Meet Lifeguard John Dougherty

John Dougherty has a knack for helping people. The sixth-year Summit Family Aquatic Center lifeguard not only spends his time ensuring the safety of the hundreds of kids who frequent the SFAC, but also hopes to become a police officer after graduating from college.

"I wanted to become a lifeguard because I like helping out the kids at the pool, and I thought it'd be a fun way to make some money," Dougherty said. "After I graduate from college, I want to be a cop."

Dougherty is a rising sophomore at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. He is a Criminal Justice major and an outside linebacker on the Seahawks' football team.

Although Dougherty grew up in Summit, he graduated high school from St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City in 2009. Still yet, the 20-year-old is a Summit native through-and-through, and cites Summit's La Pastaria as one of his favorite restaurants.

"Get the shrimp parm or the macaroni and cheese," Dougherty recommended. "They're both really good."

After he graduates from college in a few years, Dougherty plans to leave Rhode Island and return to the Garden State.

"I'd like to live at the shore, maybe Point Pleasant," Dougherty said.

Dougherty received his lifeguard certification at the Red Cross in Westfield, NJ. The training paid off, as he recently teamed up with fellow lifeguard, Carlee Carbone, to help save a girl at a fifth grade pool party. Although the save was a memorable moment in his lifeguarding career, Dougherty also recounted another, more lighthearted event.

"My most memorable moment working (at the SFAC) would probably be falling off of the lifeguard stand into the diving tank," Dougherty said. "I just completely fell off. It was embarrassing but hilarious at the same time."

While lifeguarding can be a stressful job – one in which you must always be alert and prepared – Dougherty said that the SFAC is a laid-back but professional environment that is fun to be part of.

"The people here are really fun to work with," Dougherty said. "They make me laugh; it's a good atmosphere. I usually work from 12 to 8. When I get here, I take out the buoys and put them on the stands, write down the schedule, and then it's half an hour on duty, half an hour off. When I'm off, I usually just relax in the pool."

Dougherty's summer vacation will be cut a bit shorter than that of most other college students, as he must return to Salve Regina in mid-August to prepare for football season. But until then, you'll find him at the gym, hanging out with his friends around town and, as always, overlooking the SFAC.

"This summer I just plan to work, chill with my friends, go down to the shore, and hang out with my brothers," Dougherty said.

Dougherty has three younger brothers: Aidan, Colm, and Liam. Aidan is a rising junior at Summit High School, Colm plans to play freshman football this fall for the Hilltoppers, and Liam just graduated from Jefferson Elementary School.

Stay tuned to Patch this summer for more profiles of SFAC senior lifeguards.