Dive in: The life of a lifeguard
As a high school freshman, Sophia Ferguson said she didn’t know her mother had signed her up for a lifeguard class at the Greystone YMCA.
“I didn’t know about it and showed up, and you have to do a test before you get into the class, and somehow I passed,” she said. “Adam [West, director of aquatics] asked if I’d like to work here, and I was open to it.”
Before that, Ferguson had six years of swimming experience, starting in the second grade. And thanks to her mother’s push, she became a lifeguard in 2012. Not long after, West asked her if she would be willing to teach swim lessons. Since the need was urgent, there wasn’t enough time for her to do the shadowing, so Ferguson said she taught herself.
“I loved it from the beginning,” she said. “I like the interaction with people and being outside and talking to people and meeting new people.”
Now 17, Ferguson just completed her junior year at Oak Mountain High School, where she is involved in drama club, theater and soccer sweeties.
She keeps a busy schedule with her duties at the Y. During the school year, she works Monday through Saturday, after school until 7:30 p.m. In the summers, she works from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. as a lifeguard and swim instructor.
Ferguson said she doesn’t mind working the long hours.
“It’s fine with me,” she said. “I love it. I really enjoy working with kids.”
West describes Ferguson as a dependable employee who is always willing to help. He said she is also one of their most requested teachers.
“Sophia is now teaching others how to teach swim lessons,” West said. “She is extremely patient and has a gift when it comes to kids. She connects with them in minutes.”
“It’s a fun time,” she said. “I like doing it and seeing their reactions.”
With three years of experience, Ferguson said she isn’t as nervous about lifeguarding anymore, but said she definitely has to be alert. The pool has random audits, which emulate a drowning to see how well the lifeguards handle the situation.
“The audits can sometimes freak me out,” she said. “Someone will fake drown without anyone knowing. Adam will see how you respond and talk about the results after. They do them in summer when everyone is here, and you have to control everyone as if it’s a real situation.”
The Greystone Y usually has 12 lifeguards, but doubles that number in the summer. Ferguson suggests that when families are at the pool, parents should make sure they are near their children’s side.
“If they can’t swim, make sure you are watching them. Lifeguards can’t always see everything going on. Make sure you’re paying attention to them,” she said.
Ferguson’s plans are to attend UAB and become a teacher. She said her lifeguarding experience will help her later in her career.
“This really helps me step up my game,” she said. “You have to have lots of patience.”
Swim lessons for children at the Greystone YMCA range from 16 months to 14 years. There are also classes for adults. They teach the basics and then work into all the swim strokes.
Greystone YMCA
Where: 5414 U.S. 280
Info: You can register for programs online or at the front desk.
Call: 981-0144