Lifeguarding Christopher Olson

With forested hills open to exploration and a lake for boating and fishing, Spring Lake Park has become a second home to me. I come here regularly for a run, a bike ride, or a walk with my family. I have participated in community work days and completed my Eagle Scout Service Project here. But Spring Lake has become more to me than the location of my dreams: I work here as a lifeguard at the Spring Lake Lagoon. When I am on duty, my body is hoisted up into the white, sunburnt chairs, and the lives of those in the musty water are now in my hands. This is my first job, and certainly the most important task in my life; because I am one of few open water lifeguards in Sonoma County, people trust me to save them in water with less than a foot of visibility.

While the pressure of saving lives sometimes gnaws away at me, I am revitalized by the surrounding environment. The rolling chaparral and mirroring lake offset the pressure of preserving the lives of those in the water. The towering redwoods and blanket of fog that enclose the sandy beach provide a sense of seclusion, where I am free from the influences of society. The encircling trails and nearby snack shack filled with lively people establish a cheerful atmosphere where I can...