A short interview with Head Pool Manager of Cenntenial Park Aquatic Center- WIlliam Seidelmann

•       What are some other reasons you have discovered why our lifeguards chose being lifeguards?
Other than money, the sense of community amongst their peers and outdoor environment tend to be reasons people return as lifeguards year after year. Responsibility and the feeling of making a difference is the reason parents have told me they like their children to work for us.
•       What are other types of certifications in the life saving world can one get if they wish to pursue the first responder field?
EMT, Paramedic, and Firefighter are some certs people have pursued.
•       Are there any benefits to having a CPR/AR/AED certification even when your not a lifeguard?
Greatest benefit is being prepared for emergency situations. Understanding what questions to ask and how to respond in order to help someone get to the professionals is a great take away. A lot of people like having babysitters that are certified too; when talking in the younger adult population that are normally lifeguard certified.
•       How has being a lifeguard as a teen has affected some of the older generation lifeguards (if you still have contact with any?)
Many of the guards I started with have pursued carries in medicine or in communication fields. Since working in a large- diverse, sometimes stressful environment become natural, retired guards tend to find their way to these positions.
•       What are some Lifeguard related jobs that one can pursue for a full time job?
Recreation administration, aquatics supervisors at the collegiate and high school levels, risk management consultants (auditors for Eliis, Starguard or Red Cross)
•       What are some salaries of lifeguards at other facilities?
Anywhere from minimum wage to 10ish dollars an hour. Management at facilities tends to range from 10,000 a summer to 40,000 a year (base salary). At Orland I tend to make about 25,000 for the season- this includes training.
•       Approximately how many lives have been saved from lifeguards this year at the pool?
Average of 300 Rescues a year
•       How many lives have been saved from off duty lifeguards that you know of?
Last year alone I was told of 5 guards that performed first aid outside of the facility. Otherwise I do not have a concrete number but a lot of first aids, seizures, and diabetic related illnesses are treated by guards.

*A special thanks to Will for participating in the interview and responding quicker then a lifeguard that spots a distressed swimmer.