College Essay On Lifeguard

I am a lifeguard. I have to renew my certifications every year for cpr and every two years for oxygen, first aid, swim instructor and lifeguard. My job has helped me in an abundant way in order to better serve people if they are ever in a difficult health situation. I started training with my now boss, Elaine Yarranton, at the age of 15, in August, almost 16 in September. I was not yet at the required minimum age of 16 to become a lifeguard-- still, she took me in and helped me become certified. When I met Elaine, I was a timid and introverted girl who did not know how to speak to people or how to help people in a correct manner. As time passed by, I was finally able to open up and handle situations better. People became easier to talk to as the year passed and teaching children how to swim became easier but challenging at times, depending on the child.

Lifeguarding is not about jumping in the water and “saving” a life. It is about preventing problems which is what saving a life is. If a lifeguard has to jump in the water, they already failed to do their job as a lifeguard to prevent incidents. Through my journey of inservices, lifeguarding, and teaching, I realized I learned a lot more about health than I thought I did. I also learned the importance of talking with the people that come to the pool; it creates a peaceful and happier atmosphere. I also realized I should be happy with my patience; I have always thought my great patience was a burden but when the time came and I recieved a difficult child in one of my swimming classes, I realized I am blessed to be able to have such patience to be able to teach children from an easy child to a difficult child. These parent's children must have paid a lot of money for them to