So I've been a lifeguard for 6 years and I have seen some pretty intense, funny, scary, and crazy stuff. But yesterday, there were a couple of people who just summed up the epitomy of my six years.
Scenario 1:
We closed the outdoor pool due to thunder and so everyone came inside to swim in the indoor pool. We put up extra guards and I just happened to be by the stairs. When we're really crowded it seems like everyone wants to sit/play on the stairs and it can get pretty crazy with kids jumping in around there and swimming, etc. I look down and there is a little boy about six, and holding onto a noodle for dear life. He's laughing, but his body movements and technique all pointed to "non-swimmer." (Over the years you can recognize these signs within 5 seconds of someone's swim time.) So I pulled him to the wall and asked him how old he was and where his dad was. He said he was six and then turned and pointed to his dad who was sitting on the bleachers. I walked over to him and here's how our conversation worked out:
Sir?
Yes?
Hi. Because your son is 6 years old, you have to be in the water with him at all times. And within arms reach--
He's 7.
Oh. OK, well he told he was 6.
No. He's 7 and the front desk people told me I didn't have to be in there. So I'm not getting in.
Ok. Well, can he swim?
Not really, but he's not swimming past those stairs and he's got a noodle.
(WHAT?!?!) Ok, well sir he is making me feel a little uncomfortable because he can't swim and I would appreciate it if--
And then this is where my manager stepped in. In a good way! She just told him that if any of her lifeguards felt uncomfortable about a child being in the water by themselves, and asks the parent to get in, then they need to get in the water. So he did.
Scenario 2:
I was guarding by our play structure when a woman came up to me and said she had a problem. She was at the pool with her kids and a friend and they had been using two of our lounge chairs. While they were swimming, another woman came up, moved their things, and took one of the chairs from them. The woman's friend walked up, and another woman came as well saying she was a "witness" and that she saw the woman move the chair. I said ok, I will talk to the woman and my manager and see what I can do. When I went up to the "chair stealer" she was on her cell phone.
Excuse me, ma'am?
Yeah?
I'm sorry to bother you, but can I talk to you for a minute?
Haha. Yeah right! I'm sure you do want to talk to me.
Yeah, it's about the chair.
Listen, she is lying to you! I didn't steal anybody's chair...
And then she proceeded to get defense and swore up and down on her life she didn't steal anyone's chair, and blah, blah, blah. Hmmmm....who am I going to believe? The nice women who were respectful and had a witness, or someone who is being disrespectful and defensive? I wonder...
So here is what I have learned from these two experiences...
Lesson 1:
Watch your children. Do NOT just throw them in the pool, and leave them there. A couple of years ago we had to revive, yes, I said revive, a two year old because his mom and dad put him in the pool and walked away to the other side of the deck. If your child can't swim, get in the pool! Use lifejackets (which we had available). Do something. Don't be a passive parent. Be an active one.
Lesson 2:
Don't argue over stupid things. Really? You're fighting over a flippin' chair. You're all adults, deal with it. Also, treat people with respect. Being defensive does not get you anywhere, or on anyone's good side. Especially not mine.
Generalization:
Every one, especially parents, needs to take a lifeguarding course and guard for a week. I guarentee, you will have a totally different view on how to watch your kids, treat others, and responsibilty. Now I'm not saying that people who don't do that aren't responsible, but I'm telling ya. It'd be great for those people who don't have a clue about any of those things.
And to think I've been dealing with this kind of stuff for 6 years.... :)
