When thinking about a lifeguard, unfortunately the first image most people have is the one Hollywood firmly imprinted on everyone’s minds. People think of buxom girls lounging around in red bathing costumes that only have to smile and work on their tan. Hollywood has made sure people think that male lifeguards jog around and do heroic deeds without breaking a sweat and are surrounded by beach bunnies all day.

The basics

Reality brings a total different picture of the life of lifeguards, what they do all day and the skills they need to do their jobs well. A lifeguard is obviously a person that loves water, likes to spend most of his or her time outdoors and wants to be in the fresh air. It takes a lot more than this though to be a competent and capable lifeguard.  A lifeguard needs excellent water skills and knowledge of the sea, be a strong swimmer and have above average fitness levels. Then add to that resourcefulness, good judgement and good communication skills. A sound knowledge, backed up by training in first aid techniques and tact and diplomacy rounds off the basic skills of a lifeguard.

The bad

Things people seldom talk about are the fact that lifeguards are often taken for granted and are often subjected to the rude behaviour of people. Holidaymakers see them as a nuisance, especially when they try to prevent those holidaymakers from doing foolish things and endangering themselves. During emergencies they are hindered and harassed by bystanders that want to “help”, thus preventing them from doing the job that they are trained for. Lifeguards literally have to have eyes in the backs of their heads at times as they try to keep an eye on hordes of inexperienced swimmers and at the same time keep track of what children are doing. They have to keep alert at all times and in all weather conditions, even at the end of a long shift and smile while answering inane questions.

The good

If this is what you want and you are prepared to take the good, the bad, the interesting and the fun of being a lifeguard and interesting career awaits you. Many lifeguards start out as volunteers to hone their skills and gain practical experience before they start training in earnest. The diverse skills that a person learns during lifeguard training will form part of his or her life as time progresses. Many lifeguards go on to related careers such a becoming a medic.

Often when a person starts out training as a lifeguard, the benefits to be gained are not that evident, it only forms a clear picture when looking back. In truth the skills in first aid and lifesaving alone are worth the training. Other unusual skills become a way of life such as becoming experienced at reading changing surf and weather conditions and learning to recognise the signs of approaching danger. Exposure to training in helicopter rescue and becoming skilled at recognising when someone is having a problem and needs to be assisted.

Being a lifeguard means you have the perfect excuse for spending you days outdoors and at the beach. You have an outdoors career with great responsibility, but also great enjoyment. Best of all you do not have to wear a suit and tie or even shoes at all.