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Talking to lifeguards -

Chatting about trivial stuff will only be a distraction. And a distraction can be fatal in this line of work. So think twice the next time you think about chitchatting with a lifeguard about the weather.

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Talking to lifeguards -

While chitchat is generally discouraged, this does not mean you shouldn't approach a lifeguard and ask questions whenever you need to.

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Training -

Lifeguards got through many hours of rigorous training in order to become certified professionals. As such, they develop many skills.

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Training -

Most lifeguards are equipped to deal with a wide range of scenarios: from a small cut, to a life-threatening situation that requires CPR or other emergency techniques.

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Watch your kids -

Lifeguards are not babysitters. If you have children, it's your responsibility to watch out for their safety.

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Drowning is not like in the movies -

Drowning might not look like how you see it in the movies. Sometimes the signs are a lot more subtle than flailing and splashing. Luckily, lifeguards are trained to spot them.

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Don't touch living creatures -

You're not alone at the beach. You'll likely find plenty of sea creatures, but please leave them alone and don't touch them. Make sure your kids don't either, as they can get hurt if they come into contact with some of these creatures (e.g. jellyfish).

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Close your mouth -

Most of us open our mouths while we're in the pool, but we should be extra careful not to swallow any water.

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Close your mouth -

A study by the University of Alberta found that there are nearly 75 liters of urine in an average public swimming pool!

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You can save a life -

Lifeguards can't be everywhere at the same time, so they want you to know this: if someone needs help, throw them something they can grab onto. But don't physically try to help someone if you're not experienced: they'll likely put you in danger too.

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Selfish swimmers -

Lap swimmers in crowded pools are a bit of a pet peeve for some lifeguards. Being in a leisure pool is all about sharing the fun in the water, not taking over it.

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Crowded pools -

Lifeguards actually prefer crowded pools. This will keep them focused. If there are just one or two people in the water, it's easier for them to get bored.

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Chemicals -

Lifeguards also have to deal with chemicals, and some powerful ones too, such as chlorine.

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Chemicals -

They need to know exactly what they're doing in order to keep the pool water clean and safe, with the correct pH.

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Can you swim? -

Lifeguards are generally able to tell how well people can swim just by the way they enter the water.

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Don't go barefootin' -

Numerous viruses and bacteria thrive in conditions found at swimming pools, so it's always a good idea to wear flip-flops.

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Young -

Some lifeguards can indeed be very young, depending where you are in the world. It's not uncommon to find lifeguards as young as 15 or 16.

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Thunder -

If you hear thunder, get out of the water immediately and stay out of it until the thunderstorm has completely cleared. You certainly don't want lightning striking when you're in the water!

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Standing does not mean safe -

A toddler reaching the bottom does not necessarily mean they're safe in the water. They can easily lose balance and drown. Stand nearby them at all times.

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Pool smell -

You know that "clean pool" chemical smell? Well, this actually means the pool is not very clean. What you can smell is actually a chemical byproduct and not chlorine.

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Pool smell -

The smell is the result of a reaction between the pool chemicals and the nitrogen in sweat, urine, and other bodily elements. This byproduct (and smell) can be a irritant for some people.

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Booze -

Don't get drunk! This not only puts you at risk of dehydration, but you will also misjudge danger, making you more likely to put yourself in greater risk.

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Rip currents -

It goes without saying that you should read the signs at the beach and not go in the water if a particular area is flagged up.

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Rip currents -

If you do end up caught in a rip current though, try to swim parallel to the shore. It's useless to try to swim back to the beach.

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Floaties -

These not only give children a false sense of security, but they also rely on kids' strength to actually use them properly and keep them in place. A safer alternative is to use these in a shallow pool where the child can reach the bottom.

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Be visible -

If you can't see the lifeguard, guess what? Most likely the lifeguard won't be able to see you either!

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It can be a dirty job -

Sometimes being a lifeguard can indeed be a dirty job. They have to deal with all sorts of body fluids, and clean up lots of gross things.

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Diving board -

Diving boards can be dangerous, especially for casual divers with little or no experience of using  them. People can get really hurt using these, so they always make lifeguards a bit nervous.

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Dozing off -

Yes, it can happen. Sometimes lifeguards fall asleep on the job. Sometime fatigue just builds up and the chair all of a sudden feels really comfy. They're only human, after all.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Mental Floss) (The Healthy)

See also: Tips personal trainers do (and don’t) want you to know

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