Has Being a Lifeguard Lost its Coolness Factor?
Fewer and fewer people want to be lifeguards -- at least that's the story in New England. As a result, 10 Massachusetts beaches will have no lifeguards on duty this summer and many others only part-timers, The Boston Globe reports.
In recent years, there has been a 19 percent drop in kids applying for their lifeguard certification. The Globe reports many teens want a "career-oriented job," preferably one with air conditioning. One boy says teens don't want to work at a place where their friends go to relax. Also gone for many is the sense of responsibility that came with the job.
"Kids get fired and hired all the time," said Dustin Pineau, director of beaches and recreation in [Dennis, Mass.] "If they find out that going to a concert is more important than showing up on time for their shift, they're gone."
Years ago, when I was in high school and college, being a lifeguard was the best summer job you could get. Outside all summer, the dark sunglasses, hanging out with cute members of the opposite sex and the "Lifeguard" T-shirt that gave you instant cachet. The idea that it's more important to get a "career-oriented" job when you're 16 or 17 gives me shivers.
9:26 AM ET | 07- 3-2007 | permalink
