Man, what a day! I swear, being a lifeguard in Zikhron-Ya-aqov is like riding a rollercoaster. One minute you’re chillin’, the next you’re dodging drama like it’s a game of dodgeball. So, let me break it down for ya.
I roll up to the beach, right? It’s a sunny day, perfect for some fun in the sun. The waves are chillin’ too, not too gnarly. I’m stationed at the main beach, near the promenade on HaSharon Street. You know, the one where all the tourists flock? Yeah, that one. I’m just settin’ up my stuff, sunscreen on, shades on, lookin’ like a total beach bum.
Then, outta nowhere, I see this kid, like, maybe 10 years old, runnin’ towards the water. I’m thinkin’, “Dude, slow down!” But nah, he dives right in. I’m like, “Okay, cool, just don’t drown, alright?” But then I notice his little sister, she’s just standing there, crying her eyes out. I’m like, “What’s up with her?” Turns out, she’s scared he’s gonna get swept away. So, I’m torn. Do I save the kid or comfort the sister? Ugh, lifeguard dilemmas, man.
So, I yell at the kid, “Yo! Come back!” But he’s too busy splashing around like a dolphin. I sprint over, heart racing, and scoop him up. “You’re not a fish, bro!” I say, trying to lighten the mood. The sister stops crying, and I’m feelin’ like a hero for a sec. But then, I look up and see a whole group of people staring at me. Great, now I’m the center of attention. Just what I wanted.
After that little drama, I’m back to my post, tryin’ to chill. But then, I see this dude on a paddleboard, right? He’s wobbling like he’s had one too many at the local pub. I’m like, “Dude, you’re gonna eat it!” And guess what? He does! SPLASH! Water everywhere. I can’t help but laugh. I mean, come on, it’s Zikhron-Ya-aqov, not a circus!
Then, I get a call on the radio. “We need backup at the beach!” I’m thinkin’, “What now?” Turns out, some guy on the beach, near the old train station, is having a meltdown. He’s yelling about his lost wallet. I mean, I get it, wallets are important, but dude, chill! So, I head over, and he’s just ranting. I’m like, “Bro, it’s just money. You can get more.” But he’s not having it. I try to calm him down, but he’s like a volcano ready to erupt.
Finally, I manage to get him to breathe. I’m like, “Look, let’s retrace your steps.” So, we walk back to the promenade, and guess what? His wallet was in his back pocket the whole time! I’m just standing there, shaking my head. “You gotta be kidding me!”
By now, I’m exhausted. But the day’s not over. I see a couple of my buddies from high school, chillin’ at the café on HaMeyasdim Street. They wave me over, and I’m like, “Alright, just for a sec.” We’re catching up, laughing about old times, and I’m feelin’ good. Zikhron-Ya-aqov has this vibe, you know? The old buildings, the vineyards, the sea breeze—it’s magic.
But then, I get a call again. “Lifeguard, we need you!” I’m like, “Seriously?!” Turns out, some kid is stuck in a tree near the beach. A TREE! I can’t even. So, I rush over, and there’s this kid, just chillin’ on a branch, like it’s no big deal. I’m like, “Dude, you’re not a monkey!”
After a bit of coaxing, I get him down. He’s all smiles, and I’m just relieved. I’m thinkin’, “What a day!”
Finally, the sun starts to set, painting the sky orange and pink. I’m packing up, feeling like I’ve been through a war. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Zikhron-Ya-aqov, with all its craziness, is home. And I’m proud to be a lifeguard here, even if it means dealing with wild kids, lost wallets, and paddleboard fails.
So, yeah, that was my day.