One of the best summer jobs available for teenagers is heading to the local body of water to work as a lifeguard. Whether at the local pool gym, a public neighborhood pool, a beach, or even a large lake or river, there is always a need for qualified, trained lifeguards to watch over the users of the pool. Lifeguarding as a job for teenagers is a great option because it has relatively flexible hours, especially if the individual has swim team or other sports practices, and because the pay is often above minimum wage, unlike many other summer jobs that will hire young people.
This article provides a sample job description and information for a teenager interested in working at their local pool. Remember that the number one key is an awareness and care about the safety of people. Number two is simply being very comfortable, efficient, and effective while swimming, as you need to be in control should a dangerous situation or incident occur. While the requirements very, depending on whether the guard will be watching over a controlled body, like a pool, or out in the wild, so to speak, working in the waves at the beach or at the local lake amongst boats and other water craft. You must pass lifeguard training for the specific body of water in which you will be working, as the requirements and certification levels vary depending on where you will eventually get a job Lifeguarding.
A lifeguard watches over swimmers, surfers, kids playing, and others involved in water activities while on or near the water. He or she is responsible for the safety of this swimmers and the rescue of these swimmers should a problem happen. Problems really do often occur around water, because people who are not established or veteran swimmers often have fits of panic and need serious help. The diligent teen lifeguard must be ready, willing, and able to step in, provide mental comfort and physically pull the person out of the water and onto the deck. CPR may or may not be required at that point, so you must obviously be ready to preform it should the need arise. Lifeguards have passed an extensive training program and successfully aced a course in water based rescue and recovery, as well as utilizing rescue equipment that these folks are known for.. A lifeguard must maintain their equipment; as well as make sure the man-made, or man-maintained, areas around them are in proper shape. The lifeguard must be able to give first aide in an emergency, and typically is required to have undergone CPR certification.
The lifeguard job description entails a large number of tasks that the boy or girl must be aware of. These include, but are certainly not limited to enforcement, effective communication, teaching, and saving in an emergency. Duties include enforcing rules in order to preemptively solve challenges well before a problem can actually occur, and focusing on the observation of the general pool or beach area and all of the water participants in order to both prevent problems and identify potentially dangerous situations quickly and effectively.
All in all, while a great summer job for teenagers, lifeguarding requires diligent focus and astute mental and physical ability. If you are ready for the challenge, then heading to lifeguard training might just be perfect for you.
