on the way to the Freibad, at one point it will be just me and one other lifeguard. Under instruction from our boss to close all slides, spring boards, and if necessary the wooden front door to not let anyone else in if it gets dangerously full.
To be clear, the entire town is going to be fighting for a spot to “cool down” in 28 degree (unheated) water.
The high today is going to feel like 41 C. We don’t have air con in our homes here.
Trying not to think about what the people we lock out will do instead. Ultimately it’s my job today to make sure the ones we DO have inside don’t drown, or succumb to heat exhaustion.
While somehow staying alive myself? I’m already stressed.
People don’t think about counting lifeguards as first responders… but especially as the world gets hotter… im reminded all the ways that we are. Take it from a former EMT, this isn’t just a fun summer job. I can’t believe the US lets teenagers do this and MAN am I glad not to be in charge of training all of them for my old jersey pool anymore.