This summer is my third year of working at a swimming pool as a lifeguard. Growing up I always planned on being a lifeguard, so when I was finally old enough to get a job this was the only one I had in mind. Like all jobs though, lifeguarding has its ups and its downs.
Pro: Tan
You get tan. You get paid to sit in the sun and make sure people don't drown or injure themselves for about eight hours a day almost every day of the week.
Con: Tan LINES.
Do I even have to explain myself? Girls - sorry but we are stuck in a one piece swim suit all summer. My favorite tan line I get from my lifeguard suit is the giant circle on my back.
Pro: You meet a lot of cool people.
Whether it's your coworkers or the patrons, a lot of the people you meet while working are pretty cool. I met a guy with a pumpkin tattoo. How cool is that?
Con: PEOPLE.
Everyone hates people once in a while. While sometimes there are cool patrons, there are also patrons you want to let drown (sorry you can't actually do that).
Pro: Out of the house.
If you're like me, you tend to be a bit of a homebody during the summer. Lifeguarding forced me to enjoy the outside world for a change.
Con: Rain.
Even though lifeguarding is a great way to enjoy a nice, sunny, 80 degree day, it is also a way to spend a rainy day. Most pools stay open even if it's rainy so pack a sweater and an umbrella.
Pro: CPR certified.
I don't know about anyone else, but I feel so official knowing that I could possibly save a life. Even though I've never had to use these skills, I feel grown up and, well, like a lifeguard.
Con: I don't think there is actually a con to being CPR certified...
All in all, lifeguarding is a pretty sweet gig. I'll probably guard all through college and maybe even after. This job is definitely better than retail.
