Swimming at my local outdoor pool, I heard two lifeguards discussing the previous day’s events (when the temperature topped 35 degrees Celsius).
I thought a lifeguard’s role was to watch the water and keep people safe.
Alas, it now seems the job description has changed.
New breed
As a teenager, few things beat hanging with friends at the pool.
While this hasn’t changed, today’s kids are arriving at the pool intoxicated.
They’re hiding alcohol in water bottles and other plastic containers.
They smuggle it onto pool grounds and drink it at (and in) the pool.
Not content to get drunk (thus risking their lives and the safety of other bathers) these model citizens then fornicate in the bushes and leave their rubbish behind – including beer cans and used condoms!
Yep.
Used condoms.
How anyone could (want to) have sex with crowds of people milling close by is beyond me.
It’s clear these teens have zero respect for their surroundings and community.
Cruel twist
Ironically, swimming centres have been reaching out to young people by providing DJs to play music during school holidays.
Unfortunately, the noble local council initiative of providing this entertainment may actually encourage the dreadful behaviour described above.
If it continues, swimming centres may even have to hire security.
And though I’m in the security sector, I mourn the need for guards to oversee the (hitherto) innocent iconic summer fun of a public swimming pool.
I’d much rather see parents communicate and spend time with their teens to save them from such unedifying behaviour.
That’s my opinion.
What do you think?
😐
Naomi Oakley, Founder, Safe Partying Australia.