Drew Belsten is a lifeguard. Not a lifesaver – they’re the sea-worthy, slow motion-running, budgie-smuggling, jocks of the swim swim-safe world. Sporting a less-than-flattering, homemade lifeguard’s outfit, Belsten attempts to help us understand the trials and tribulations of being a lifeguard, and fights to make the local pool the go-to destination for all water-related activities. Belsten even invites an audience member (yours truly) on stage for a “virtual reality” simulation of lifeguard duties (completed with hi-tech head gear, a pool noodle and a spray bottle), before sharing a pool water cocktail (YUCK!) with us. Punchlines tend to be drawn out to a point where the crowd’s laughter borders on uncomfortably awkward, but this all seems to be part of Belsten’s creepy charm.
Word Warehouse, Melbourne Fringe Festival, to 5 Oct
