As senior Julia Grotthuss steps into the dimly lit pool deck at a local pool in north suburban Niles, the water reflects only the artificial glow of overhead lights. She glances at the lifeguard chair she’ll take for her weekend shift then heads to the pump room to check the pool water’s chemical levels.
Her day as a year-round lifeguard at her pool has begun.
Lifeguarding offers teens like Julia a chance to gain real-world skills and work experience with hourly wages that often exceed the state minimum wage by several dollars. However, securing the job requires more than simply filling out an application. It demands rigorous training and, in some cases, additional certification. Despite the challenges, some students recommend and enjoy lifeguarding.
At U-High, students can get a head start on this process through a specialized physical education elective course currently offered in three different P.E. units.
According to Thomas Piane, who teaches the school’s lifeguarding program, students become certified and professional rescuers through the Red Cross, with training in CPR, AED and first aid. Then, students are able to learn different saves under water.
While the Red Cross certification allows students to apply for lifeguarding jobs in many locations, it doesn’t meet all the requirements to work for the Chicago Park District, which mandates an additional waterfront certification.
Junior Maya Livni, who worked in summer 2024 as a lifeguard at 57th Street Beach, learned this firsthand. Maya initially thought the certification she received from Lab was sufficient but had to receive additional training for her summer job.
“I had to take a two-week course at a local pool after school to get that certification,” Maya said. “It was three hours a night, and I had to complete it in a really short period of time.”
Such extra training required by pools represents the high level of responsibility and pressure that comes from the job. Julia thinks that the sense of anxiety even adds up to the pressure.
“ The biggest challenge for me is just kind of the fear that like anything can happen at any moment,” she said. “Especially working alone in the morning. There’s not really anyone there to help you essentially. There’s guests that are like nurses. Of course they help but in general, the uncertainty.”
Julia added that even small moments like someone closing their eyes in the hot tub can be stressful due to the difficulty of telling whether the person is simply relaxing or experiencing a medical emergency.
Despite the rigorous process, Maya and Julia say they find it to be a rewarding experience.
Maya appreciates the bonds with other lifeguards she created during the process.
“It’s probably one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had,” Maya said. “ You get to know everyone in your entire lifeguarding team. You become very close friends with them.”
Julia agreed and emphasized the strong sense of community lifeguarding offers.
“ One of the best experiences is and talking to people building those relationships with the members,” Julia said. “They help you out sometimes and you know that if anything happens there’s gonna be people in my corner.”
Maya said being able to watch different activities like volleyball and outdoor parties at the beach enhanced her lifeguarding experience.
Being a lifeguard provides experience for future job applications and college résumés.
“This is our first taste of being a first responder,” Daniel Dyra, another Lab P.E. teacher who teaches lifeguarding, said. “ The character and discipline to maintain being a lifeguard is difficult, but when you graduate out of these years or you move on, you can ask for letters of recommendation as a character reference for your next job.”
Julia echoed Mr. Dyra’s sentiment.
“Knowing how to react in an emergency is a skill everyone should have,” she said. “You never know when you might need it, whether you’re a lifeguard or not.”
