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Have questions about lifeguarding? Here are your answers
Summer is just a few weeks away, which means it’s the perfect time to shore up your summer job plans by applying to be a lifeguard at Bryan Parks & Recreation. Lifeguarding is often one of the first jobs people have, so we know there may be some questions about what it takes or how it fits into a busy summer schedule. We asked our Aquatics and Athletics Coordinator, Lexi Durbin, to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions the City of Bryan receives about being a lifeguard.
Lexi Durbin, Aquatic and Athletics Coordinator
1. What do I do during a lifeguarding shift?
Lexi: Typically, a shift consists of opening duties such as checking for safety and preparing for the day. During this time, Head Guards will have a team meeting. Once patrons come in, lifeguards will go on stand using a rotation. The rotations usually are 20-40 minutes on surveillance duty then 20-40 minutes on other tasks such as backup or helping with the patrons. At the end of the day, everyone cleans and makes sure everything is in order for the next day.
2. I need to take summer school this year; can I still be a lifeguard?
Lexi: Absolutely! Lifeguard schedules have several shifts each day, so I’m sure you’ll find a schedule that works with the city and you. When I was a lifeguard and taking six hours of summer school, I was able to still work 30 hours each week, and so were most of my coworkers.
3. What if I don’t look like the other lifeguards?
Lexi: That is nothing to be concerned about at all! What matters is being a strong leader and team member who is rescue ready at all times. No one “looks like a lifeguard” because lifeguards are diverse, come from different backgrounds and come in all shapes and sizes.
4. I don’t know if I can pass the lifeguard prerequisites, what do I do?
Lexi: If you are worried about passing the prerequisites, let’s see where you stand and work together to create a plan to master them. Applicants are absolutely allowed to contact me to try the prerequisites and even get guidance from other guards. Most of the time, it is just a mental block, and some people need to practice a few times before being successful.
5. Is it stressful?
Lexi: Being a lifeguard means you are responsible for keeping patrons safe and preventing accidents around aquatic environments. Sometimes this can seem stressful but knowing you have a team supporting you and lots of other staff behind the scenes backing you up should ease any major stress. If you remember your training and do your job well, there is little to be stressed about. Most of our job is preventative lifeguarding, meaning that we stop accidents from happening before they occur.
6. Are there other things I can get certified in?
Lexi: Oh, lots! American Red Cross basic lifeguarding makes it easy to add additional training such as a babysitting certification, wilderness first aid, tourniquet training, water safety ambassador, pet CPR and lots of other specialized CPR/AED/First Aid/Primary Responder classes.
7. Who teaches the lifeguard classes?
Lexi: Lifeguard classes are taught by lifeguard instructors (LGIs). Here in Bryan all Head Guards are lifeguard instructors. So, during the lifeguard classes, you will get to build a relationship with staff who will be your leaders. These LGIs were all once lifeguards and loved it so much they decided to become certified to lead new lifeguards.
We know these aren’t all the questions you may have, so potential applicants are encouraged to ask Lexi anything else about being a lifeguard. Just send her an email at acdurbin@bryantx.gov or call 979.209.5223.
If you’re ready to apply, head over to our Lifeguard job listing.
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