Lifeguard’s work does not stop for Ramadan

Paul Cletus, a life guard at Mangrove Village Pool Club-Abu Dhabi Gate City, who will see his first Ramadan this year in the UAE. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // Paul Cletus may have one of the most challenging jobs to get through while fasting, but he is quite optimistic it will flow smoothly.

The 26 year old lifeguard from Nigeria is spending his first full Ramadan in the UAE this year.

While the month’s routines and food items vary in some ways between the two countries, he said he did pretty well in the 15 days he spent here last year, and expects this year to be even better.

“When I came it was mid Ramadan, my schedule was very good and I really enjoyed it,” he said. “It was fantastic in terms of everything.”

He was working for 11 hours with a one hour break which he took during Iftar time to go out to eat with his friends.

Despite having to work outdoors under the summer sun and heat, he said he did not find it difficult at all, and has even made a number of rescues during Ramadan.

“When I came last year I was working at Al Reem island and in the pool there was a two year old kid who did not know how to swim, I did an immediate rescue,” he recalled.

“I made so many rescues and it wasn’t so difficult.”

There was also an incident with an old lady whose chaperone was not paying attention to her and she almost drowned.

This year, his shift at Mangrove Village is eight hours only: “I start at 6, so I could pray fajer and go.”

He will be done at 4pm which leaves him plenty of time to rest and plan for Iftar.

“This year when I have some free time I will do some prayers, and then go out with friends.

“We are four lifeguards and we alternate locations every hour, so I will only spend one hour every three hours at the outdoor pool, so I find it very easy.

“I was in Nigeria last year during the first half of Ramadan, we had a lot of prayers for forgiveness and to be close to Allah, spent time with my family ... Ramadan was really cool there.”

“There we have specific traditions and timings for meals, so it took a little time to adapt,” he added.