Been offered a job

[Princess Aurora45]

I just got an email from a camp in the US (in New Jersey)!!!! I cant believe it.

Then I read the rest of the email and they want me to be a life guard!!!! I am not a great swimmer and they water is freezing (65F). I am also only 5ft (153cms) and if an adult or a kid is drowning I stand know chance of getting them back to shore.

I think I am going to tutn it down. It isn't what I want to do, and hopefully I will get other offers.

Im I nuts for doing this?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Princess Aurora45
.........I think I am going to tutn it down. It isn't what I want to do, and hopefully I will get other offers.

Im I nuts for doing this?

If it is not want you want to do and you have serious second thoughts on your being able to do the requirements, heck no you are not nuts. Just keep looking and good luck, best wishes coming your way.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I think you're doing the right thing. It seems odd that they would offer you that position. Most states require lifeguards to be certified/pass a test. Being a strong swimmer is a main prerequisite. If they don't require their lifeguards to be certified, I would be afraid of the other areas they could be cutting corners. Wait, the right job is sure to come your way.

 

[mudnuri]

well, I train lifeguards as part of my job as Recreation Director.

Let me just tell you the pre-test- then you make the decision.

500 yards continuous swim- 200 freestyle, 200 breast stroke, and then 100 of whatever you want....

25 yards free to deep end of pool- usually 10 feet, feet first surface dive to retrieve a 5lb brick...place brick on right hip- do left side stroke 25 yards to other end of pool, then place brick on your pelvic area and swim on your back- (no hands) 25 yards back to deep end....drop brick, and 25 yards free again back.

This is just the pretest- I usually lose a lot of kids at this point....some cant swim with their face in the water, some dont have the stamina...there is no time for these tests but 20 laps at a normal 25yd pool just is too much for some kids.

you really HAVE to be a strong swimmer to be a lifeguard, there is no way aroundit. especially if your going to be guarding in open water. it's a lot harder to guard a lake/pond/ocean than it is a crystal clear pool.

I certainly hope they certify their guards with ARC standards, if they dont I like the other posters would wonder what other corners they are cutting...and I would feel sorry for the parents who I would think assume they are certified.

My guards certification is posted in the basketroom at my pool, along with all cpr/first aide certifications of the rest of my staff.

It's not something to be taking lightly.

Brandy

 

[CarolA]

I used to be the waterfront director for a camp and there is NO way I would offer this job to someone who was not certified.

If this camp does, then I would be very leary of working there and would NEVER let my children attend.

 

[Princess Aurora45]

I would be trained once I got out there, which is a bit stupid if a fail the test then I be in the US without a job.

 

[IloveDMB]

Hopefully you'll get offered another job in New Jersey because NJ is SO much fun in the summer.

 

[Princess Aurora45]

If I do accept it I will be going to Mt Misery Retreat Centre in Pinelands or pinewoods. Have you heard of it?

 

[my3kids]

I wouldn't want my childdren to attend a camp where they hired lifeguards on the assumption they probably would be okay at it. These are someone's children's lives you would be responsible for. Absolutley don't do it.

 

[IloveDMB]

I have never heard of that camp, but I know where Mt. Misery is. It really is beautiful out there.

 

[mudnuri]

I wouldn't want my childdren to attend a camp where they hired lifeguards on the assumption they probably would be okay at it. These are someone's children's lives you would be responsible for. Absolutley don't do it.

ITA...I do the hiring of my staff as well, and usually if they "want" to be a lifeguard, and pass the 'why' question- read that they didnt answer "because I want a tan"....I will have them come in for the pre-req...if they then can pass that, I will offer then a position on our team, with the requirement of passing the ARC test upon completion of the class. I have a benefit of doing both the hiring and certification...if I dont think they're going to make it based on interview or pre-reqs I wont offer them the job.

Brandy

 

[mommytotwo]

I think you are making the right decision cause you are thinking of the safety of the people there. If you have doubts of saving someone, don't be a lifeguard cause you can risk your life also.

 

[Micca]

I prefer that my lifeguards are OUTSTANDING swimmers.

 

[Princess Aurora45]

I dont know why they evern wanted me to be one, my prefered skills are piano, musical instruments, ballet, horse riding and acting.