During the summer months and even during the winter, The Centre is a popular place for High School students. Many students at Rolla High School work as lifeguards at The Centre. Joanna Callier has been lifeguarding for more than two years.
“I started guarding at 15, the winter of my sophomore year. I started guarding because I had a family friend who was one of the summer managers,” Callier said.
It isn’t easy to be a lifeguard though. There is a lot of training required, unlike many jobs for high schoolers.
“Guard training is pretty tough because you have to take many different swim tests before the class gets started. There’s also so much important information and it takes a while to get it straight,” Callier said.
Lifeguarding is not an easy job. A lifeguard has to be prepared for dealing with injuries and even saving lives.
“There are many different injuries and things that could happen. A lifeguard has to know how to deal with all of the scenarios and to do them correctly because someone else’s life is in their hands,” (Callier said).
Lifeguards can work many hours but The Centre works great with an employee’s schedule.
“Working as a guard is awesome with my super busy schedule because they are very understanding of when I have sports practices and meets,” Callier said.
] Even with her job, sports, and schooling, Callier is able to have some time for herself.
“I am allowed down time too, in which I can do my homework and because the pool closes at nine, I never have to work late,” Callier said.
Lifeguarding at the Centre is definitely a job worth having. While it may be stressful at times, it is extremely enjoyable.
“I love guarding because even though serious things don’t happen often, when they do it keeps things interesting. It’s a thankless job that I enjoy greatly,” Callier said.