While saving lives is the most vital and visible part of lifeguarding,
there are many other benefits to this active career.
"The most rewarding part of being a lifeguard is when children approach
you and tell you that when they grow up they want to have a job just like
yours," reflects Sonja Zupanec. "It gives them something positive to work
towards.
"I've been a waterfront lifeguard for two years and chose this field
to be able to work at children's camps and increase my overall qualifications.
I didn't realize at the time what a wonderful and brilliant job it could
be."
Zupanec has worked at a camp for children with cancer. She set up the beach
area, checked first- aid equipment, programmed water-related activities and,
of course, lifeguarded.
Summer lifeguards, full-time lifeguards and part-time lifeguards all have
reasons for choosing this profession. "Being able to help nonprofit organizations
by guarding at their outings is a lot of fun," says A.J. MacPherson, a summer
guard.
"You meet lots of different people. I've luckily never had to do an
actual rescue, which is good, but there are many other aspects of the job
that stick out.
"I decided to become a lifeguard because I enjoy the water and it's
a good job for the summer. It allows me to be outside, which is where I want
to be." By earning a national lifeguard certificate and CPR training, MacPherson
can now call herself a national lifeguard.
"I always did very well in swimming lessons," recalls Alicia Canton, a
full-time guard and certified swim instructor. "I was on a swim team for five
years and coached two swimmers. I also knew that the pay was good. It was
mainly just a dream, something that stuck in my head and wouldn't leave."
Chris Luksha lifeguards in New Hampshire, putting in an average of 50 to
60 hours a month. Luksha guards at various indoor and outdoor pools and waterfronts.
He also instructs other lifeguards through the American Red Cross.
"When I teach, my lifeguarding hours tend to diminish," he says. "I also
contract my lifeguarding out to various facilities during the winter months.
During those times, I usually guard about eight to 15 hours a week."
Luksha has one rescue under his belt. "I was on my lifeguard stand surveying,
and I caught a glance at a couple standing and talking to each other. There's
nothing spectacular about two people talking with one another.
But their baby was on the beach between them."
The couple was standing in the still waters of the lake, in just enough
water to cool their toes. "What they didn't notice was that their baby
had crawled up to them and was face down in an inch of water," Luksha recalls.
"I continued to watch them for a few more seconds, as I got up and walked
towards them.
"I'll never forget the mother's anguish as she heard the baby
start to cry when I lifted him out of the water. I handed the baby to the
mother and explained to them both that their baby was about to drown at their
feet, and they would never have been the wiser. It's one of the greatest
feelings you could ever have -- to know that your actions have saved a life."