It only takes once. It doesn't matter if no one has ever needed to be saved, that doesn't reduce the chances that it happens. It's an easy job until something goes wrong, then it becomes a matter of life and death (and thus, actually a hard job.) If you aren't going to take it seriously, go work at McDonald's. No one is depending on you to save their lives there.

Note that he didn't fall asleep by accident. He deliberately went to sleep because he thought that he wouldn't get caught. Accidentally falling asleep on the job is bad, but nowhere near as bad as doing it on purpose.

well Tyree obviously since you think that falling asleep and someone possibly dying isn't a problem, you don't deserve your job either. you seem like the lazy bitch sort that should get beaten to a bloody ******* pulp. please do us all a favor and jump off a tall building, you flaming stinking ******* piece of elephant shit. speaking of elephants, how's your mom?

agree with 58. I lifeguard at a pool where it is super hot and I have work everyday after a killer swim practice so I'm constantly tired. I mean I always make sure I'm awake if I'm the only one watching but if there are 3 other people watching the pool, then I won't try as hard to stay awake. But it's quite a boring job just watching kids. But then again I do sometimes get some amusement out of the things some people do.

I three times had to work a 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM shift, and that can tire you out. I've blinked out a couple times for about five seconds. Saved because I was wearing sunglasses. I blame it on sleep deprivation and told my old boss about it. She was cool and gave tips on how to manage better.

Wow, for all the people commenting on here about Lifeguarding being a boring job...just what are you thinking about while you guard? Ugh, don't get me wrong, I've guarded 12 hour shifts while running on no sleep and I've guarded in places where you're stuck in a chair, can't get down, and can't get a hold of your manager or head guard. But being tired is no excuse! It's nearly impossible sometime but lifeguarding requires your full attention on everyone in the pool at all times. It's not easy and those of you who think it is aren't doing it right. OP is an idiot who at the very least, deserves to be fired on the spot and blacklisted from nearby pools for purposely falling asleep. What an asshole. It may seem like a boring job but it should be taken just as seriously as any other medical profession. At least all the YDIs restore some faith.