For those of you who don't know me personally, my occupational status is that of a Water Safety Supervisor at water park known as Hawaiian Falls. The general synopsis of my activities and my responsibilities at my job are to protect the guests in the park, and to protect, serve and encourage the lifeguards that I put on stand. Before I was given the opportunity to be in a leadership position, I was a Water Safety Ambassador. (This is just a fancy term for lifeguard.) Would I ever be able to express how much fun I had as a lifeguard through my words, the world would end, instantly. It is impossible to describe my experiences as a Water Safety Ambassador. Despite this, I still feel compelled to write about my experiences. So, this article is for lifeguards all around. Whether you are looking to be a lifeguard, are one, or have been one, this is for you.
1. Don't take your training lightly.
For starters, training to be a lifeguard isn't as easy as one might think. CPR, AR (Rescue Breathing), Active and Passive saves, execrations from a backboard and how to use an AED, BVM and Pulse Oximeter must be second nature within 48 hours of your starting day. You will be very tired at the end of each training session. At the end of your training weekend, you will have an exam (both written and a physical) that you must ACE in order to keep your position. Don't ever take your training lightly. After all, you are learning how to save lives. If you are lazy during training, you're putting a guest's life at risk.
2. Do yourself a favor and wear sunscreen.
Our GM always reminds us every once in a while that his wife is a nurse, and that she helps patients who have skin cancer. This sounds absolutely self explanatory and a bit obvious, but if you work outside like I do, wear sunscreen. I can't tell you how many of my guards go home complaining about sunburns that they have on their arms due to the lack of responsibility they have by not applying sunscreen. You can never have too much sunscreen.
3. Stay hydrated.
While on the job, it is nearly impossible to have too much water. Being constantly hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for yourself while on stand. As the summer reaches its peak, the temperature rises. You do NOT want to be caught with an empty water bottle. Keep your bottle full at all times. Call a supervisor to come and fill your bottle if need be. That is what we are here for, after all.
4. Always communicate.
The majority of the complaints that you as a lifeguard will receive are most likely not lined up with your department. And when this happens, the worst thing you can do is say "Oh, well that isn't my department." Why, you ask? Well, that is implying that either you're telling the guest to go tell the corresponding department about their problem, or to forget the problem completely because they complained to the wrong person. Both of those responses are dangerous to the company you work for. Always pass on information to your supervisors or to other departments. You are a company that works together (hopefully). Don't be shy to have a conversation with other departments about how you can improve the workplace, setting or routine.
5. Use your manners.
This goes without saying, but always be polite. It can get you far in a lot of instances. There is not much of an explanation here. This is just common sense.
6. Meet your supervisors halfway.
Talking from a supervisor's standpoint, we are here to help you! We are not here to overpower you. But, we can't if you don't let us know what your problem is! I guarantee you that if you let a supervisor know of a problem you are having (sometimes even with personal stuff) they would be glad to help you! They wouldn't be supervisors if they weren't good with people.
7. Have a good attitude.
I can't ever stress this enough, but love your day! Don't ever be ungrateful about anything. You have a job! You are getting paid! You get to come and hang out with other people that you enjoy while working! Yes, days are going to be tough. But, in that, search and find all of the good things happening. Always be thankful. You can never be too thankful.
In conclusion, being a lifeguard is more challenging than one might expect. With that being said, it is worth it. I promise you that you will come out of the summer wanting to do it again. Follow these steps and you're headed toward a perfect summer as a lifeguard!
