# Must one obey the lifeguards? What if I don't? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 5, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078 "2016-09-05T01:23:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/1 "2016-09-05T01:23:05Z")
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hermine is now dancing off the Jersey coast. Because of dangerous riptides, they’ve closed the ocean to [swimming](http://media.philly.com/images/1200*800/JWEATHER05-1200A.jpg). Other times, they’ll only allow people into shallow water, up to your knees & they always make you swim in front of one of their posts. The beach we normally go to has a surfing spot two blocks down. I’ve stood there & watched the guards whistle the swimmers back in front of their stand but totally ignore the surfers. Yes, a surfboard is a good flotation device but a boogie board isn’t bad & people with boogie boards are treated like swimmers, not surfers. I used to be a lifeguard in HS/College (though not an ocean one) so I fully understand their instructions are for my safety. I’m typing this from a state that does not have any oceanfront but hypothetically I’m down the shore right now; I’m a really good swimmer, it’s the last weekend of summer & I paid a lot for this rental…& not just to look at the ocean, but to play & body surf in it. What happens if I go into the water where I shouldn’t (the block between stands) or further out than they want me to & nothing happens to me; I come out on my own? What happens if I need to be rescued? Can I be cited? Arrested? Made to pay the costs of the rescue? Any difference if I’m a surfer instead of a body surfer? What power do lifeguards really have; they aren’t LEOs, do I really need to obey their instructions? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2016, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/2 "2016-09-05T01:41:16Z")
Googling it, one of the first hits I found (and I didn’t go beyond that) says that it’s illegal in Laguna Beach to disobey a life guard. [http://qcode.us/codes/lagunabeach/view.php?topic=18-18\_04-18\_04\_105&frames=on](http://qcode.us/codes/lagunabeach/view.php?topic=18-18_04-18_04_105&frames=on) Like I said, I didn’t go beyond that, I don’t know what happens if you do (it might just be that anything that happens is on you, maybe it’s a fine, don’t know), but I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s similar wording in most states lawbooks that have similar coast lines. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2016, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/3 "2016-09-05T02:05:52Z")
I found this in the New Jersey [Lifeguard Manual State Operated Ocean Beaches.](http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/2016_lifeguard_manual_state_operated_ocean_beaches.pdf) > [@](#): > > A. The enforcement of all rules and regulations within the designated bathing area is the responsibility of the assigned lifeguards. > B. The assistance of the State Park Police, or the area Superintendent, is to be requested if a condition arises that is beyond the ability of a lifeguard to resolve, i.e. drunk and disorderly behavior, weapons in the beach area complex, etc. So while it doesn’t specifically spell out penalties, lifeguards can call the heat to back them up if you decide to be a jackass. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2016, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/4 "2016-09-06T23:10:07Z")
Don’t Hassle the Hoff. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/5 "2016-09-07T01:03:19Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > I used to be a lifeguard in HS/College (though not an ocean one) so I fully understand their instructions are for my safety. I’m typing this from a state that does not have any oceanfront but hypothetically I’m down the shore right now; I’m a really good swimmer, it’s the last weekend of summer & I paid a lot for this rental…& not just to look at the ocean, but to play & body surf in it. How is the lifeguard to know whether you are an experienced swimmer? From their perspective, you’re just someone who may soon be quite literally over their head. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/6 "2016-09-07T01:19:09Z")
It’s also worth pointing out that an experienced swimmer in a lake or a man-made pool may not understand rip currents; the most Phelpsian swimmer in the world cannot beat the ocean by directly swimming to shore when the rip current is sweeping him out to sea. Knowing that you need to swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current is counter-intuitive, even for someone with thousands of hours in an Olympic-caliber pool. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ea5d25/32.png) [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/7 "2016-09-07T01:37:22Z")
…also, why would one disobey a trained evaluator of ocean conditions, who has likely received evaluation and instructions from other experts to deny access to a dangerous and unpredictable situation? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/8 "2016-09-07T01:40:15Z")
> [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](#): > > …also, why would one disobey a trained evaluator of ocean conditions, who has likely received evaluation and instructions from other experts to deny access to a dangerous and unpredictable situation? It’s the kind of job that one rarely actually sees in action. They just sit in their chairs and hang out all day, right? They don’t look like experts, so I imagine folks are less inclined to respect them. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/9 "2016-09-07T01:52:22Z")
