September 2025: First Month, Lifeguarding at Salmen Scout Reservation

September Hours: 9

Total Hours: 9

Coming from a rigorous undergrad program at Rhodes College, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Pharmacology master’s program, and I am enjoying my time in this program. I enjoy learning from my professors on topics such as pharmacokinetics and common inflammation medicines such as Benadryl and Tylenol, and the various drugs that are used to treat infectious diseases such as bacteria and viruses. What truly makes this program enjoyable is the passion for learning that my classmates and I share, which excites me and makes me excited to learn new material as the program continues, as well as the fantastic professors that teach the material. 

This month, I volunteered as a lifeguard at the annual Shoot Swim Climb event that is hosted by the Southeast Louisiana Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Shoot Swim Climb is an event that happens at the council’s camp, Salmen Scout Reservation, where they open up the pool, rifle range, and climbing tower all day. Scouting at Salmen Scout Reservation has been an important part of my life, as I have gone there for many summers as both a camper and as part of the summer camp staff, and I want to ensure Scouts have an enjoyable experience similar to what I had when I was younger. 

 My job was to assist the aquatics staff in the administering of the BSA swim test, where I was in the deep end of the pool, ensuring the safety of the Scouts that were taking the swim test. After swim checks were conducted, I was put in charge of keeping track of all the swimmers that were inside the pool area, ensuring that all Scouts were present and accounted for in accordance with the BSA’s Safe Swim Defense via the use of placing buddy tags on a board that is divided into different areas of the pool. Keeping a headcount of all the Scouts in the pool was harder than it looked, especially when the pool was full in the afternoon and Scouts were switching areas without consulting me, but I enjoyed that challenge to ensure the safety of all the Scouts in the pool. In addition, I also helped guide some of the younger lifeguards on proper techniques with using a ring buoy and knowing Safe Swim Defense. Overall, I enjoyed coming back to camp and volunteering with the aquatics staff.