Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Mike

Sandusky, OH

Male, 20

I worked at an extremely busy water park for about two years straight and a summer camp as a beach lifeguard. Working at a water park operating 365 days a year as well as on a beach, I've seen my fair share of interesting scenarios. I've been the good guy with the band-aid, and the bad guy who yells at your kids (for good reason trust me). I'll do my best to answer any questions you have.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

49 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on August 31, 2016

Best Rated

They say that if you're being pulled under by a current to just go limp and let it happen because resisting will just tire you out. But I don't understand: I can't hold my breath for long so how is letting the current pull me underwater a good idea?

Asked by Simpsons about 10 years ago

Well first of all, I've never heard anyone say to just go limp when being carried by a current so I can't specifically answer your question. 

What I can tell you is that there are basically two different types of currents that plague swimmers; the rip current, and the undertow. Rip currents are most common and usually occur in a lake or ocean with moderately heavy waves. These currents will pull you out further to sea and you should swim parallel with the shore until you've escaped the current and can swim back to shore. Undertows, although they may sound more dangerous, are usually fairly mild and only are a problem for inexperienced swimmers. Undertows occur in the same setting as rip tides but they will pull a swimmer under the water for a few seconds. In these scenarios, it is best to remain calm while swimming toward the surface.

Are you allowed to bring stuff like books or music while you're on duty or is that completely frowned upon?

Asked by Batsy2 over 9 years ago

That would be completely frowned upon. You're there to watch the water and make sure no one gets hurt. Water parks will often have music playing though.

Be honest – did you become a lifeguard to score with chicks? And if so, did it work?

Asked by bambambam over 10 years ago

Personally, no, I did not become a lifeguard to pick up chicks. I became one out of living by the water and enjoying aquatics related activities. On the other hand, I do know some who did, and long story shortyes, it does work.

Greatest on-screen lifeguards >> GO!

Asked by David over 9 years ago

Wendy Peffercorn from The Sandlot is the first one that comes to mind, although I'll have to take points off for not checking for a pulse or breathing before starting CPR. Other than that I've got to go with Baywatch.

What's lifeguard training like and what's the hardest test to pass?

Asked by Maddy1 over 10 years ago

The training will vary slightly based on the organization doing the training. Like I've said before, I've done guard training through three different organizations but they're all pretty similar. There is a lot of classroom instruction covering various medical topics as well as some in-water training that covers different rescues and what not. The written tests are all pretty easy. If you pay attention in training it's really easy and most of the questions are common sense regardless. The hardest tests for me to pass were the timed swimming events. As long as you're a strong swimmer you'll be fine with those.

Being a lifeguard do you have discount at aquatic shops or other?

Asked by Jully almost 10 years ago

As a lifeguard, I was given a discount on any retail or food shops in the resort I worked for, but that was given to all employees of the resort, not exclusively to lifeguards.

Do you still use old-school stuff like life rings and megaphones, or are there technology advances improving how water safety works?

Asked by line over 9 years ago

Technology that lifeguards use has definitely been improved from the days of life rings. The most important advance in my mind is the upgrade in first aid technology, constant training and development of pocket CPR masks alone is a major advantage. Every lifeguard now carries one and is trained in its use. Other than that, lifesaving equipment is really just something that floats. We could use life rings although they are fairly outdated. We generally favor the long tubes that have nylon straps that attach to our bodies. Other than that, there wasn't much else we carried.