Lessons from Lifeguarding: An Approach to Legal Well-Being

Growing up, I always worked hard in the summers. As a first-generation college student who paid my way through college and graduate school, I had to have multiple jobs every summer (and throughout the school year). 

One of my (many) summer jobs was a lifeguard. I worked at public pools all day, every day in the summer. My own young adult children have summer jobs this summer that are winding down, which made me remember my days as a lifeguard.

This got me thinking about how being a lifeguard can serve as a perfect metaphor for the "Culture of Caring" work that I do, helping law firms and legal organizations build cultures and practices where everyone can thrive personally and professionally.

Just as lifeguards create a safe swimming environment and respond swiftly when trouble arises, organizations that have Cultures of Caring have created supportive, attentive, and responsive workplaces where team members can do their best work and build long-lasting and healthy careers.

Creating a Safe Environment: The Lifeguard's Role

Lifeguards are tasked with setting up a poolside environment where everyone feels secure. They enforce rules to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all swimmers. 

Here are some ways that lifeguards keep the pool safe:

1. Enforcing Pool Rules: Lifeguards blow the whistle when people run near the pool, use glass near the water, or horse around. These rules are essential to prevent slips, cuts, and other injuries.
2. Monitoring Diving Areas: By ensuring swimmers don’t dive too close to each other, lifeguards prevent collisions and possible injuries.
3. Ensuring Proper Equipment: Lifeguards check that all safety equipment, like flotation devices and first aid kits, are readily available and in good condition.
4. Educating Swimmers: They provide guidance on safe swimming practices, helping to prevent accidents before they happen.

Similarly, in our legal profession, creating a "safe environment" means establishing a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and supported. Here are some steps to achieve this:

1. Clear Communication: Just like lifeguards enforce pool rules, law firms should communicate clear expectations and guidelines to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
2. Regular Training: Providing ongoing training on well-being and mental health ensures that everyone knows how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
3. Access to Resources: Ensuring that resources such as mental health support and counseling are readily available can prevent crises.
4. Fostering Inclusivity: Promoting an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected helps create a sense of belonging and safety.

Responding to Crises: The Lifeguard’s Vigilance

Despite the best preventive measures, emergencies can still occur. Lifeguards are trained to spot signs of trouble and respond swiftly. They watch for swimmers who are struggling, determine the best course of action, and provide the necessary assistance. 

This responsive and restorative approach aligns with our Culture of Caring protocol, which includes WALS:

1. Watching for Signs of Struggle: Just as lifeguards scan the pool for distress signals, legal professionals should be attentive to signs of struggle among colleagues. This could include noticeable changes in behavior, decreased productivity, or withdrawal from social interactions.
2. Assessing the Need for Help: Determining what kind of help is needed is crucial. This could involve having a private conversation to understand the person’s challenges or seeking advice from HR or mental health professionals.
3. Providing Assistance: Once the need is identified, it’s important to act promptly. This could mean offering resources like counseling services, adjusting workloads, or providing additional support.

Practical Tips for Lawyers and Legal Professionals

To weave the lifeguard metaphor into everyday practice, here are some specific suggestions:

• Be Vigilant: Pay attention to your colleagues. Notice any changes in behavior or signs of distress. Early detection can prevent bigger problems.
• Create a Supportive Environment: Encourage open communication and make it clear that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
• Provide Resources: Ensure that everyone knows about the available resources for mental health and well-being.
• Offer Training: Regularly provide training on well-being practices, mental health awareness, and how to support each other.
• Celebrate Wins: Just as lifeguards celebrate a safe day at the pool, celebrate small victories in the workplace. Recognize and reward efforts to maintain a positive, supportive environment.

Embracing a Culture of Caring

By adopting the lifeguard’s vigilance and responsiveness, we can create a thriving culture of caring in the legal profession. Preventive measures, like clear communication and regular training, help set the stage for a supportive environment. Tell the kids to stop running by the pool!

When issues arise, the responsive approach of watching for signs of struggle, assessing needs, and providing timely assistance ensures that everyone can thrive. Throw someone a life preserver by connecting them with the internal resources your organization has available.

So as you think about your own summer jobs or see a lifeguard at the beach, let’s honor the spirit of lifeguards by committing to a culture of caring in our own professional lives and organizations.