Is it fun being a lifeguard?

Making friends by the pool and working on your swimming skills doesn’t quite sound like work, but for some people that is the premise of their job. Becoming a lifeguard can be a fun part-time summer job or develop into a lifelong career.

Is lifeguarding at a pool hard?

Tough training magnified One reason lifeguard numbers are down is because the test itself is somewhat hard to pass. The preliminary test can be challenging, even with previous swimming experience. First, participants have to swim 300 meters freestyle or breaststroke without stopping.

Why do lifeguards nod their head?

Nodding your head, which is part of the active scanning technique taught to lifeguards by the American Red Cross, allows you to both actively scan better (moving back and forth is far more effective than using your peripherals), and keep yourself alert and on guard, ready to jump in at a moment’s notice.

Is there an age limit for lifeguards?

There is NO maximum age for lifeguarding! If you love being a lifeguard, it doesn’t matter if you’re 17 years old or 47 years old.

Do lifeguards wear bras?

Straps and Bras The lifeguard swimsuit straps must be secure from slippage and the bra section must stay put. Strap slippage while swimming to a rescue hinders the ability of the guard’s arms to move freely.

What are the duties of a pool lifeguard?

3. Pool lifeguards are amateur chemists. Responsibility for maintaining the pH balance of a pool and adding or reducing chemicals to preserve a clean environment is usually the duty of head lifeguards. According to Darrell, a 10-year veteran of indoor pools, handling these substances requires additional training.

Are pool noodles the bane of a lifeguard’s existence?

Pool noodles are the bane of a lifeguard’s existence. While people are welcome to bring their own noodles to public pools, Darrell prefers they didn’t. Instead of being used as flotation aids, they wind up getting used as chew toys.

How long do you have to swim before you get into trouble?

While some lifeguards subscribe to a 15-minute rule—most questionable swimmers are going to get themselves into trouble within 15 minutes of entering the water—Paul cautions that there are always exceptions. “If you’re a weak enough swimmer that you would have a problem, you’re going to have that problem pretty quickly,” he says.