Dharma, Lifeguard?

Published on May 6, 2004 By dharmagrl In Misc

There's a Lifeguard class being held next week. It's $125, and you have to pass a swim test. I think I can pass the test, but I'm not sure. It's pretty strenuous stuff, a lot of front crawl, which is the one stroke I'm just getting back into doing because of my shoulder. Like I said, I THINK I can do it...

..anyway, I was talking to the lifeguard this morning about it, and she said she thinks I can do it. She also said that there are some full-time positions open this summer. So, I might be able to get a job out of it if I take the class and certify.

My problem is this: for us, $125 is a somewhat significant amount of dough, mainly because we're getting ready to move and we're trying to be as prudent as we can financially. However, if I got a job at the end of it, I could make up for the expenditure. I'd also have to find childcare for next week's class, which would be another expense, and , if I got a job, childcare for the summer while I'm working. There's also the chance that I will fail the swim test.

I think that what I'm going to do is swim as hard as I can the next few days, to see if I can pass the test. If I can, I'll enroll. I'm sure I can find someone to watch the kids for me. Even if I don't get hired, it's still a qualification I'll have. I don't know if it'll do me any good in England....but I guess it can't hurt to try...right?

Your advice is much appreciated.

Comments

shadesofgrey

on May 06, 2004

I think you should practice the test and see how you do, that way, if you definitely won't be able to pass then you can save the money. But if you can do it, it sounds like it would be worth it. Lifeguards make a decent hourly, you'd be able to make up the fee easily I would think.

Is there anyone that you can "babysit swap" with so that you don't have to pay for childcare? (if I were there, I'd do it for you).

Also, are you supposed to be doing the front crawl--I thought your doctor said to be careful!

Good luck!

dharmagrl

on May 06, 2004

Aww, thanks, Auntie Shades!

The swim test is comprised of a 500 yd swim; the first 100 of that has to be crawl, the next 100 has to be breaststroke, and the rest is your choice of either breast or crawl. It's not timed, which is to my advantage. Then, after a rest, you have to crawl from the shallow end to the deep end, get out, do a standing dive back in, grab a 10lb brick off the bottom and kick your way back to the shallow end without letting your face go underwater.

I swim more than that daily, but the thing that bothers me is that I'm only crawling 50 yds non stop right now. I think if I push it I can do 100, and that's what I'm going to practice doing the rest of this week and this weekend...and the brick carrying length as well. My doc said absolutely no backstroke, and introduce the crawl slowly, which I've been doing.

I think I might have found someone who'll help me out with the kids..but I have to be sure I can pass this swim test first! So, off to the pool I go again this afternoon!

Thanks, Shades...I can always rely on you for great advice and friendship!

shadesofgrey

on May 06, 2004

I'll be rooting for you, though sounds like you won't have any problem.

Let me know how it goes!

BlueDev

on May 06, 2004

I don't really have anything to suggest other than what Shades already said dharmagrl. Try on your own, see how you feel about it first. If you can, and feel good about it, give it some good thought, and if it feels good do it. I am sure you can if you set your mind to it. And I completely understand the child-care situation. My wife does the swapping option and it has worked really well for us. Best of luck and let us decide what you do!

crimson

on May 06, 2004

How many yards does a pool length comprise? I say go for it. Full out. (If you can afford it.) Having a life-guard certificate is so good, both for your own self-esteem, and for the possibility of using it for employment purposes. I wonder if, because the date of it will be so near, transferring that certification might be possible in England? I know that requirements in the States and Canada are pretty much the same...
Good luck!

Suspeckted

on May 06, 2004

Being that I'm kind of an aquaphobic I don't think I could ever be a lifeguard...so kudos for doing it.

My exgf was a lifeguard and seems like she got calls all the time to see if she could work. Was always a nice thing to add in to her other job when she wanted to make some more cash.

dharmagrl

on May 06, 2004

I did it!! I passed the swim test!! I managed the required crawl lengths and breaststroked my way though the rest..then I did the swim/dive/retrieve/swim 4 or 5 times to make sure I could do it...got my preferred method down and everything! I have a big shit eating grin on my face right now...I did it, and it wasn't that hard!

Now all I have to do is find someone to watch the boys for me in the evenings next week so I can take the class. I'll make a couple of phone calls tonight and see if anyone can help me.

The certification is good Air Force wide, so it'll work at any base. I'm not sure about England, but I'll find out. I can work the money thing...I mean, we have it, but it's supposed to be going into savings, not to pay for a class. I have D's blessing to take the class though, and that means a lot.

I'm going to see if I can get daycare..if I can, I'll sleep on it.

BlueDev

on May 06, 2004

Congratulations dharma! That is fantastic to hear. Go for it and know I wish you the best.

Muggaz

on May 06, 2004

You cant really put a price on piece of mind...
As someone with children, as a parent, i think it is your responsibility to be comfortable in the fact that you know what to do should anything bad happen!

Its almost mandatory for Australian parents to have their lifesaving certificates because we live such a lifestyle around water!!!

BAM!!!

dharmagrl

on May 06, 2004

My plan is shot. Can't find anyone to keep my kids.

I'll write a blog about it.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!