A Prayer Over the Deep End

For Lifeguards, and Kids Who Forget to Walk

Through high school and college, I spent my summers reapplying sunscreen and keeping watch from the lifeguard chair at pools and lakes. It wasn’t always thrilling. Some days stretched on forever, but the friendships I made during those long hours are ones I still cherish.

As the summer swim season begins, let’s take a moment to pray for those who keep watch, for those splashing with joy in the shallow end, and for the brave few launching themselves off the high dive with more enthusiasm than form.

O God who hovered over the waters in the beginning,
we ask your blessing now on these chlorinated ones.

Bless the lifeguards. The sunburned sentinels of summer.
Give them sharp eyes behind their sunglasses, quick reflexes, steady whistles, and enough patience to endure cannonballs, whistles of their own, and the kid who just won’t stop running.
Keep them alert when the days get long and the air gets heavy.
Let them know their work is sacred. Because saving lives is always holy, even if it looks like twirling a whistle with a red rescue tube across their lap or shouting “Walk!” for the hundredth time.

And bless the ones who come to float, to cool off, to find a bit of joy:
swimmers, splashers, loungers, and the sun-soaked faithful.
Keep them kind to one another and respectful of the rules.
Protect the toddlers with floaties and the teenagers who think they’re invincible.
May we all remember that pools are shared space, a watery commons. And that joy is better when no one’s hogging the diving board.

Let the sunscreen be thick, the water be clean, and the lifeguard breaks be honored.
Keep the storms away when you can, and when you can’t, help us accept the closing whistle like mature adults (or at least without whining).

In a season made for rest, delight, and cold drinks by the deep end,
help us float a little more, stress a little less,
and remember that even in these small things,
You are with us.

Amen.