In the Summer time when it is just around the corner and you may think about taking on a part-time summer job. While some teens consider working in retail or food service as an easy way to make money, consider applying to be a lifeguard and get a lifeguard certificate.
Lifeguarding is a rewarding summer job with flexible hours that gives you the freedom to enjoy your summer vacation with friends when you’re not working and get paid to hang out by the pool all day! Here are some of the best perks of becoming a lifeguard.
Join a Team
When you get a lifeguard certificate, then as a lifeguard, you are never alone. Lifeguards work together constantly, are stationed at different stations and rotate frequently to ensure every zone of the pool is covered.
You will learn to work with each member of the lifeguard team and help each other from everyday life to life-threatening emergencies. Through all this teamwork and camaraderie, you’ll likely find some of your closest friends.
Stay in Shape
Don’t spend your summer on the couch all day! When you have a lifeguard certificate, instead of standing around at retail or fast food outlet, sign up for a day of activity and exercise. While you may only see lifeguards sitting at their stations watching the pool, they must participate in daily drills and exercises to maintain their skills and stamina.
Additionally, most lifeguard positions provide access to facilities so you can use the pools or fitness equipment during your free time. Being a lifeguard means you can kill two birds with one stone; Make money and stay in shape!
Make a Difference
Working as a lifeguard gives you the satisfaction of going to work every day knowing that you will be actively making a difference. Even if you’re just guarding your station, keep an eye on the pool and make sure everyone is staying safe. While you may have a situation where you need to jump in the water and save a swimmer, life-saving is often pre-emptive.
You notice a dangerous situation on deck and must solve problems and use interpersonal skills to prevent an accident. Each shift is spent monitoring the pool and ensuring all guests are protected from potentially life-threatening situations.
You also have the opportunity to teach swimming pool visitors. From teaching parents how to properly adjust a life jacket to supervising kids during swim lessons, lifeguards are almost always busy helping someone in the pool. Most of the first jobs in summer other than being a lifeguard don’t give you that kind of fulfilment and sense of accomplishment.
Challenge Yourself
You don’t just fill out an application and get a lifeguard certificate like you would any other part-time job. You must take a lifeguard course and pass a rigorous certification test to even apply to become a lifeguard. They are trained in CPR, first aid and water rescue, and regularly participate in water drills with other lifeguards. Being a lifeguard isn’t for everyone, so accept the challenge to better yourself and achieve that goal.
Learn Lifelong Skills
Lifeguarding gives you many transferrable skills that are important in many other professions as well as everyday life. Lifeguards must be responsible, vigilant and able to assert themselves in situations where human life is at risk.
Final Words
As a lifeguard, you will interact with people several times a day, allowing you to naturally develop your communication and interpersonal skills. In an emergency situation, you will be trained to make quick decisions and remain calm under pressure, applicable in any job.
Do you think you’re ready to be a lifeguard? Take a lifeguard certification course at the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) to receive your lifeguard certificate and apply to work. If you’re thinking about getting a summer job, get a lifeguard certificate and build a career while continuing your studies.