STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Being a community pool lifeguard on Staten Island requires responsible, fit, mature teens who want to help others.
Unfortunately, none of those words really describe me.
The Pool Therapist in Travis does a great job training local high schoolers to be experienced lifeguards with instructional courses that include lifesaving techniques, CPR, first aid, automatic external defibrillator modules and in-service training.
While the kids did an amazing job while training, I didn’t fare too well at “The Most Summer Job” on Staten Island.
We all went through a standard course at Hillside Swim Club in Bulls Head to see if we had what it took to save lives.
But I can’t float, and I hold my nose when I jump in the water. (Apparently, that stuff is frowned upon when rescuing someone.)
Owner Stuart Roaker and Operations Manager June Tata looked on as Instructor Bonnie Williams tried whipping me into shape.