Whenever the topic of “what you want to be when you grow up” is discussed, you often run across the stereotypical staples- lawyer, doctor, fireman, or policeman. When you ask someone what they want to be when they grow up, you probably have never heard someone say they wanted to be a lifeguard. Well, why not? Lifeguards are highly-skilled important parts of public safety and have the opportunity to very positively impact the lives of everyone they encounter. Lifeguards have been a big part of entertainment culture and have constantly been featured in movies and shows over decades. Lifeguarding is a seriously rewarding and enjoyable position to hold. Why isn’t it perceived that way? One reason may be that being a lifeguard can be perceived as a teenagers’ job. Sometimes lifeguards are even seen as annoying, rude, and lazy by many people who enjoy water. But if you ask any lifeguard, this could not be further from the truth. The amount of training that lifeguards go through is extensive, and the continuing education at some facilities could be as much as a full day a month. That means over the course of a year, lifeguards could spend over two full work weeks just ensuring they can perform to the standards that are expected. The skills that are covered in these classes are in depth as well. Fifteen-year-old lifeguards are learning the same standard skills as many healthcare providers. For example, Heart.org says that 70% of Americans do not know how to perform CPR, but this is a staple skill that is taught to all lifeguards. Introduce the in-water rescues, unconscious protocols, and spinal immobilization and you have an individual that is every bit a professional rescuer and not a rude whistling teenager. These lifeguards also can perform at drastically different aquatic environments. If you imagine where you would want to go on vacation, there is a really good chance that the destinations that came to mind have lifeguards involved. Hotel pool? Waterpark? Beach? Cruise Line? Lifeguards are most certainly going to be around to ensure that you have the best vacation possible. Wouldn’t you like to be able to work at these places? In addition to getting to experience these destinations on a daily basis, lifeguards get to often enjoy them when they are not saving guests and are able to take full advantage of all of the amenities. Some of these environments are located in remote, beautiful, and desirable places. Waterparks located in Japan, Bahamas, Germany, and Australia are always looking for qualified professional lifeguards on their teams. Hotels in the Virgin Islands, Italy, and Maldives can look to lifeguards to maintain their guest’s safety and provide a great experience. The ability to choose where you would like to bring your skills is a benefit few careers can provide to this extent. And it’s not just hotels and waterparks either. What most individuals don’t know is that the most renowned beaches across the world play host to career lifeguards, some of which have seen more rescues and medical emergencies than you can think of. The programs at these facilities are world-renowned and elite. The equipment and resources that are used and trained on is impressive as well. SUVs, boats, and jet skis are only a few of the tools that allow elite beach front lifeguards to do what is needed to rescue day in and day out. Physically fit and tan is just an added bonus to everything else that comes from this job. These individuals often go unappreciated but allow for millions of people to enjoy themselves annually. Whether it is indoor or outdoor, seasonal or year-round, waterpark or beach, lifeguarding is a great job. The training is great. The tan can be both a benefit and a curse. The lifeguard swag is always great, and who doesn’t collect lifeguard gear wherever you go? You have the ability to lifeguard across the globe and can always change the environment if you want to. With all of these benefits, lifeguarding is a great profession to be a part of, especially being given the chance to build lifelong relationships. There’s something about early morning in services, partnering for CPR practice, or sitting in the guard chair next to your friend in the rain that builds unmatched friendships. Lifeguards can count on their team through some unimaginable scenarios and this confidence and trust in a team will earn friends that are there through thick and thin. Some of the friendships span decades and will beat the test of time. Lifeguards know that their days are filled with scanning, skills, and saves but the aspects of the job that are often the greatest ones may not be clearly visible. The skills that are learned may not be immediately appreciated, and the ability to perform at a world-renowned elite level may not be something that a pool lifeguard knows they can strive for. It’s not until you are working in an office at a desk that you will appreciate the opportunity a lifeguard has to go to work for a luxury resort in another country. These aspects of this profession are hard to find in other jobs that come with more respect and prestige. Lifeguarding should be respected and the lifeguards seen as professionals. People may not understand the importance of this role or the benefits that can come from it. More individuals should recognize lifeguarding as a possible lifetime journey and look at their profession with pride and fondness. It is up to lifeguards as to what they do with their careers, and it may be after you hang up your whistle for good that you recognize lifeguarding as one of the greatest jobs you can ever have.