The Life of a Lifeguard

Lately I have noticed many things that lifeguards do that make us... um... unique. Having last summer off from lifeguarding (the first in 6 years) and then coming back this summer has helped me see all the crazy quirks that come with the life of a lifeguard. Here are a few:

1. My alarm clock goes off at 4:45am so I can be to work on time - and that is why waking up for school at 6am is really not that bad!

2. I never have to do laundry because all I wear is 2 different swimsuits (which are usually still wet when I put them on in the morning), 3 different guard shirts, and 4 different pairs of black shorts. And if you can't find a shirt or a pair of shorts - don't worrry, you just go without! :)

3. I only do my hair and make-up on Saturdays and Sundays. - The rest of the week, I just wear sunglasses and a messy bun.

3. At work, you get an entire handful of sunscreen and cake it on followed by filling an abnormally large cup full of water and ice to keep with you all day long. This is repeated about every 2 hours. :)

4. Every other Thursday is potluck payday. We get our checks and have a potluck - a day we all look forward to!!

5. Pool parties - yeah, I don't go to them! I'm already wet enough thank you.

6. People ask where I got my hair colored because "it looks so real!" - Um... it is! Yes, my hair turns quite blonde after a summer in the sun - and I don't pay a dime for it!

7. If you aren't careful, you can get racoon eyes. These are tan lines from wearing your sunglasses too much and we, as lifeguards, do our best to avoid them!

8. I clean public restrooms every single day! It's gross and I don't like it, but someone has to do it.

9. Nursing shifts and lifeguarding shifts are just about the same - 4 12-hour days and a 3-day weekend.

10. Chlorine is the best cleaner in the world. A common saying is, "Don't worry, there is plenty of chlorine to kill it!" It is also the best perfume - well, maybe not the best smelling, but it stays on no matter what - even if you wish it would go away! So we have come to accept it.

There are so many more. It's one great job and I love it! It's hard work. I come home exhausted every night. I am in bed by 10pm. I have no social life at all, and yet, I still love it!

By the way, I had my first real rescue today! - The first in 7 years of working (I almost had a record). It went well and the kid was fine!! Our training really comes in handy and I still love my job!!