As the weather starts to get warmer, many Broughton students are starting their searches for a summer job. With so many options it can be hard to decide, but one stands out from them all: lifeguarding. This job not only allows you to gain tons of experience, but it allows teenagers to get valuable training and work outside. This sunny side of the job is an upside for many teens along with the fun memories that come with working around people your age. Furthermore, being a lifeguard allows for flexible hours since most pools break up shifts between morning and afternoon. Last summer at North Hills Club and typically North Carolina State University Club, lifeguards either worked from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the exception of doubles and Sunday shifts. This leaves plenty of time for people to still enjoy the freedom summer provides either in the mornings or evenings. Another great upside of lifeguarding is the availability. There are a wide array of pools to lifeguard at, some right near Broughton like the University Club, Carolina Country Club, or North Hills Club just to name a few. Although this job does require prerequisite training, it definitely pays off. CPR, First Aid, and AED training are all beneficial skills to have. Many Broughton students have been, or still are, lifeguards and had a few things to say regarding what they enjoyed about this job. 

   “I really liked spending a lot of time outside and meeting new people. Also, the food was really good,”  Dargan Mould who spent her past summer lifeguarding at North Hills Club.

“I enjoyed the flexibility of the schedule and getting to be outside,” junior Will Cark stated.

   “The hours were pretty good and I liked the free food,” junior Victoria Barry shared about her experience as an N.C. State University Club lifeguard. 

   “It was really laid back,” junior Keller Hill who worked primarily at North Hills Club this past summer stated.

   An opportunity many students can take if they are not interested in lifeguarding is being a gate attendant at a pool. Senior Braxton Bond spent some time last summer working as a gate attendant at the University club and stated 

   ”The free food was delicious and I still keep up with some people I’ve met there,” senior Braxton Bond shared.

   Personally, I spent the summer working mainly at a summer camp but also at the University Club. By far I would recommend anyone who is interested to choose a local pool to work at over a job at a summer camp. The hours are much more flexible and it is so fun to meet new people. Over the course of the summer, I was able to meet a wide array of people, some being college students and others being students who were in my grade that I would have never had the chance to meet otherwise. . I enjoyed the experience and the ability to experience the amazing weather while also working and making money was a major bonus. In conclusion, Lifeguarding is an amazing job that allows you to work outside, meet new people, gain a strong work ethic, and learn crucial life skills.