View From the Chair: Meet MCP Lifeguard Molly Riley

Our series taking a look at Madison Community Pool lifeguards concludes today, as the unofficial end to summer arrives this weekend. Our final feature is on first-year lifeguard Molly Riley.

Madison Patch: How old are you?

Molly Riley: I'm 16, and I'm going to be a junior.

MP: When did you start lifeguarding at MCP?

MR: I started this summer.

MP: Do you participate in any aquatic sports outside of the MCP?

MR: Yes, I'm on the swim team at Madison High School.

MP: For how long have you been swimming?

MR: Forever, basically!  I have always gravitated toward the water.

MP: Do you go down the shore often?  If so, do you have a favorite shore point?

MR: Yes, Sea Girt. It's a little quieter and less crowded than Spring Lake.

MP: Outside of aquatic sports, what are your other interests?

MR: I play field hockey and horseback ride.

MP: How did you get into equestrian?

MR: Well, I live in Harding Township.  There are a lot of farms around my house, and my neighbors always had horses. I've been doing that ten years now. 

MP: How did you begin guarding at the MCP?

MR: I had friends that did it, and since I was a swimmer they recommended it as a job.

MP: Have you had to make any rescues?

MR: Thank God, no! The worst we had was a guy had a leg cramp and someone had to jump in to get him out.

MP: What's your favorite aspect of working at the MCP?

MR: Probably the social aspect–how everybody gets a long. Everyone goes to Madison High School or went to the high school.

MP: When do you work during the week?

MR: I work the afternoon shift;  2-8, every day except Monday and Tuesday.

MP: Are you excited to turn 18 and participate in adult swim?

MR: Lifeguards are exempt! So as long as I'm a guard, I get to enjoy adult swim!