While there is no better summer job than working at the beach as a lifeguard, the gig comes with a ton of responsibility.
Nic Stevenson, 22, has been on the tower now for six years. His important daily tasks include supervising public swim areas, administering standard first-aid, attending to major emergencies, and performing missing person procedures.
He is also in charge of keeping the beaches and equipment clean and uncluttered so he and others can respond quickly in the case of an emergency.
The Orillia Secondary School graduate says the role requires exceptional public relations skills, a high degree of communication with fellow lifeguards, emergencies services, and patrons through spoken language, hand signals, and whistle signals.
Stevenson says being a lifeguard is “incredibly fun.” His favourite part of the unique job happens before the beaches even open.
“Every week during the summer we train for hours on end, increasing our skills, knowledge, teamwork, and recognition,” he said. “Though we take our training very seriously it is also such a fun time to be outside, in the water, in the warm or freezing weather, working with the rest of the team.”
While training is his favourite part of his shift, Stevenson also loves interacting with swimmers and beachgoers.
“Being able to talk and connect with visitors, regular patrons, and swim lesson participants gives you a sense of purpose and reason to be doing what you are doing,” he said.
While the job is fun, it also comes with challenges. Burnout is the number one challenge of lifeguard and swim instructors, Stevenson says.
“From the hours of work during the summer, heat advisories, busy beaches, responding to emergencies, and keeping a pristine focus on the area, it is important that we take time to hydrate, eat, and break from these factors within moderation," he said.
Stevenson protects himself from burnout by working as a team with his fellow lifeguards and taking time outside of work to prepare his body again for his next shift.
The job can also put a strain on the mental health of a lifeguard as they are first responders. Stevenson himself has responded to many situations which require immediate attention and lifesaving techniques.
“Performing my duties to the absolute highest degree is my focus. Training prepares you for that and during an emergency, my body responds because of the way it's been trained,” he said.
“Should critical incident stress be noticed, I know what I need to do in order to rest my body and my mind, and to focus on the positives to suppress the impact of critical incident stress," he explained.
When Stevenson has to respond to an emergency, he feels well prepared and confident.
“I rely on the extensive knowledge and practice I have been given throughout my career which allows me to respond efficiently and without hesitation,” he said. “It is key to understand you may have to deal with or witness things you may not be expecting, however, this is what we do.”
The job of a lifeguard doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Stevenson says community members value his knowledge and the ability to perform to the highest standard during a situation.
“The greatest enjoyment of this job is receiving compliments and recognition for what we are doing," he said. "It is important and valued to so many members and visitors of our community.”
Stevenson has climbed through the ranks over the past six years and has advanced into instructor positions, a supervisor position, and now a head lifeguard position.
“It has also allowed me to gain skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to become a police officer which I strongly believe my next career to be,” he said. “This job has allowed me to connect with and work alongside emergency medical services, municipal bylaw, and Orillia OPP.”
Becoming a lifeguard has been a life-changing opportunity for Stevenson; he strongly recommends young adults looking for a summer job to get involved with the program.
“This job highlights many transferable skills and enhances your character traits as an individual which is important to any line of work,” he said. “It is a great job and gives you the opportunity to work alongside so many different people and services.”
You can become a lifeguard through program registration, instruction, practice, and examination, Stevenson says.
The lifeguard process begins with trainees receiving their Bronze Star through Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross ranks. At the age of 15, qualified candidates can enrol and complete their national lifeguard course, which represents the seal of a certified lifeguard in either the stream of pool or waterfront.
Standard First-Aid is also a required prerequisite which teaches candidates to administer and perform First-Aid to the standard of a lifesaver in addition to swim and lifesaving instructor that teaches how to instruct and teach people of all ages and abilities to swim.
At the age of 16, you can be hired as a lifeguard and swim instructor with proof of such prerequisites. Skills include, however, are not limited to, high fitness levels, communications, public relations, swimming efficiency, elevated knowledge of first, distress recognition, and scanning efficiency.
For more information about becoming a lifeguard, click here.
This feature appears each Monday. If you have an idea for someone who should be profiled in this space, send your suggestion to [email protected].
