Summer is all about spending your days at the beach, taking in the rays and swimming in the ocean. Luckily enough for us ocean guards, we get paid to do such luxuries. Here are some well-known signs that you are an ocean lifeguard:
1. The tan.
The most obvious giveaway proving that you are a lifeguard is your tan. After just one week of spending time in the sun you've become a few shades darker.
2. You have stellar ears that can pick up the sound of thunder from miles away.
Thunder means one thing: a closed beach. This is every guard's favorite kind of day because they get paid to hang out in the lifeguard shack and watch movies and play games all day.
3. You've acquired the superpower skill of predicting the time.
You don't even bring a watch to your sits anymore because you've become so good at guessing the time. You know exactly when it's been 15, 30, and 45 minutes into your sit. You know exactly when to look and expect the next guard relieving you, and you become quite angry when they are just a minute late.
4. The excitement you get from having to blow your whistle.
A simple little piece of plastic can give you such empowerment. You love being able to whistle at a patron and yell at them. The second you stand up to blow that whistle, you have an instant crowd watching you do your thing.
5. You cringe at the sight of camps, school trips, and large family gatherings.
Once that large bus rolls up you know you're about to have your hands full. You watch 30+ people flock to the water right in front of your stand and you know you're going in for a rescue soon.
6. You have an impressive collection of whistles.
You have more whistles than fingers to count on, but you could always use some more. You most definitely have a whistle hanging from your rear-view car mirror, one hanging on your backpack, and another on your key ring, just because.
7. The most dreadful two words to hear: solo sits.
Sitting alone for an hour at a time truly is a form of punishment. You tend to notice your mind wander and you find yourself inventing new games and ideas to occupy yourself for those gruesome 60 minutes.
8. The ocean is your playground.
Those hours you aren't sitting on stand you're still getting paid to go surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, kayaking. swimming, running, and even tanning. Nothing beats that, honestly.
9. You're an expert at fort building.
You know how to build the best, most luxurious fort to hide from the rain, wind, and blowing sand. A fort simply made up of umbrellas, buoys, towels, and rope can go a long way. There is always that one master lifeguard that everyone goes to because they're known for making the most efficient forts.
10. You instinctively jump to your feet at the sound of a whistle.
You've been trained to perk your head up and respond instantly to the sound of a whistle. You head right to the water and look to see what's going on.
11. The cheesy pickup lines patrons use on you.
Of course we are here to watch you, but pretend to drown and we will be sending in the big old guard in after you, so choose your battles wisely.
12. You're basically a marine biologist.
You've seen sharks, dolphins, whales, all types of fish, and shells. You know everything about the tides, the current, and the shore break. You pretty much are a sea expert.
Nothing could compare to being an ocean lifeguard. Forget a 9-to-5 office job. The ocean is your office and you wouldn't trade it for the world.