So, long story short… they’d swim out and get you. Drowning people tend to try to punch at life guards I hear, so its nothing they aren’t used to. Many lettered in college at a sport called “water polo” which is like in-water wrestling but with one hand in the air holding a ball. Some are required to run and train every day, all summer long, at sun up and before most beach guests arrive. You vs them… unless you train to fight in water a lot (like they do) my money is on them. Once back on the beach, some nice Park Rangers will have a room that they’ll take you to so you can dry off and won’t get sunburned . There may be guessing games like “who has an outstanding warrant” as well as arts and crafts… like finger painting with ink. It all ends with a nice appointment to see a local judge who will ask you all about your day and how much you enjoyed your visit. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ea5d25/32.png) [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/10 "2016-09-07T04:43:09Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > It’s the kind of job that one rarely actually sees in action. They just sit in their chairs and hang out all day, right? They don’t look like experts, so I imagine folks are less inclined to respect them. …man, I hope you’re being sarcastic. Beach lifeguards train their asses off and consequently are in killer shape. It’s not the teenager on a pool deck thing. They’ve got real skills, honed by lots of work. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/11 "2016-09-07T11:47:40Z")
“and I paid a lot for this rental.” How does this have any bearing whatsoever? On your safety or your obligations to obey the life guard? Throwing it in there makes it almost seem like you think if you spent cash you should be entitled to do as YOU feel, regardless. Ditto ‘it’s the last weekend of summer’, or how good a swimmer YOU claim you are. How can you believe these things have any importance when discussing your obligation to obey the safety regulations? And how can you not see that, by including them, it’s kinda hard to take you seriously? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/12 "2016-09-07T12:02:49Z")
> [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](#): > > …man, I hope you’re being sarcastic. > > Beach lifeguards train their asses off and consequently are in killer shape. It’s not the teenager on a pool deck thing. > > They’ve got real skills, honed by lots of work. That was his point. They don’t look like they do anything so people assume they aren’t trained and they don’t get the respect they’re due. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/13 "2016-09-07T12:50:25Z")
You never hear about lifeguards shooting rowdy beach-goers. I assume they’re unarmed. You’d think they’d conceal carry spear-guns. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/14 "2016-09-07T13:07:31Z")
BSM Black swimmers matter ---
**Author:** ![drewder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/57b2e6/32.png) [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/15 "2016-09-07T13:28:44Z")
They could probably have you arrested for trespassing. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/16 "2016-09-07T15:19:13Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > Drowning people tend to try to punch at life guards I hear, so its nothing they aren’t used to. Many lettered in college at a sport called “water polo” which is like in-water wrestling but with one hand in the air holding a ball. > Some are required to run and train every day, all summer long, at sun up and before most beach guests arrive. > You vs them… unless you train to fight in water a lot (like they do) my money is on them. Actually, in water polo you’ve usually got one hand underwater holding the balls of the guy holding the ball. Drowning people don’t tend to punch - they try to climb on top of their rescuer (thereby forcing the rescuer under). As this can be quite dangerous to the rescuer, typical training is for the rescuer to go underwater him or herself. I’ve had some trainers advocate even holding the victim under until they’re more compliant; that always seemed a bit dodgy to me. Most of the holds they teach to tow victims in are control holds - arm clamped across the victim’s chest while your hip supports the victim out of the water, for example. It’s a lot of fun being the “victim” for practice, when you get to thrash around for the lifeguard trainee. Usually someone gets conked in the face with a headbutt. A lifeguard who sees some moron who thinks he’s a good swimmer go out into the water that has been closed for danger, is going to have to go out and drag the moron back in; that’s the job. That lifeguard won’t be too happy, so will probably cheerfully call the cops to haul the moron away. I’d be tempted to use that water polo hold to tow the moron in, too; it’s an _excellent_ control hold, after all. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ea5d25/32.png) [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/17 "2016-09-07T15:22:29Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > That was his point. They don’t look like they do anything so people assume they aren’t trained and they don’t get the respect they’re due. There are days when my reading comp isn’t up to par, like the day I wrote this. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/18 "2016-09-07T16:58:49Z")
> [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](#): > > There are days when my reading comp isn’t up to par, like the day I wrote this. Just another item for me to put in your permanent file… ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2016, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-one-obey-the-lifeguards-what-if-i-dont/765078/19 "2016-09-07T17:05:16Z")
> [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](#): > > There are days when my reading comp isn’t up to par, like the day I wrote this. This thread clearly needs a snarkguard on duty. 😃