14 Reasons to become a lifeguard
It’s that time of the year again – the weather’s warming up and the pools are reopening. That means pool management will be looking for seasonal lifeguards, so it’s time to break out the swimwear and review lifeguard standards.
Whether you’ve been a lifeguard before or are thinking about applying for the first time, you know how important the job is. You’ll have to be trained and certified, and when the pools open, you’ll be responsible for everybody’s safety. It’s a serious job, but it’s also serious fun – you’ll be spending your summers at the pool, tanning and saving lives. Can it get any better?
Well, it does. Not only will you have a job for the summer, you’ll be able to brag about all these great facts about lifeguards.
1. Be a part of history: Sure, your friend working at the local electronics store may be getting discounts on smartphones, but that job has only existed in the past few decades. As a lifeguard, you’ll be joining a profession that’s existed for 200 years. To put that into perspective, the United States was founded in 1776. It’s a time-honored job that you’ll be proud to be a part of.
2. Boast a lofty title: Ever wanted to be referred to as the “someone” of the “something” or “somewhere?” Well, want no longer! The title of the first lifeguard in 1855 was the “Constable of the Surf.” Sure, swimmers and their families will still call you “lifeguard,” but neither you nor your friends have to. Given this fact, being a “seller of smartphones” may not be as tempting of a job as it may have been in the past!
3. Use the latest and greatest tool: In today’s world, the coolest products are usually the newest ones. But all modern technology comes from somewhere, and only after different models had been developed and improved. This is true of rescue boards. The first one was developed sometime between 1910 and 1915 – that’s before the Roaring Twenties! It may not have a touch screen, but it definitely has real-life applications.
4. Be a leading man or lady: Here’s a fun fact you’ll never get tired of sharing: Jack Nicholson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Clint Eastwood were all lifeguards. Chances are, not many of your friends will be able to say the same. Who knows? Maybe you’ll follow in their footsteps and wind up in Hollywood someday.
5. Alternatively, lead the country: Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, was a lifeguard. If Hollywood isn’t your style, maybe the White House is! Reagan proved how important the work of a lifeguard is. He saved 77 lives in seven summers. Imagine going back to school with those bragging rights.
6. Plan for the future: Being a lifeguard requires a lot of skills, including responsibility, attention to detail, guest service and more. Listing a lifeguard job on your resume packs a serious punch that’ll put you at the top.
7. Learn lifelong skills: You’ll learn new skills at any job, but being a lifeguard gives you useful lifelong skills, such as CPR, first aid and AED training.
8. Work out: Why spend your summer cooped up indoors when you can be a lifeguard? You’ll enjoy the outdoors, work out and learn life skills. Lifeguards are strong, fast and know the water.
9. Make lifelong friends: Nothing forges a bond quite like ensuring safety and saving lives. Your friends list will grow when you become a lifeguard, and these are people you’ll be friends with for life.
10. Burn calories: You won’t have to worry about finding time to go to the gym when you become a lifeguard. Swimming burns 650 calories per hour – that’s more than walking or biking!
11. Go with GFL: Want to join a team that’s as unique as you are? Guard For Life is a one-of-a-kind lifeguard program from American Pool.
12. Join an elite team: Whether you’ll be working at a one- or multi-lifeguard pool, you can rest easy knowing you’re part of a team. American Pool employs over 6,500 lifeguards a year.
13. Win prizes: Nothing is quite as rewarding as being recognized for your hard work and being given a prize. Last summer, Guard For Life gave away 139 prizes to lifeguards just for being awesome.
