I have yet to meet someone who enjoys writing an incident or accident report. It has nothing to do with being a good writer or an accurate reporter.  It’s the fact that the documentation is very tedious. On this matter, Kurt is the ideal person to represent the perspective of any lifeguard. They know the procedure and what to do, but the follow up is where they get stumped.  

Sometimes we say things as a reaction to circumstances and are not aware of how funny it is. I said this “punchline” during an inservice and one of my managers told me to write it down. The comedic moments in life are something that I don’t mind documenting, especially as a cartoon.

Only when a few sheets of paper asking what, when and how come into the equation do I put up a fuss. Perhaps if I imagine that the  paperwork I have to fill out is like telling a story, then it won’t feel like turning in homework.

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​This is usually how it looks when I’m teaching a group of beginners to tread water. I practice with them one at a time, and like Jonathan, I don’t always use a noodle. When you have a group of 8-12 kids, let’s just say, that’s a significant amount of time to be treading water! Not the wisest thing to do, but it sure gives Kurt a chance to be the voice of reason.
 
Unlike other sports, swimming is a competitive sport, a recreational activity and a safety skill. Everyone starts at the safety skill level and progresses to the level where they feel most comfortable. With teaching lessons, as long as the seed of interest is planted, it doesn’t matter how long it takes. I often tell parents of young swimmers, not to push their child in learning to swim but instead, instill a joy in swimming and they will aspire to learn the skill themselves. I see a great number of kids in the summertime. From May to July, I typically teach eight sessions of swim lessons and this summer was no exception.
 

​A fellow lifeguard I worked with told me that a patron described me this way when he inquired about me. Apparently this is what I look like when I am roving on the deck, probably due to my towering height; Seems as if I’m doing my job correctly if my comparison is a vulture. But don’t worry; the only bone I pick with anyone is over safety.

​Here is a sneak peek of a cartoon I am currently working on; it will become part of a series that consists of about 20 separate strips to create one storyline. In this particular comic strip, Thomas and Jonathan are waiting for transportation to arrive for their in-service training and Thomas is deep in thought. While Thomas could probably refute any philosophical argument, I don’t think he’s quite grasped the art of imagination.
 
For me, the books that really made an impression on me in high school were Pascal’s “Pensees”, (Pensees means thoughts in French) C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” and of course, Dante’s “Inferno.” As you can see, all share a fundamental source in philosophy while the author employs a good bit of imagination. While writing light-hearted comics is something that I prefer, presenting the aspect of critical thinking is important to me also.
 
One of the goals I’ve set for “Suits and Guarders” is to infuse literature into the comic strip in order to spark an interest. Thomas, being the brainy one, is usually the person I plant the seeds with along with Arnold, Jonathan or Bernard. There are many ways to influence learning, so why not through comics? As long as I give authors their credit, then I shouldn’t have to wonder in what level this cartoonist will dwell or how bad he will have it! 

​This comic strip is from the most recent batch I finished. Unlike the others, there are no words or sound effects made in this cartoon. It’s a light-hearted documentary of how lifeguards vacuum the pool….ok, sort of. Prepping to use a pool vacuum can take a little time, but it’s amazing what a few minutes of using it can do to clean the water, especially in the summer. Unfortunately, it has cost Arnold more time, reattaching the bag and the use of a towel. Kurt! Will you ever stop the mischief?
 

You guessed right! Arnold fell for Kurt's invented punishment. At least the lap swimmers are getting their money's worth!
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