For those of you who are looking for a
summer job, and my opinion is completely biased here, but I highly recommend
being a lifeguard. Now, you're probably thinking- "Oh, she's only
saying that because she's a lifeguard." Well, YES! Of course
I'm saying this because I’m a lifeguard, but also because I've had other
typical summer jobs and lifeguarding is definitely the best one yet. I
also have valid reasons why you should be a lifeguard . . .
Life
saving. You get to be the hero. I must admit, as much as I hate
jumping in the water, it's also a rush to be the one to save someone.
It's scary and exciting all at once. My friends who are studying
nursing or volunteer at ems and all that good stuff should totally understand
this. You are in charge of everyone's safety and though you may seem like
the bad guy when you blow your whistle, it really is in the best interest of
everyone to keep them safe.
Interesting.
I have never had a dull day at work, except maybe a couple 5AM shifts,
but seriously there is always something breaking down, or I have to jump in, or
someone brings pizza to work, whatever it may be- there is always something
going on. Especially working at a Community Center or a Water Park, you
will always come home with a story about work.
Fun.
Work is so much fun! Think about it- you get to be in the sun all
day with your coworkers (who will end up becoming some of your closest
friends)! Whenever you're not in the stand or cleaning, you have downtime
and you get to talk and hangout with friends all day. As stressful as
keeping everyone safe can be, the downtime you get during your shifts are
relaxing.
Extravert.
When I first started guarding I was a little freshman in high school
working with all upperclassmen. I was quiet at first until the other
guards started to talk to me and before I knew it we were taking our lunch
breaks together, talking on our downtime, and even hanging out after work.
I've always been outgoing in my own group of friends, but lifeguarding
definitely made me more outgoing when it came to work and other social
situations. You have no choice but to get close to the people you work
with, I mean you literally are with them everyday and they are the people who
can relate to you about work situations the most. You really do make some
great friends on this job.
Guys
& Girls in bathing suits. Do I even need to explain this one further?
Unity.
As I said before, the people you work with become some of your closets
friends, but they become more than that as well. You and your coworkers
really have to become a team. Anyone who has played a sport will
understand this best- it takes a team to score and it takes a team to save a
life. There is a reason that during in services we are always practicing
2 or more person rescuer. Now, unless you are working a one-guard pool,
you will always have another guard with you. You need to be able to trust
your guards and know that they have your back.
Awarding.
I have never known a pool that paid lifeguards only minimum wage.
Lifeguarding requires you to have a few certifications, and your
paychecks definitely make up for it in the long run. Especially since you
only have to be 15 to be a lifeguard, making more than $7.25 (at least in VA),
is a huge reward because most jobs not only won't hire 15 year olds, but also
definitely won't pay above the minimum wage.
Rescue
ready. Again, to be a lifeguard you need certain certifications.
Such as, First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding certs. However, you can
also get your Pool Operators, WSI, LGI, etc. There are so many different
certifications that you can get pertaining to whichever job you want.
Having your basics though; First Aid & CPR can come in handy at any
time. It makes you a better and stronger person to know the right skills
to savings someone life in and out of the pool area.
Day
Job. If you're working at an outdoor pool this summer, the pool will most
likely be open from 9AM-7PM. This is perfect for the summer because
you’re only working during the day. This gives you crazy kids time at
night to do whatever it is that you do and to get enough sleep the next
morning. These are the idle shifts for a summer job.
Now, if those aren't reasons to be a
lifeguard this summer than I don't know what is! But in all seriousness,
regardless if you get a job at a pool this summer there are definitely some
Do's & Don'ts that go with any job.
DO’S: Show up on time. Cover
shifts (you don't want to not ever cover for people, then when you need a cover
no one can take it- Karma guys, karma). Be in uniform. Respect your
manager on duty. Take initiative (pick up trash, clean, what have you.
Don't wait to be told to do something). Go above and beyond.
Try to be in a good mood (smile at patrons/customers- it will go a long
way).
DON'TS: Show up late or not at all
(let people know if you're running late and ALWAYS find a cover). Be
lazy. Goof off when it's time to be serious. Ignore the rules and
regulations. Be unprofessional.
I really hope that even if you decide to
not be a lifeguard that you do get a summer job for that extra cash in your
pocket. I have had some of the best times working over the summer and I
know you will too.
Be safe and smart and dependable this
summer my loves.
