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Step 1
Select the town you wish to guard for. Keep in mind the population you would guard for, the living opportunities (rental rates, barracks living quarters, your aunt’s house, etc.), and nightlife (or lack thereof).
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Step 2
Go to the town or borough hall and inquire about the application process. Do this towards the end of March or beginning of April to give yourself time to train for the physical requirements.
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Step 3
Train. Make sure you can swim and run efficiently. If you live near the beach already, get your legs used to running short distances in the sand (1-3 miles). Give yourself at least 6 weeks to heavily prepare. Even if you can pass the swim and run tests, you don’t want to feel weak and sluggish afterward.
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Step 4
Ask the town if their lifeguard patrol provides CPR and First Aid courses through the American Red Cross. More than likely, they provide the service once your application is accepted. If, for the off-chance that they don’t, then contact your local Red Cross chapter and attend classes ASAP.
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Step 5
Make friends on your patrol. You’re a rookie, so don’t act like a veteran. Even veterans shouldn’t act like veterans. You’re all there to have fun, so spirits should always be kept high on the patrol. There’s not much room for a low morale.
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Step 6
Extend your duties after work to go the distance on your patrol. Train a little on your own time, but don’t forget to have fun. At the end of a long day of guarding, there’s nothing better than going out for a couple of drinks (make sure you buy rounds, rookie) and doing it all over again the next day.
