Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a lifeguard in Kerikeri is like riding a rollercoaster, but today? Today was a whole different level.
So, I roll up to the beach, right? It’s a sunny day, perfect for a swim. I’m thinkin’, “Sweet, today’s gonna be chill.” But nah, not in Kerikeri! First off, I’m on duty at the Kerikeri Inlet, and it’s packed. Like, people everywhere. Kids screamin’, parents yellin’, and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool.
Then, outta nowhere, I see this kid, maybe 10 or so, runnin’ full speed down the beach. He trips over his own feet and goes face-first into the sand. I’m like, “Oh man, that’s gotta hurt!” But he pops up, covered in sand, and starts laughin’ like a maniac. I can’t help but chuckle. Kids are wild, man.
But then, things get serious. I spot this dude, probably in his 30s, swimmin’ way too far out. I mean, c’mon, bro! You’re not Michael Phelps! I blow my whistle, shoutin’, “Hey! Get back here!” But he’s just flappin’ around like a fish outta water. I’m thinkin’, “Great, today’s the day I gotta save a life.”
So, I dive in, swim out to him. The water’s cold, but I’m focused. I finally reach him, and he’s like, “I’m fine, mate!” But I’m like, “Nah, you’re not! You’re gonna drown!” I grab his arm and start pullin’ him back. He’s fightin’ me, like, “I can swim!” But dude, you’re clearly struggling!
Finally, we make it back to shore, and I’m outta breath. I’m like, “Dude, you gotta chill!” He just laughs it off, says he was just tryin’ to impress his mates. I’m thinkin’, “Impress them by not drownin’, bro!”
After that, I need a break. I grab a drink from the little kiosk on Kerikeri Road. The lady there, bless her, knows my order by heart. “You want your usual?” she asks. I nod, and she hands me a cold lemonade. Best thing ever!
But then, I see this group of teenagers near the rocks. They’re climbin’ and jumpin’ off into the water. I’m like, “Oh great, here we go again.” I shout, “Hey! Be careful!” But they just wave me off. Classic Kerikeri teens, right? Thinkin’ they’re invincible.
A few minutes later, one of them slips and falls. I’m like, “Told ya!” But he’s fine, just a little shaken. I can’t help but roll my eyes. Why do they always gotta test the limits?
As the day goes on, I’m feelin’ a mix of emotions. Happy, angry, surprised. It’s like a soap opera out here! I see families settlin’ down for a picnic on the grass by the Kerikeri River. Kids are playin’, parents are chillin’. It’s a nice vibe, ya know?
But then, I spot a couple of tourists tryin’ to take a selfie with the iconic Stone Store in the background. They’re all awkward, and I’m just laughin’ to myself. Like, c’mon, it’s not that hard! Just stand still and smile!
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. I sit on my lifeguard chair, watchin’ the sunset over the inlet. The sky’s all orange and pink, and I’m thinkin’, “Man, this is why I love Kerikeri.” It’s chaotic, but it’s home.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another wild, emotional ride as a lifeguard in Kerikeri. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!