Lifeguards have long been a summertime essential. Patrick Volk ’26 has served as a lifeguard over the last two summers at the Las Trampas Pool in his hometown of Lafayette, California, filling a vital role in his community.
The economics major and middle blocker on the Wabash volleyball team also lifeguards at the Class of 1950 Natatorium during the school year.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shortage of lifeguards nationwide. While those numbers have rebounded more recently, there still aren’t enough guards to fill all available positions. When that happens, community pools close or “swim at your own risk” becomes more common at beaches.
Whether the responsibility is potentially saving a life or managing the pool covers and cleaning bathrooms, Volk understands his efforts are much-needed in order to create a friendly and welcoming environment at his pool.
“Lifeguards are pretty essential, obviously, to help save people when needed, but also for more basic things such as creating a good environment that gives people a sense of belonging at the pool,” he said. “Lifeguards are essential to that success.”
Volk says one of the benefits to lifeguarding is getting to know the families and socializing with the kids when he’s “not on the stand.” That’s what makes the job unique. And it comes with skills he’s confident he can use in the future, no matter what he chooses to do when he graduates.
“Those things make the job way more interesting and keep it from getting stale,” Volk said. “The social skills, and how to respond in emergencies, are helpful ones I’ve developed from lifeguarding, and I believe will translate well post-college.”
