Lifeguards - not as dumb as
you think!Before I started training to be lifeguard I used to think it was for idiots and school dropouts. However, when I got into it, I was surprised by the amount of work that actually goes into passing your qualifications and the qualifications and jobs our club members have (HND's, Degree's, PGCE's, IT technicians, IT trainers, teachers etc.). OK so the NPLQ is not a GCSE, A-Level or Degree, but there is still quite a lot of work needed to pass and I certainly have more respect for lifeguards, especially beach lifeguards. Beach lifeguards are traditionally thought of as all braun and no brains, or in female cases just there to look good - which quite a lot do, (Just look at Babewatch). To a certain extent this is true as there is certainly a physical side to it. But the theory and practical side of things are just as intense. I have however, now become more aware (particularly in some pools) of the lack of attention some lifeguards pay to we the paying public. With these few exceptions aside though, next time you are on the beach or in the pool, just think - 'Have I got what it takes to do that?'
surf5hag@postmaster.co.uk