I predict that job applications for the position of “lifeguard” will drop drastically by the time you’ve finished reading this blog. The narration for this cartoon strip pretty much sums it up. No lifeguard enjoys scooping out a strange floater resembling a Baby Ruth bar. (Sorry for the “Caddyshack” reference.) Thankfully, I have never had to deal with this as a lifeguard….at least not yet. Other lifeguards have told many entertaining stories on this one subject though. Unfortunately, these experiences go with the territory and are described in detail in the lifeguard manual. Don’t worry, I will not bore you with the details, but questions about AFRs are on the final written test for lifeguards.
My inspiration for this strip came from an experience when I was quite young, pie-faced, and swimming on a year-round swim team for the first time. This series of unfortunate events happened not only once, but twice in the same week. For me it wasn’t too terrible. Two cancellations for swim practice. It was like having an extra vacation. However, it was frustrating for my coach who was just getting practices going when the whistle blew each time, and to really add insult to injury, that same week, there was also a fire drill!
We spent more time in the parking lot that week than we did in the pool. Have you ever swum in a parking lot before? I have often wondered if the stories I’ve heard about AFRs from other guards are fabricated or embellished. But I now rest my case, because I personally guarantee the lifeguards that week really experienced this and must have had a hard time convincing others that it actually happened.
Don’t forget to comment with your song titles in reply to last week’s blog. So far I have several entertaining suggestions and will be posting them on a “Just For Fun” page that I plan to add soon.
Thanks for your responses and encouragement!
My inspiration for this strip came from an experience when I was quite young, pie-faced, and swimming on a year-round swim team for the first time. This series of unfortunate events happened not only once, but twice in the same week. For me it wasn’t too terrible. Two cancellations for swim practice. It was like having an extra vacation. However, it was frustrating for my coach who was just getting practices going when the whistle blew each time, and to really add insult to injury, that same week, there was also a fire drill!
We spent more time in the parking lot that week than we did in the pool. Have you ever swum in a parking lot before? I have often wondered if the stories I’ve heard about AFRs from other guards are fabricated or embellished. But I now rest my case, because I personally guarantee the lifeguards that week really experienced this and must have had a hard time convincing others that it actually happened.
Don’t forget to comment with your song titles in reply to last week’s blog. So far I have several entertaining suggestions and will be posting them on a “Just For Fun” page that I plan to add soon.
Thanks for your responses and encouragement!
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