Lifeguards: The Quiet Heroes We Overlook
The first time I really noticed a lifeguard, I was at the beach watching one of those red-shirt, whistle-dangling humans pacing up and down like someone waiting for suya. I thought, “See flex. Na enjoyment work be this.”
But I was wrong.
Lifeguards are not just sitting there for vibes and muscles. These people are trained like soldiers of the water. They know CPR, first aid, and even how to handle someone thrashing like a catfish when drowning. Imagine dragging a full-grown man twice your size from the deep end while he’s fighting for his life. It’s not a movie scene o, it’s real.
One friend once told me she nearly drowned in a hotel pool. She said the lifeguard jumped in so fast, she didn’t even have time to wave dramatically like Nollywood actors. He just grabbed her, stabilised her, and got her breathing again. She said the scariest part wasn’t even the drowning, it was realising that without him, her story would have ended there.
And it makes me think: isn’t that what life is like sometimes?
Many of us are out here swimming in situations bigger than us. Some currents drag us: depression, unpaid bills, broken marriages, even loneliness. We keep flapping, pretending we’re fine, until suddenly, we’re sinking. And sometimes, what we need isn’t another motivational quote but a lifeguard, that friend who notices when we’ve been under too long, that mentor who pulls us back to shore, that God-sent voice reminding us to breathe again.
Another thing I learned about lifeguards: they’re always watching. Always. Even when you think nobody sees you struggling, there’s a quiet pair of eyes scanning the waves. They don’t shout. They don’t make a scene. But the second you go under, they move.
Isn’t that a bit like God?
We think we’re drowning, that heaven has gone silent, but He’s been watching all along. Patient. Calm. Ready.
So the next time you go to the beach or pool, greet the lifeguard. Respect the whistle. And while you’re at it, think about the lifeguards in your own life, those people who saved you in ways the world will never see.
Because the truth is, not all heroes wear capes. Some wear red shirts, carry whistles, and dive in without asking for thanks.
I would like to invite @etoro @blessedlife @kwinberry to join this contest.
Llevaste la figura del socorrista más allá de lo obvio, la sacaste de la piscina o la playa y la llevaste a otras situaciones de vida, eso me encantó. Y más allá de las personas del mundo terrenal tenemos un socorrista muy poderoso que no nos desampara.
Ser salvavidas no es para todo el mundo, él sabe cuándo puedes salir de una situación por tus propios medios y distingue cuando él debe actuar.
Excelente cierre de tu post, hay que apreciar esta labor más allá de las apariencias o los estereotipos.
Absoultely, Thanks to our heavenly father for being the best lifeguard. If we look closely there is alot to learn from different profession.
an interesting text you wrote about life guards. I never saw one in action but can be that's because we all learn at the age of 4 how to swim (and more).
It will be hard to save a panicking person in sea.
On very rare occasions I hear about someone being rescued. In most cases it's by someone passing by or the fire fighters.
Welcome to CCC
Yes, it's true, but many people have been saved by lifeguards; their impact can never be overemphasised.
Since we don't have them I can't tell. I assume they are less needed in a country where everyone needs to learn how to swim because of all the water, although I doubt everyone can (it's expensive to take the lessons) and those afraid of water will stay away from it.
Curated by: chant