Wanted: Summer Lifeguard

WANTED: SUMMER LIFEGUARD. Harbor Point Public Pool is looking for a lifeguard from June 15 to August 31. You must be at least eighteen, have a lifeguard certificate and be able to work weekends. To apply, send a short email to Coral Banks, Pool Manager, by Friday, June 6. Tell us why you want the job and what you have learned from your experience.

From: Imogen. Dear Ms. Banks, I have worked as a lifeguard for four summers at two different beaches, and I have all the certificates you could ask for. I have never had a single problem on my watch. Honestly, a town pool will be very relaxing after the ocean. I can start on June 15 and I am happy to work every weekend. Best, Imogen

From: Thibault. Hello! I have been a lifeguard at a hotel pool for three years and I have never needed to rescue anyone, because people know I am watching. I am looking for a job where I can get a good tan and meet people. My certificate ran out in May, but I am planning to renew it soon. Cheers, Thibault

From: Ruy. Dear Ms. Banks, I got my lifeguard certificate three weeks ago, so this would be my first job. I have practiced rescues many times in training, but never with a real swimmer in trouble. I also have to admit something: I don't know how to test the water for chlorine yet. I came to the pool on Tuesday to look around, and I noticed that the depth sign at the deep end is hard to read from the café. I would like to learn the job properly. Thank you, Ruy

From: Coral Banks. To: Ruy. Dear Ruy, I would like to offer you the job. You may be surprised, since the other two candidates have much more experience than you. But last summer, my most experienced lifeguard told me he knew everything, and he never once asked a question. On a crowded Saturday he didn't notice a little boy who had walked past that faded sign into deep water. A mother pulled the boy out, not him.

You were the only one who told me what you don't know, and the only one who has already noticed something we need to fix. A lifeguard who asks questions is easier to train than one who thinks there is nothing left to learn. Please come in on Monday at eight. I'll teach you the chlorine test myself, and your first job will be to help me paint a new sign. Best wishes, Coral