I've been a lifeguard for almost 4 and a half years and in that time, I've seen it all while working in both indoor and outdoor pools. However, before visiting your local pool, there are 6 things me and lifeguards everywhere want you to know:

1.We are not your babysitter.

We are there to ensure the safety of everyone in the pool. Often, it's a lot of people at once. So no, we won't watch little Susie while you fall asleep sunbathing.

2. The pool is clean…sort of.

If a pool smells like chlorine it's not clean. In fact, that’s the chemicals reacting to bacteria in the pool. Many states have laws that require you shower before you get in. This isn’t for no reason. Without showering, everyone swims in sweat, urine, feces, lotions, perfumes and more. Nearly half of people who visit a pool don’t follow this rule. Lifeguards or maintenance of facilities can only do so much to make sure the water stays swimmable. So think before you get in.

3. Respect the whistle.

Rules are there for a reason, not just because we want to spoil the fun. Many rules are for safety precautions. Even something so simple as a flip into a pool is potentially dangerous and is a spinal injury waiting to happen.

4. Enforce the rules.

This one goes for parents. One of my biggest pet peeves as a lifeguard is parents not enforcing the rules. We don't want your child to get hurt. Of all people, they will listen to you than lifeguards.

5. Keep the PDA to a minimum.

There’s something about water that makes people want to be overly affectionate. But the pool isn’t private. There are children and, most importantly, lifeguards. Yeah, we have to watch you suck each other's face and it's not fun. You'd be surprised how many couples I’ve had to talk to because they were making other patrons uncomfortable.

6. Check the weather forecast.

Most pools (outdoor, at least) are weather permitting. Nothing is more frustrating than having to watch people swim in 65 degrees and overcast all day. If it's going to be very hot and sunny, make sure you pack sunscreen. There's nothing worse seeing people leave at the end of the day with a cherry red face and back. Lastly, pools everywhere have to follow protocols for thunder and lightning. Everyone must leave the pool deck. Many people get upset about this, but it isn’t a negotiable thing because it's a safety risk