Summer Work Is A Real Job

Wed., June 30, 1999

Loretta M. Rose Special To Opin

I work with many young people who are lifeguards. This job may help them get through college, but when they apply for positions after their education, they find their work experience is not recognized by employers. It is looked on as just having fun in the sun.

When I was 16 I became an American Red Cross lifeguard, and then a water safety instructor - not just because I love swimming but because I enjoy sharing the skills and experiences with others and want all children to be safe.

I have taught and guarded for over 28 years here in Spokane County. Lifeguarding is a hard job. We place a lot of responsibility on these people, that being our children’s safety. You can have up to 300 children in the pool at one time. There may be about 100 children to watch throughout each guard’s zone, and at times it looks like chaos. The lifeguard must be alert and trained to recognize any sign of distress through visible body language, verbalization or, as many say, a “sixth sense.”

If this isn’t a real job I don’t know what is.

The lifeguard may work in the sun for up to 12 hours a day and have few breaks. Many work seven days a week.

Unfortunately, fewer and fewer people are becoming lifeguards due to the low pay and future employers’ lack of recognition of the job experience. A beginning guard receives minimum wage and even one with 20 years’ experience may get no more than $8 an hour. Lifeguards get few if any fringe benefits.

Society needs to understand the job that a lifeguard does. Being dependable. Staying physically fit and alert. Having a professional appearance and demonstrating proper safe behavior. Responding to the needs of the public, explaining the rules or rescuing an individual. Demonstrating maturity and good decision-making skills, and having a positive attitude even in stressful situations.

Lifeguards protect others and prevent accidents from happening. We are trained as professional rescuers, and are required to know CPR for adults as well as children, to know first aid and to risk ourselves to help others. The lifeguard is dedicated to serving the public and, yes, we enjoy our job and the responsibilities that come with it.

Please recognize the job that young individuals do, giving of themselves to help others. Lifeguarding is a real job.

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