I liked working with kids and teaching them how to swim; it was a very rewarding experience, albeit challenging and exhausting.
What I wish was different
I wish that there had been proper and adequate scheduling, so that there were always enough lifeguards to cover each shift adequately- I almost passed out on high chair one time because it was too hot, I'd been up there too long, and there weren't any extra lifeguards to rotate- the one extra was on their lunch break.
The pay was also very low compared to other YMCAs and other pool facilities in the Greater Lexington Area.