Quote from peilthetraveler:
I think you (and Darwin) have never swam in the ocean. Occasionally a current comes along and sucks you out(something that doesnt happen in a swimming pool). These guys risk their lives because many people that are drowning will grab the lifeguards and pull them under just out of panic. You get a guy thats 250 pounds drowning and I dont care if you have a little floatation device...if he is fighting, he can very well pull you under.
35k per year is not worth it in my opinion.