By Amy Hopf, Digital Content Associate

The first time Peg Fredlund took the lifeguard test 25 years ago, she failed. But she knew she had to try again. Now, as an experienced lifeguard, water safety instructor, and swim coach at Pickett Pool, Peg wants everyone to know they can be a lifeguard too. It may take some work to pass the lifeguard screening, but Peg and her teammates are here to help candidates succeed. And the job is worth the effort!

Here are some benefits Peg found in her work as a lifeguard:

  • A love of the water, interacting with the kids, and becoming an integral part of the recreation center and the community.
  • Playing a significant role in the pool setting as a lifesaver, coach, and role model.
  • Developing a sense of responsibility.
  • Taking on challenges to gain more knowledge and become more involved with the community.
Peg Fredlund with a group of pool staff, all who swam for the Feltonville Blue Sharks before they were lifeguards.

Looking to become a lifeguard?
Peg works with incoming lifeguards to ensure they are trained in the skills required to pass the lifeguard screening and to equip them with the knowledge needed to be successful in their positions, both in and out of the water.

She finds this job to be thrilling, exciting, and rewarding, but by far the greatest highlight of her career has been the opportunities that she has been able to create for others.

“Lifeguarding to me was merely a job when I first joined the department, but it has become so much more.” Peg has fallen in love with the people, the water, and the communities with which she gets to interact with on a daily basis, and encourages others to take the first step to experience this too.

Peg’s story is a wonderful display of how a summer lifeguard job at a Philly pool can impact your life, whether you go on to become a veteran water instructor or not.

Learn about lifeguard screenings, courses, and job placement.