Going to a swimming pool is a recreational activity, so I assume it is okay for it to be open on a Sunday. But, that would mean that lifeguards have to be working on Sunday. Is it okay for the lifeguards to work in order to provide that recreational opportunity to others?
This year is currently my 5th year of lifeguarding with 20 rescues made during those years. As a lead guard if there was a rescue made during a shift I would tell the teenage guards at the end of a shift something to the effect:
“Thanks to your good work that little girl will go home and have dinner with their family.”
Most of the kids did not understand the depth of what was said, but it was important for them to hear it. Life is sacred. The kids just wanted to do a good job.
I am thinking about applying for a job as a lifeguard. Should I put on there that I prefer not to work on Sundays or not worry about it?
Most pools have an availability sheet where you can put the days you are available. Often the newer guards will get the less desirable shifts. Also, what are your goals for hours per week. The more you are available the more likely you will get the hours per week you want.
Here is something else to consider. During the summers I work the weekends at the local Y.M.C.A. pool. The pool is 8 blocks from St. Patrick’s. Thus I bicycle into mass. Then I have a couple free hours so I go visit my good friends at their church (their church always bar-b-ques hamburgers after their service during the summer :extrahappy: ). Next stop is the pool to guard for the afternoon swim. Here I have the opportunity to teach by example of how I behave and by enforcing rules of good behavior. It is a great opportunity to minister to the local kids. Plus, I get to sit outside, enjoy the sun and a cool breeze while getting paid. My summer guard job is minimum wage, but I don’t mind one bit. Once the swim is over I get to bicycle 7 miles home.
You really get to know the regular kids at these small local pools. In fact during this past basketball season I was officiating some games at the local middle school and here comes Katie up to me saying, “How you doing Mr. Lifeguard?”
If you do a good job guarding and give the kids a safe environment to come play the kids will look up to you. During the summer swims if a rule is broken the kids might find themselves singing “I’m a Little Teapot” or doing a crabwalk around the pool. I give the kids these options as a quicker way to get back into the pool. They can always choose to sit out on the deck. Your time spent guarding can be a great way to have a positive impact on the younger generation.
So, when it comes to Sundays I think you can use your time at the pool in a very positive manner. You can model values and if need be make sure some kid gets to sleep in their own bed that night.
:harp:
Hope this helps in your decision making process.
God bless
That was my greatest challenge as a lifeguard.
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