In stories that have appeared all over this country, and in Canada, governments are lamenting the shortage of lifeguards. More than that, they're having a hard time even getting qualified applicants to show up.

What's going on here? Consider it your basic microcosm of late 1990's society.

First of all, there are just fewer youths, period. The baby boomers took to heart the dubious counsel of Zero Population Growth, and left us with a declining population of youngsters.

Second, in many areas, the pay is not so great, but the responsibility is AWESOME, as the kids might say. After all, who gets killed if you screw up an order at Mc Donalds?

Third, some fitness and swimming ability are required. In these days of elite athletics, most of the good high school and college swimmers are training year-round, and, in many cases, are competing in water polo, as well.

Fourth, many would-be applicants are afraid of developing skin cancer.

Finally, there is a pretty thriving job market, and many young folks would prefer keystrokes to breast strokes.

Some regions of the country have responded to this problem by closing beaches, and with aggressive recruiting drives. In New York City, "Baywatch" stars extolled lifeguard work in public service announcements. Even so, it took advertising in subways guaranteeing jobs for the individuals who passed the 40-hour lifeguard training course, to finally alleviate the shortage.

Have we bred a generation of softies, who would rather work in an office than outdoors? Or worse, are these kids more like those strange fitness freaks you encounter at the Health Club who will work out for five hours at a time, but must park within 20 feet of the entrance?

That is, is this simply a matter of selfishness?

Could be. Given a real shortage of role models, but plenty of spoiled athletes, pampered no-talent entertainment figures, and corrupt politicians to emulate, can we be very surprised?

In an era when the stock valuation of money-loser priceline.com is greater than that of Du Pont, why SHOULD our kids be interested in doing something that is actually hard work, and may be less rewarding than some simpler tasks?

When there's no one to look up to, and few standards in force, what is the basis of their self-esteem? And without self-esteem, what point is there in personal fulfillment?

Some things to ponder this summer's day.