‘Age is just a number:’ Seniors finding jobs in retirement as pool lifeguards

Move over, water aerobics: senior citizens are hitting the pool for a completely different reason and in larger numbers than you may think.

There are about 20 senior lifeguards throughout the Central Ohio YMCA organization working to keep pool-goers safe.

“Age is just a number,” Robert Allen said.

Allen, who goes by Mr. Bob, is a septuagenarian who is lifeguarding at the Jerry L. Garver YMCA in Canal Winchester. It was a job he had when he was 18 years old. Seven years ago, after a 45-year absence from the lifeguard chair, Allen picked it back up again.

“I said, ‘Wait, is there an age limit on lifeguards?’ and they said no,” Allen said. “I talked to the aquatics director here and asked if I could recertify. She said, ‘Are you a lifeguard?’ and I said, ‘Yes, I am.’”

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