5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Lifeguards At The Pool
You can see them in plain sight, sitting on their lifeguard chairs and occasionally blowing their whistle. It may seem like an easy job, and it’s often mistaken for being an easy way to get a tan while making money. That’s not the case, though. Pool lifeguards do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep pools and facilities safe. From pool maintenance to caring for nosebleeds, here are a few things you may not have realized about pool lifeguards.
1. They’re certified just like the rest of them
Did you think pool lifeguards got off easy just because they don’t deal with rip currents? Think again! All lifeguards have to go through basic training, certification exams, and CPR/AED classes.
2. They help maintain the facility
Lifeguarding at the pool goes beyond sitting in a tall chair and watching kids swim. These lifeguards also help with the general upkeep of the pool, including balancing the pool’s pH levels and sometimes vacuuming the floor of the pool.
3. They deal with nosebleeds
One of the things that pool lifeguards commonly deal with is nosebleeds. Believe it or not, a lot of swimmers get these nosebleeds and don’t know how to take care of them on their own. That’s where pool lifeguards step in, not only to help the victim but to minimize panic that may come from nearby swimmers who shriek at the sight of blood.
4. Staying alert isn’t always easy
At the beach, it’s pretty important to stay on your toes. There’s a lot going on, and lifeguards are constantly scanning the premises to make sure everything is safe. At the pool, it’s not as easy to stay focused. Many pool lifeguards come up with tactics to stay alert, such as counting patrons or readjusting their posture every so often.
5. People think they’re babysitters, but they’re not
One of the biggest complaints of pool lifeguards is that they’re treated as babysitters or caregivers. 
Lots of parents view them as an excuse to sit back, relax, and forget about their children. It’s one thing to vest trust in your lifeguard, but they’re not there to babysit your kiddos!
Being a lifeguard is no small feat. There’s a lot that goes into the art of saving lives, so regardless of what aquatic environment you’re in, you should know that the lifeguards are working hard to keep everyone safe. The next time you’re going for a swim, take some time to thank the lifeguards who are keeping you (and your community) protected!
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