What it Takes to Save Lives
Lifeguarding is not the glamorous job that television
and movies make it out to be. People’s lives are in their hands and they have to be able to react to a situation in
a fatal situation at any given moment. While this responsibility can be overwhelming, it is also a rewarding occupation.
Contrary to popular belief brought about by a
certain T.V. show, lifeguards are not unrealistically attractive people who run around in skin tight bathing suits saving
people. It is often an uneventful and monotonous job, which makes it difficult at times to stay focused and concentrated.
“The ability to stay focused is a key element
to being a lifeguard,” says Kathryn Bogner, Pool Manager at the Belle Fourche Area
Community Center.
Lifeguards have to stay alert in order to notice
a distraught patron before they turn into a drowning victim. Bogner suggested “getting up and walking frequently”
to stay attentive. “And lots of caffeine in the morning,” she jokingly added.
Watching and protecting lives on a near daily
basis can be overwhelming, and in a fatal situation it can be traumatizing. Many lifeguards, most of which are teenagers,
may have to come face-to-face with death before they even graduate high school.
Bogner stated that “the two girls who were
involved in the incident we had here still have nightmares about it. Even though the girl survived just seeing her lay lifeless
and trying to breathe life into her body was enough to traumatize them.”
Many teens that get into this occupation may
not realize how much responsibility that they have. Bogner stated that “my lifeguards know that they are held liable
and can be taken to court. They truly are in life and death situations.”
Another skill that lifeguards need to have is
to be able to reason. “Accidents don’t happen by the book and lifeguards need to be able to know what to do in
any situation,” says Bogner. Having the ability to reason and use the knowledge that they have helps them to keep patrons
safe and unharmed.
Apart from knowing how to save lives, lifeguards
need to know how to work well with other people. “They need to work as a team. A lifeguard cannot be overly arrogant
and they need to know how to depend on other people to help them,” Bogner stated.
With all that responsibility that lifeguards
have is the job really worth it? According to Bogner, “Yes! These people are learning skills that will be with them
for life. It is very rewarding to know that you have the ability to save lives.”
This job is more satisfying than many other jobs
that teenagers have and it teaches them real life skills. “Lifeguards need to practice their skills and take tests often.
It is not like flipping burgers and it is a responsibility that matures you,” said Bogner.
The skills that lifeguards learn at the pool
may also help them in other life threatening situations, or even with interacting with future employers and co-workers. Lifeguarding
becomes more than just another teen summer job; it turns young people into adults who ready to save lives.
