[Leftcoast]

Thanks for checking in, Mick.

My eldest is in his first post HS summer and while he's done a lot of volunteer work in local theater (and been paid for some of it) this summer he's a near full-time  Lifeguard at a local water park. 

Guess what?  It turns out there's more to this than just wearing cool shades, directing traffic and watching pretty young women.  Being a good swimmer doesn't matter that much beyond being the price of entry.  Among other things,  he's had to assist with some possible injuries (one treated as a possible spinal injury) and deal with all manner of guest behavior.  ("Dad, some people are just RUDE, you wouldn't believe what this kid said to me today!")

You grow up a lot on your first job.  And it's good to have someone else doing the coaching!

[Leftcoast]

Thanks for checking in, Mick.

My eldest is in his first post HS summer and while he's done a lot of volunteer work in local theater (and been paid for some of it) this summer he's a near full-time  Lifeguard at a local water park. 

Guess what?  It turns out there's more to this than just wearing cool shades, directing traffic and watching pretty young women.  Being a good swimmer doesn't matter that much beyond being the price of entry.  Among other things,  he's had to assist with some possible injuries (one treated as a possible spinal injury) and deal with all manner of guest behavior.  ("Dad, some people are just RUDE, you wouldn't believe what this kid said to me today!")

You grow up a lot on your first job.  And it's good to have someone else doing the coaching!