Day In the Life: Guru Samy, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

The daily routine of Guru Samy, a lifeguard at Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

5:00am — My day begins hours before most guests have even thought about waking up, and it all starts with cleaning the pool while taking in the fresh air on the open roof.

7:00am — Time to roll the towels, inspect the gym and set up the sun beds. You wouldn’t think so but setting up a sun bed is a minor art in itself — it’s all about getting the angle right so guests can simultaneously read and tan.

9:00am — The gentle bell of an elevator announces the first early arrival on the 27th floor. I’m on my feet and ready to roll.

9:30am — The daylight hours roll by in a steady stream of guest-welcoming and water-watching as I alternate between safety observation of the pool, chatting with guests and serving them fresh towels. It’s fascinating watching the guests — nowhere more in the property than here by the pool do visitors want to have that sense of ultimate relaxation, feeling like they have not a care in the world.

12:00pm — When the sun reaches its peak and the temperature climbs, it is time for me to pass around cold towels to the guests. As I do this, I work alongside the food and beverage team on the pool deck to ensure everyone receives refreshments, such as mocktails, cold beverages and snacks.

3:00pm — I gather all of the used sun beds and once again, hop across the pool deck to make sure the temperature of the sauna and steam room is just right.

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4:00pm — Some more swimming safety observation, and some more chatting with the guests. The daily routine of a lifeguard inevitably involves long spells of being seated by the poolside, but it does come with time to stop and stare. Fortunately in my case, the cityscape visible from the hotel’s roof deck makes an unusually pleasant change to the average pool attendant’s view.

7:00pm — It’s time to tidy up and store all the mattresses and towels away for the next day.

8:00pm — Pack-up time, which also means it’s food time. Then it’s lights out, until it starts all over again the next day.