Lifeguard Problems

Hi there! 

Keep in mind before we get started that it’s been a little while since I went through the lifeguard certification (wow, it’s been about four years), so some of my information might be a little outdated. 

But, when I went through it, we had to do the following: 

Pass a swim test that involved swimming various lengths of the pool in different stroke styles in under ten minutes. (If you have any experience with competitive swimming, then this should be pretty easy. If you don’t have that experience, I might recommend practicing a little beforehand to make sure you’re under time and have the endurance.) 

The course itself has two components: lecture and practicum. For lecture, you’ll be responsible for paying attention during lessons to the technical side of things--what to do in emergencies, typical pool protocol, etc. This is also where you will likely receive your CPR certification. 

The practical application will be solely in the pool. You’ll learn a variety of saves and rescues that range from getting to the drowning victim to getting them out of the water, sometimes via backboard. It’s all about technique and very physical. A friend who went through the process at the same time and I would even practice some after swim practice ended. It helped. A lot. 

"it is the beauty of our flaws that will define us, so don't hold on to all the things you never...

I know that I was always perfectly fine with people coming up and talking to me—especially when I was bored and working a solo shift—so long as I could still pay attention to the water. It was a great way to break up the monotony at one of my jobs (where you basically spent the entire time alternating between making laps around the pool deck and sitting in the stand). However, I didn’t do it so much when I worked at the larger outdoor pool unless I was actually down from the stand.

I will say, though, that sometimes you just really need the person talking to you to leave? Not usually because they’re uninteresting or to be rude, but because while a conversation that lasts a few minutes likely won’t hurt anyone (bearing in mind the guard is still doing their job and watching the pool), if it goes on for too long it can be really distracting. It also doesn’t give the best image to your patrons, especially if you’re really busy. Calm and quiet days are one thing, but if the pool is packed then that conversation can probably wait. 

aw, thank you so much! you just made my day! :) 

I have actually taught swim lessons! 

I taught a few different types. I taught some for my YMCA, and those were group lessons with about three to four kids (I think I had five once, but that was typically the max). The ages varied: I had some that were about four years old, and then some that were closer to ten. I actually even had a 13 year old once, which was definitely a different take on the lessons. 

I also did some private ones, and I think those kids were all eight? I’m not sure, but that seems like the magic number. 

Well, first off: Welcome to tumblr! We’re glad to have you. ;) 

You know, I can honestly say I have never actually been asked this. and we’ve been asked a lot of questions.

If I had to guess, though, I would say that your friend is pulling your leg. I mean, sure, you conceivably could just pee in a bottle, but that doesn’t really mean you should. Especially if there are people in the pool. That’s certainly your prerogative, of course, but I would advice against it. public indecency say what

In all seriousness, though, I worked at two pools. One of them, a YMCA, I was on my own for a couple hours each shift. I usually went to the bathroom before my shift started in order to avoid that problem, but if the urge were to suddenly strike a poor and unsuspecting guard, there were a couple options. My boss’s office was attached to the pool, so I could usually pester him to watch the pool for me. If there’s no one in the pool, you can temporarily lock the doors for the couple minutes you’re gone and then unlock them when you get back. Otherwise? I… honestly couldn’t tell you. I never had that experience, though I definitely have sympathy for anyone that has. 

The other pool, a country club, had multiple guards on duty, so you usually just waited for the next rotation and then sprinted to the bathroom. Or, again, if you were desperate you could usually convince another guard to cover you while you were gone. 

It really depends on the circumstance, I guess? Hm. 

I don’t know that that really answered your question. Does anyone else have any suggestions/solutions? 

And, regardless, enjoy your time on tumblr. :)

Aw, hon, you’re not bothering me at all! Don’t ever hesitate to ask a question. 

Now, I personally did my certification at my local YMCA. The program actually provided all the reading material, information, etc. there. The only thing we had to pay for was the class itself. I’m not certain how other certifications might work, but if you’re really curious I would just check out some books or websites on the topic. A quick Google search should take you to some good sites, like the American Red Cross’s. 

I do know that a lot of the books you can buy on Amazon and the like are more expensive, so it might be a good idea to wait until you know for certain whether you’ll need to provide your own reading materials. If you don’t want to wait until class starts, give them a call! They’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction. 

Aw, congratulations!! That’s fantastic!