What Goes Through the Mind of a Lifeguard

Throughout the summer, one location which many people frequent is the beach/pool. At these places, patrons havea variety of activities to choose from to entertain themselves. Whether they want to play beach volleyball, surf, lay out in the sun, or swim, there is a plethora of activities to take part in. However, all these people notice one person that is always present watching over them: the lifeguard. People often wonder what it is like to be a lifeguard, or what goes on in their minds as they sit in the shade for hours on end.

To be quite honest, very little goes through a lifeguard's mind as he sits in his chair. Most people believe that being a lifeguard is a simple, easy job...and it is. Lifeguards spend most of their time daydreaming and thinking about nothing of even minimal importance.

You see, lifeguards often work long hours which are very dull and repetitive, often resulting in an immediate lost of interest and the inevitability of boredom. At a pool, lifeguards are responsible for vacuuming the pool, cleaning debris from the surface, and testing PH and chlorine levels. Furthermore, they must ensure the safety of their patrons at all times, but who really cares about that one? Vacuuming the pool is a long and tedius task which nobody enjoys. As a result many lifeguards neglect this duty until swimmers complain later in the day.

However, since the other tasks are generally easy, some lifeguards do these chores hourly to help escape the perpetual boredom which plagues them throughout the day. One rule of lifeguarding is that whenever there are patrons in the water, the lifeguard's full attention must be on the pool.

He cannot read, write, listen to music, or play a videogame. Therefore, lifeguards take any opportunity they can find to empty the pool, primarily in the case of thunder of lightning. Any sightings of lightning and the distant rumble of approaching thunder result in the pool closing for 30 minutes, and a short reprieve for the lifeguard (which he takes great pleasure in).

So what is it that lifeguards do as they sit beside the pool? Well, with the help of tinted sunglasses, guards are able to stare at attractive patrons, listen in on their discussions, and sometimes even get involved. In addition, guards can play games with children at the pool or act as a referee. One of the greatest treats a guard can experience is a visiting friend who stops by to palaver. Even greater still is a friend who comes with food. A bite to eat is always a great way to cheer somebody up.

Lifeguarding is a simple job, with a very heavy burden behind it. However, they make decent money for sitting on a chair and watching people do nothing. Whenever the pool is empty, they get paid to do whatever they want. Not bad at all is it? Well, next time you are at the pool and you see the lifeguard with his tinted sunglasses, start up a conversation with him and try to give him something to do. Trust me, he'll appreciate it.