My day used to start at 7.15 am and finish at 3.15. The leisure center opened at 8 am for the early swimmers so we had to be there early to clean the pool and to maintain cleanliness.

When the pool opened we had one of 4 positions in the pool to monitor. The shallow end, the slides, and 2 positions on either end of the main pool, with the deep end person getting to sit in a high chair for better visibility.

The other position was in the changing room to facilitate customer issues with lockers and to keep the toilets clean etc.

We swapped all positions every 20 minutes. This was because it was a tropical pool with 90-degree temps all day long it meant that at least every hour or so you got time in the changing room where it was a little cooler.

If there was an issue with customers behaving badly in the pool we blew one whistle if there was an emergency that was non-life-threatening we blew two whistles. If we had to go into the pool to rescue someone from a potential drowning then it was 3 whistles so every lifeguard knew what was going on and could assist etc.

If you had to go into the pool for a potential rescue then you got to dry out and change clothes then you were put on basic duties for the next few days to make sure you were in the right headspace to continue in the role.

Pros

The role was a good role where you felt you were important and making a difference and on the odd occasion saving people’s lives.

Cons

The pay was pretty poor for what was actually expected of you in terms of people’s safety.

All in all, I enjoyed the role immensely although it would certainly suit a younger person.

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