Man, what a day! I swear, being a lifeguard in Ashdod is like riding a rollercoaster. So, I roll up to the beach, right? It’s like 8 AM, sun’s already blazing. I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m stationed at the beach near HaYarkon Street. You know, the one with all the beach bars and families? Yeah, that one. Kids are screaming, parents are trying to keep their cool, and I’m just trying to sip my coffee without spilling it all over my lifeguard chair.
Then, outta nowhere, I see this kid, maybe 10 years old, running like he’s in the Olympics. He’s got a floatie shaped like a flamingo. Classic. But then, he trips! I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I jump up, ready to dive in, but he just rolls over and starts laughing. Phew! Kid’s tougher than he looks.
But then, like, 30 minutes later, I spot this dude on a jet ski zooming way too close to the swimmers. I’m like, “Bro, chill! This ain’t a race track!” So, I blow my whistle, and he just gives me this look like I’m the one in the wrong. I’m thinking, “Dude, you’re gonna get someone hurt!”
After that, I’m trying to keep my cool. I mean, it’s Ashdod, right? Beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean, and I’m stuck dealing with jet ski drama. I take a deep breath, look out at the water, and it’s just stunning. The waves are crashing, the sun’s glistening, and I’m like, “Okay, I can do this.”
Then, around noon, this family sets up right in front of my station. They’ve got a whole picnic going on. I’m talking, like, a full spread. Falafel, hummus, the works. I’m drooling, but I can’t leave my post. So, I’m just watching them, wishing I could join.
Suddenly, I hear this commotion. A couple of teenagers are trying to impress some girls. Classic Ashdod move, right? They start doing backflips off the pier. One of them slips and falls right into the water. I’m like, “Oh man, here we go again.” But he pops up, laughing, and the girls are cheering. I can’t help but chuckle.
But then, it gets serious. I see a woman struggling in the water. My heart drops. I sprint down the beach, yelling, “Help! Someone call for help!” I dive in, and it’s like the water’s freezing. I reach her just in time. She’s panicking, but I grab her and swim back to shore.
When we get to the sand, she’s gasping, but she’s okay. I’m shaking, though. That was intense! I’m just glad I was there. The beachgoers start clapping, and I’m like, “Nah, just doing my job.” But inside, I’m feeling like a superhero.
After that, I need a break. I grab a quick bite from a food truck on HaShalom Street. Best shawarma ever! Seriously, if you’re in Ashdod, you gotta try it. I’m sitting there, just trying to process the day.
Then, as the sun starts to set, I see this beautiful view. The sky’s all orange and pink, and I’m just standing there, soaking it all in. I think about how lucky I am to work here, even with all the craziness.
But then, of course, the day isn’t over. A group of kids starts a sandcastle competition right in front of me. They’re throwing sand everywhere, and I’m like, “Guys, come on! I just cleaned this area!” But they’re having the time of their lives, and I can’t help but smile.
Finally, as the sun dips below the horizon, I pack up my stuff. I’m exhausted but happy. Ashdod, you crazy city, you’ve given me another wild day. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!