594: My Summer Self
This American Life
00:00
Lifeguarding Against the Tide: A Swimwear Saga
This chapter chronicles the dedication and challenges faced by a seasoned lifeguard in his 60s, who grapples with age discrimination tied to mandatory swimwear regulations. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he navigates the intersection of individual principles and institutional demands, particularly during a contentious swim test. The narrative highlights broader societal issues of body image and ageism, while also shedding light on the lifeguard's ongoing legal battle over swimsuit policies that affect his career.
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