An occasional series on local college students and their summer employment.
By: Jamie Simpson
Months filled with spectacular sunshine, skin-tanning warm weather and the sounds of children’s laughter are all just a part of a day in the life of a Willows Swim Club lifeguard.
Fairleigh Dickinson University senior Kelly McWilliams, 21, began lifeguarding at Willows Swim Club a few years ago and has delighted in every moment of it. Ms. McWilliams is one of 10 lifeguards on staff at Willows.
"I started working here six years ago," Ms. McWilliams said. "I was a member here for a long time and I thought it would be fun to give lifeguarding a try."
Ms. McWilliams grew up in Kendall Park and attended high school at Rutgers Preparatory School. When she is away from Fairleigh Dickinson, Ms. McWilliams still calls South Brunswick home.
Ms. McWilliams says her lifeguarding experience has been the perfect summer job.
"I love little kids and get to interact with them here," she said.
Last year, Ms. McWilliams was promoted to assistant manager of the swim club, something to which she finds very rewarding. She says the constant communication with the members of Willows is her favorite part of the job.
"I see new faces each year," she said. "The kids, especially, I love being with them. They are a lot of fun."
On her journey to become a certified lifeguard, Ms. McWilliams had to pass a slew of tests and challenges.
"I got my certification through the Princeton Y(MCA) and the American Red Cross," Ms. McWilliams explained. "We would spend four hours once a week for eight weeks practicing water safety skills, rules and regulations and studying first aid books."
To become certified, one must also attend a CPR class, which consists of practicing life-saving techniques, such as artificial respiration on dummies.
Once lifeguard certification is received, however, each lifeguard must pass a CPR test each year and a lifeguard certification test every three years.
In addition to keeping a watchful eye over the members of Willows, Ms. McWilliams must perform various tasks to keep the pool water sparkling and radiant, such as vacuuming and testing the pools’ pH level. There are four to five fellow lifeguards on duty each day to give her a helping hand.
Although the work may seem tedious at times, Ms. McWilliams truly loves her job.
"Being outdoors is great," she said.
To add to her resume, Ms. McWilliams also gives swim lessons, both group and private. She also is the assistant head coach of the Willows Swim Club swim team.
"I’ve never actually had to jump in and save someone though," Ms. McWilliams said, with a bit of relief in her voice. "There have been a few incidents of ‘almost’ but never any serious accidents."
In the fall, Ms. McWilliams will embark on her last year at Fairleigh Dickinson to get her bachelor’s degree in education and psychology. She said she will spend future summers at the Willows Swim Club, however, even after becoming a college graduate.
"It’s a fun environment," she said.