The Life of a Lifeguard 2.0

Firstly, apologies to my fellow friends for the picture used for this blog. I just felt like it summed up our job perfectly. Radio? Check. Armbands for children? Check. Whistle? Check. Turning our backs to a pool? Umm...

Anyways, welcome back! Or should I say, I'm sorry for the long delay? After a crazy year full of changes, promotions and a lot of new friends, life seemed to get in the way once again. Whoops. After rereading my first blog as a lifeguard, I'm surprised to see that it's been over 2 years since I last posted about my job. Um, what?! 

The last sentence of that blog was as follows: 'So as a final reminder, lifeguards are there to assist in an emergency. We are not babysitters.'. Unfortunately, that standpoint is still seen by the public. Now naturally, I'm aware that it is very easy to see and locate where I work, however as was the case with my last blog all statements and quotes given within this blog are either personal opinions or have been collected from numerous sources working in other centres. They do not relate to mine. Now that is out of the way, let's get into the blog as I've waffled on for long enough. 

If I had £1 each time someone said either of the following to myself whilst lifeguarding, I would have exactly £13. 

1) 'Oh love, you should smile more! You look so miserable!' 

or 

2) 'You look so bored by there, you've got the easiest job in the world!'. 

*sigh* Unfortunately after speaking to a few other friends who have lifeguarded previously/still lifeguarding, they have told me they have ALSO had these phrases (or something similar) said to them! With regards to number 1, I am aware that I suffer from resting bitch face. This means that when I am concentrating, observing, or simply existing my face makes it look like I've been told some devastating news. However, if someone needs my help I will gladly help them and will 'spring' into life. With regards to number 2, yes it can be boring watching the same 3 people swimming lengths in the pool for an hour and a half. However, when we have about 320+ people in the pool with 5 lifeguards observing, it is not the easiest job in the world. Don't get me wrong, it is super easy in a lot of ways but when lives literally depend on us and we are being distracted by petty distractions then it is highly difficult. However, due to our extensive training, we are able to deal with these situations in a safe but kind manner. 

Some people also seem to forget that they are in public and that we lifeguards see EVERYTHING. By everything, unfortunately, I mean everything. Such as 'heavy petting'. Even though you may not think that we can see underwater, I'm sorry to say that we can and every blind spot on that pool is covered by a lifeguards zone. We also see way too much of people in the shower, now I understand that this cannot be helped. At the end of the day, people need to shower, right? Especially after using a pool and I fully respect that (obviously). But when people are naked in said showers...in front of other customers...and lifeguards...and children...well I'll just leave that bit to your imagination. 

Next time you go to a swimming pool, make a note of what the lifeguard is wearing. Are they wearing leggings or shorts? In a lot of leisure centres, and in some that I've worked in previously, we were required to wear leggings as it got a bit cold around poolside. However, in other centres I've worked at we have to wear shorts. This is for a number of reasons, such as it's not as restricting when we have to make a rescue, but ultimately it keeps us cool. I can think of numerous times when I've had to take my shoes off and drown my feet in cold water since it's been so hot. It's not the centre's fault, just one of those things that can't be helped. Now imagine someone coming up to you and complaining that they are freezing when they get out of the pool whilst you are dripping with sweat. Naturally, when you leave a pool it's going to be cold as your body temperature is different from that on poolside. But unfortunately, lifeguards can't do much about that. 

One thing we can do is advise people on the best swimwear for a pool. Obviously, I am aware that there are certain swimming suits which have been adapted to suit the traditions of certain religions. This I think is an incredible idea. Wearing denim shorts, blouses and leggings in the pool with normal underwear on underneath? Um, no. I'm sorry but I have no idea where this has come from. I appreciate people have body confidence issues, which is why we do have exceptions such as wearing t-shirts in the pool. But when denim shorts are being used in the pool, this means that not only will our clothes become super heavy but they also block our filters. So if a lifeguard asks you to put on more suitable swimwear, please know that it is just as embarrassing for us as it is for you. 

Earlier I mentioned that lifeguards see everything. This includes people taking pictures on poolside. As far as previous jobs I've worked in, it is strictly prohibited to take pictures of the swimming poolside. This is for obvious reasons, such as half-naked children running around, and we have a duty of care to every customer within the building. So trust me when I say it gets frustrating when I have to leave my position or whistle at a customer taking pictures, despite there being numerous signs around the building saying it is prohibited. 

As I've said in my previous blog about lifeguarding, I love it and I'm lucky that I've followed my childhood dream into my adult life and want to pursue this career path into the future. I just wanted to give an up to date insight into my life as a lifeguard. 

Beckora x