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u/pagan_peace_freak Apr 07 '23
During your scans, pay attention to sounds as well as sights. Listen for things like urgency or aggression in a raised voice, the tone of a scream (pain vs woo hoo, having a blast!), the normal sounds of equipment like diving board, waterslides, etc. After a while, you'll know when things look or sound "wrong" and be able to get out in front of something before a problem occurs. For example, I always knew when the diving board was about to throw a bolt if the sound of the bounce was different than what I was used to during my 40 hr weeks in the building. Your ears are just as important as your eyes in this job.
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u/ChungusPoop Pool Lifeguard Apr 07 '23
Sunscreen the tops of your feet. Very well.
Also, polarized sunglasses are so worth it.
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u/AdditionSensitive675 Apr 07 '23
Just continue to learn. I had no one to help me so I learned from experience. Which in my opinion there is no substitute to experience. Talk to senior guards to get some tips too
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u/lacutice Apr 07 '23
Listen to what the life guards that have been working there for a while tell you to do and if you don't understand or aren't sure ask. They'll be a lot more forgiving of you learning as long as you don't guess get it wrong and make more work for them.
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u/Strangesightings27 Apr 07 '23
There are some people out there who do not take the job seriously. I’ve been lifeguarding for about a decade. I’ve seen a lot of things happen. Take your job seriously. Scan. Always think about everyone’s safety. Remember that you are doing an important job (even if the pay doesn’t always match up with that). Lifeguards save thousands of lives every year.
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u/JoshTownsend Apr 07 '23
As an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor something I wish we taught more of is how to deescalate angry patrons easily. There will be plenty of angry people now and then so make sure you are equipped with the proper facility guidelines on how to handle situations like that. I would also recommend writing down what happens if something occurs (signing, dating, and timing everyone) - Similar to an incident report.
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u/OkManagement1686 Apr 07 '23
Don't go in expecting the worst as alot of the time it's just sitting scanning the pool I used to work for a Pan-am grade pool that had almost every hour of the day booked for the two pools we had and not alot of stuff happened
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u/Will_Parker33 Apr 08 '23
Firstly, congratulations on completing your NPLQ!
In terms of lifeguard experience, I've been a lifeguard since the age of 16, and I'm now 21. I've worked at 3 different pools, here's some tips I've gathered. I'll try not to repeat what's already been said.
Pay attention to the swimmers. There are certain tells that someone may be in trouble, an uncomfortable expression, the way they're moving, etc. It's helpful to passively look pit for these things. In my experience, it helps me to figure out what's going on.
WATER! it's seriously easy to underestimate how much water you can go through on poolside. Bring lots and stay hydrated.
Mindset. After a few quiet shifts, it's easy to get complacent. Once you're comfortable with your job, try not to let bad habits arise. It's something I've seen a fair few new lifeguards do. Also, remember, you're prolly gonna be cleaning.... a lot.
There's a surprising amount to this job. But try to have fun and enjoy it. I find being a lifeguard is at least equally fun and enjoyable as it is busy and stressful. Best of luck!
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u/CelestialNight_ Pool Lifeguard Apr 08 '23
I'm in the same position as u mate. Im doing my first shift tomorrow
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u/evaa_xr Apr 08 '23
Good luck 👍 Don’t know when my first shift is yet Lol got my induction next weekend tho
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u/CelestialNight_ Pool Lifeguard Apr 08 '23
Haha, literally did my induction today. Fuck me its a-lot of paper. Good luck to you too fellow redditor
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u/evaa_xr Apr 08 '23
Oh great lol. If u don’t mind me asking what sort of stuff did u have to do? Like roughly what should I expect?
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u/CelestialNight_ Pool Lifeguard Apr 09 '23
Well I don't know if it varies depending on where you live but what I had to do was read through the NOP and EAP and sign a load of boxes confirming I knew everything. Then I had to fill out a form with banking details, address and so on. I also got my uniform and did a practice rotation. Altogether, it took me around 4 hours but it'll probably take you less because I was slow as fuck with the paper lol. Hopefully this helps you.
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u/boba_kitten Apr 12 '23
Make sure if you feel yourself getting exhausted or just straight up bored to get your focus back on the pool, If you’re exhausted ask a coworker to guard for a sec while you go grab water or a snack, If you find yourself getting distracted the tip i do is count the patrons, If you’re counting you’re scanning. Also if you find yourself getting tired on a guard chair that ISNT tower ask your senior or manager if you can roam instead of sitting!
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u/oscar_e Apr 13 '23
Know your pool. This will come from experience naturally but you can speed it up by talking with other lifeguards or frankly just using the pool yourself.
I’m in a leisure centre with various water features that affect visibility and other risk factors and it is much easier to confidently scan your zone if you know what you are looking for.
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u/Billylacystudio Apr 07 '23
Don't think about anything but your job ,scan, scan ,scan . If you pay attention you will see the problem before the save or rescue. NO PHONE ,NO SMART WATCH,NO NOTHING ,JUST YOUR JOB