have our quirks and differences, but that only makes us more compatible. We’re not just coworkers; we’re all friends who enjoy each other’s company at the lake and outside of work. We go out to dinner together, hang out at each other’s houses, and even visit each other while we’re away at college. I even met my boyfriend of three years my very first day on the job! As for our bosses, we have two of the most wonderful, irreplaceable people in charge of our facility. Our two bosses always leave us in tears from laughing, pondering about their specific advice, and wanting to hear more stories from both of their pasts. They’re definitely two people that I look up to.
2. Staff Bonfires
Once a summer we usually hold a staff only bonfire after regular hours end. We try to pick a date where the majority of our staff can attend and enjoy the night hanging out around the fire. Everyone contributes whether it’s bringing firewood, food, or drinks for our evening event. As if we didn’t hang out enough, we all enjoy each other’s company with great stories and laughter under the moonlight and among the stars.
3. The Cabin
The cabin is the place where our lifeguards spend break time in between guarding shifts. Over the years, we have made the 1930s cottage our home. It is completely decked out with comfortable couches, twinkle lights, American flags, handmade painted signs, and a tapestry from my freshman dorm room. Furniture has come and gone, but unique items can definitely be found within the cottage, such as the backseat of our boss' car reinvented as a couch! On slow days, we can be found chatting over lunch, playing ping pong, or participating in four square inside our humble abode. We even managed to smuggle in a dumpster TV paired with a coworker’s Wii remotes (which lasted a total of 24 hours until we were caught)! We're all ridiculous and open to new ideas, games, and activities to keep us busy during our breaks!
4. Thunderstorms
Every lifeguards’ favorite sound is the crack of thunder and the glimmer of lightening. Usually, if the rain doesn’t let up, we’re free to leave and enjoy the unexpected day off. However, sometimes the MRA lifeguards will stay and take advantage of the empty beach. We’ve stayed and watched the lightening from the screened in porch, played water four square on the dock, made crafts, played cards, and hung out until we were forced to go home. Some of my best memories are from rainy days at the MRA with the best company.
5. Sunsets
The MRA is known for our amazing view of the sunset. Our beach is located directly across from the sun’s final moments within the sky. The sun lowers across the lake and behind the trees, leaving the sky in a mixture of oranges, pinks, purples, and blues. Pictures never do a MRA sunset justice and one must experience it in order to appreciate its exceptional beauty. Although no one particularly enjoys the closing shift at the MRA, an unforgettable sunset makes putting up the fence entirely worth it.
