Daniel's Lifeguarding Experience at Camp

I'd worked as a lifeguard for my local leisure centre for a few years on a casual contract so I thought the role at a summer camp would be pretty similar. Having said that, I was so happy that the jobs were actually pretty different. There's a lot less sitting on a chair overseeing the pool/lakes and a lot more getting involved with the various activities! The facilities at camp are second to none, huge lakes, speed boat, inflatable’s- you name it they have it!

Every day I was different. I played water basketball, taught swimming, went out on the canoes and kayaks. Granted some of the time I was lifeguarding but the aquatics staff worked on a rotation, allowing us to do various activities with the kids. I developed some great friendships within the waterfront staff and had an absolute blast.

The really hot days were a challenge, all of camp would descend on the lake and pool to cool off and we had to be really on the ball. These days were pretty busy, but we all worked hard as a team and powered through. As lifeguards we had to be super fit. Before the campers arrived we were put through a lifeguard certification which was difficult, I'm glad I was swimming before the start of camp, I think I would have physically struggled if I hadn't been. My highlights from the summer was getting to know all the campers and getting the opportunity to do different watersports with them. Every camper did some kind of water sport or swimming so we got to know them well. We all lived in a bunk with a group of kids and other staff too, which was a lot of fun in itself.

My summer was definitely busy. We worked hard and played hard. Working in California was awesome; once camp was over some of us counsellors hired a car and went on a west coast road trip which was a blast. I'd recommend doing summer camp to anyone who is looking for a fun job during the summer!