Hsieh Nizhen learns how Joseph Tan’s calling stopped him from feeling like a fish out of water

How long have you been a lifeguard?
I’ve been certified since I was 14. [Now I’m 27.]

Where do you lifeguard?
Back when I was a newbie, I worked everywhere – swimming carnivals, corporate team-building events and private parties. Now under the swimming school (Play Sports! School) I started last year with a bunch of friends, I coach and lifeguard where and when I am needed.

What made you decide to become a lifeguard?
I was quite pudgy as a kid. My parents thought it would be good if I got some exercise so they made me go for swimming lessons when I was three. I hated it – but it was a case of swim or get caned. At nine, I finally developed an interest and began swimming competitively. It was always my dream to represent Singapore but because of my build and speed, this wasn’t possible. So while other teens were struggling at McDonald’s for $3 an hour, my mentor advised me that I could bemaking double that as a lifeguard and still be doing something meaningful – saving lives.

Have you ever saved anyone from drowning?
Does a muscle cramp count? The first time I was on lifeguard duty, I was at a competitive event. One of the other lifeguards had to go for a toilet break so I took over his post. Of course, someone in the pool had to develop a leg cramp on my watch. I was so nervous but I jumped in anyway. He was hugging me like a bear. I had to pinch him all over before I could finally breathe and rescue him.

Do you really pay attention? Or does the eye candy sidetrack you?
You can’t help it if someone looks hot in a bikini, but you can’t afford to get distracted either.

Any good stories from your years of people-watching?
I used to be a lifeguard at Sentosa. At beach parties, we had to make sure the drunks didn’t drown. It was fun, though. After dark, people got up to all kinds of hanky-panky – hugging, kissing, getting naked in the water. Now that was distracting.

What are the misconceptions about lifeguarding?
[That] it’s easy money. We get paid to sit around and do nothing. We’re perverts. Some swimmers treat us like maids, expecting us to go fetch their goggles for them.

Have you learnt any life lessons on the job? I think being a lifeguard helps you to handle life. I used to be such an introvert, but I’ve learned that danger can be avoided if you speak up and pass on the right message. There is no training in the world that can teach you this. When you’re in charge of someone’s safety, you have to trust your instincts because sometimes all you have is a split-second.

Stripped down
Swimsuits across time

1920s Roaring fashion: swimcaps, wool tanksuits and parasols


1960s The age of the itsy-bitsyteeny- weeny yellow polka-dot bikini and the bum-hugger trunks


2000s Goodbye, UV rays – covering up in a sleek suit is in (especially if you’re an Olympian)