By Joe Walker
“Is paying attention too expensive for young lifeguards?”
I never learned to swim. By saying this I’m not intentionally reciting the beginning of Parliament’s funk classic “Aquaboogie”. It’s just a coincidence. I really can’t swim.
Growing up near Lake Michigan I spent a lot of time at the beach during the summers. My Grandfather took my cousins and I to swim, though I’d mostly only go as far as getting my feet wet.
On those rare occasions I’d step further into the lake – brave enough to maybe go neck deep – I felt safe. There were always grownup lifeguards present. I also trusted my Grandfather – a decorated war-veteran naval officer, but it’s nice to have backup. The presence of other attentive adults made my non-swimmer foray into water frolics a relaxed one.
I don’t feel as safe when in the water today.
My family and I went to Lake Lansing for a swim. Our children love to play in the water, especially on a hot day. The lake was bustling with visitors. People everywhere were swimming, boating, splashing while laughing. Everyone appeared to be having a great time – even the lifeguards. Only they weren’t enjoying keeping a watchful eye on fun-loving beachgoers. The lifeguards were entertaining themselves.
Two were talking and laughing with friends, another engrossed in conversation with an apparent significant other. The only seated lifeguard was swimming through an iPod song selection, occasionally looking up to shout don’t-do-that’s in a megaphone. Never once sounding stern enough to be taken seriously. But it wasn’t their activities that made me leery. It was their ages. All of the lifeguards were really young, the majority looked like teenagers.
Age has nothing to do with their swimming ability or strength. I’m sure all of them are capable of saving a life, if the situation arises. Each must be trained and certified for their position, investing time to become a lifeguard. My concern is their maturity.
I’ve known people who passed drivers training with flying colors, yet ended up involved in more than one auto accident. And it was their fault! Biggest problems: behaving immaturely behind the wheel or simply not paying attention.
I feel once you’ve become a lifeguard, you’ve put yourself in another sensitive driving situation. An example of behavior that shouldn’t happen: “Tonight we can go over to Carl’s, and lets both bring our WiiMotes. I wish I wasn’t working right now. There are so many people here today! And they’re, like, so loud. I can’t wait ’til 7. What time do you get off? And… OMG! I gotta go!”
New Resolution #34: Lifeguards should be driven to pay attention at all times while on duty. And tell your friends to take a swim.
