C. Characteristics of a Lifeguard

4. Personable

The age range is going to be young. Therefore, a lifeguard must work with the young and always give them the option to leave. Although they are not a babysitter, they might have to act like one sometimes. Parents and teenagers can be rude and disrespectful but don’t return the aggression. Adjust have you interact with different age groups but still enforce the rules even to adults. Children often look to adults as role models. If an adult is breaking the rules, children will be quick to think that it is okay for them to break the rules as well. In the presence of small children, always look to see if there is a parent or guardian around. Children are often scared, especially in emergencies. Therefore, it is important to try and make them feel as calm and comfortable as possible. Some children may not even tell you their name or want you to get close to them if they feel threatened and are no longer safe with their parents. It is important to get down to their level and talk with a soft comforting tone when addressing any child.

Communication Skills

5. Team Player

Lifeguards must possess the ability to be leaders but also contributors to a group. All members of the lifeguard team must be able to work efficiently together at all times. A lifeguard must be able to not only give orders but also take them. A team player must also listen to others when they speak and contribute to the team as much as possible. If any disagreements between team members occur, make sure that they are worked out quickly and responsibly so that they do not cause damage to the team as a whole.

6. Authoritative

Lifeguards must also possess the ability to be forceful when needed. One of the main duties of a lifeguard is to enforce the rules to make sure no one gets hurt. Simply having signs posted is not enough, they must be enforced. As soon as a lifeguard sees someone break a rule such as “no diving in the shallow end” or “no running on the pool deck,” they must address their behavior as soon as possible; otherwise, they might repeat the action and continue to disregard the rules until they hurt themselves or someone else.

7. The feeling of responsibility and ownership (Responsible)

Treat your pool as your home or a valued personal possession. Watch over and take care of it and make sure everything is safe. Take the individuals under your wing and make sure that nothing goes wrong. Don’t treat your job as something you just come and go to every day but a part of you. Lifeguards should take pride in their jobs and their work areas. This includes being dependable, on time if not early, and completing all duties promptly to ensure the constant safety of the pool area.