There’s something about being in the water that makes kids crazy. And when your kids are already crazy to start with, it can put them over the top.
During our Sunday afternoon ritual at the YMCA, Tyler was repeatedly smacking a beach ball down on the surface of the water, much to the annoyance of the surrounding swimmers.
Just before I intervened, the 17-year-old lifeguard blew his whistle and bellowed, “Stop smacking your ball!”
Somewhere in the distance, I heard Beavis and Butthead laughing.
Quick to bounce back, Tyler acquired a nearby noodle and began to sword fight with his friend Connor. Eventually, he resumed beating the surface of the water, creating a rainstorm effect.
Again, the whistle. Across the public pool filled with splashing children, uppity moms in Speedo sport swimwear and bleachers lined with spectators, the lifeguard rebuked, “STOP SLAPPING THE NOODLE!”
And then, I saw it. He sat back in his chair, quietly looked around, and smirked to himself.
I’m taking tips from that lifeguard. He knows how to take a mundane job and make it far more entertaining.