FALL 2013 - VOL. 30, NO. 1

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ALM EXECUT I VE TEAMUSLA Executive BoardPresident

B. Chris Brewster, San Diego, CApresident@usla.org

Vice-PresidentPeter Davis, Galveston, TXvicepresident@usla.org

TreasurerRob Williams, Newport Beach, CAtreasurer@usla.org

SecretaryNikki Bowie, Charleston, SCsecretary@usla.org

Executive DelegateCharlie Hartlrecurrentrep@usla.org

LiaisonBert Whitaker, Santa Rosa, CAliasonofficer@usla.org

AdvisorTim Gallagher, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJadvisor@usla.org

Medical AdvisorDr. Peter Wernicki, Vero Beach, FLmedicaladvisor@usla.org

Legal AdvisorJohn "Chip" More, Neptune City, NJJMoreLaw@aol.com

USLA Executive DirectorKay Smileyed@usla.org

American Lifeguard Magazine StaffPublisher/Editor

Mike Bartlett, Huntington Beach, CAalm@usla.org

Staff WritersMike Bartlett, Huntington Beach, CAB. Chris Brewster, San Diego, CADr. Peter Hartsock,

US Public Health ServiceRick Gould, Santa Clarita, CAPeter Davis, Galveston, TXNan Kappeler, Huntington Beach, CA

Junior Jam EditorJo Wagenhals, juniorjam@usla.org

Membership LiaisonCharlotte Graham, Costa Mesa, CAmembershipliaison@usla.org

Design/TypesettingJennifer Velasquez, Torrance, CAjen@minedesigns.net

Staff PhotographersJo Wagenhhals, SoutheastJoel Gitelson, LA County, CAMike Bartlett, Huntington Beach, CABill Richardson, Huntington Beach, CA

USLA Regional PresidentsNew England

Bob Bertrand (rep. only)rtbwings@aol.com

Mid-AtlanticEd Zebrowskimapresident@usla.org

South AtlanticTom Gillsapresident@usla.org

SoutheastGerry Falconersepresident@usla.org

Great LakesJoe Pecoraroglpresident@usla.org

Gulf CoastTony Priorgcpresident@usla.org

NorthwestCathy VonWaldnwpresident@usla.org

Southwest (CSLSA)Mike Beuerleinswpresident@usla.org

Pacific IslandsRalph Gotopipresident@usla.org

USLA Special AssignmentsBylaws and Policies

Ed Zebrowski IIIbylaws@usla.org

CertificationTony Pryorcertification@usla.org

CompetitionEd Zebrowskicompetition@usla.org

Heroic Acts AwardsAdrienne Grohheroicacts@usla.org

Junior LifeguardsReenie Boyerjuniorguards@usla.org

MembershipCharlotte Grahammembershipliaison@usla.org

Public EducationDenise Blairpubliceducation@usla.org

Public Information andMedia Relations

Tom Gillmediarep@usla.org

Sign StandardsRalph Gotosigns@usla.org

StatisticsRick Gouldstatistics@usla.org

Ways & MeansRob Williamstreasurer@usla.org

WebsiteKarissa Ickeswebmaster@usla.org

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United States Lifesaving Association Mission Statementwww.usla.org 866-FOR-USLA (367-8752)

We are America’s nonprofit, professional association of beach lifeguards and open waterrescuers. USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environmentthrough public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of highlevels of lifeguard readiness, and other means. All correspondence other than for the magazineshould be sent to: USLA Corporate Office, P.O. Box 366, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 orpresident@usla.org.

American Lifeguard Magazine™American Lifeguard Magazine™ is published and distributed to every paid member of the USLAas a provision of their membership. If you wish to publish an article or submit a letter to theeditor, address all submissions to: American Lifeguard Magazine™, 15481 Cottonwood Circle,Huntington Beach, CA, 92647, or alm@usla.org. Entire contents protected by the USLA. Allrights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, ortransmitted in any form by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise -without the prior consent of ALM. Unsolicited materials, including all photographs, are submittedat the sender’s risk and ALM accepts no responsibility. The opinions expressed are strictly those ofthe contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ALM or the USLA.

ALM Advertising InformationThe USLA manages the American Lifeguard Magazine™ and publishes it tri-annual withmailing deadlines: Fall-November 1, Winter-April 1 and Summer-June 1. The 36-page colorpublication, now archived on our website, is mailed directly to our 12,000 members comprisedof ocean lifeguards, administrators, competitors, junior guards and alumni. It showcases thelifesaving profession and juniors by targeting a variety of public safety topics including trainingand standards, competitions, certification and educational programs. Promote your productsand services by delivering your message directly to the lifesaving professionals and managerswho are responsible for purchasing products for their agencies and individual needs. Below arethe ALM ad rates:

Ad Size Only One Issue Three IssuesHalf Page $300 $810 ($270 each)Full Page $500 $1350 ($450 each)Inside Cover $600 $1620 ($540 each)Back Cover $750 $2025 ($675 each)

For all advertising, contact Michael S. Bartlett ALM Editor at(714) 345-5792, or mbart4surf@aol.com.

Editor’s Note: If your photo is used on the cover of the ALM, the USLA will send you a checkfor $100.00. Please send your photos on disk in the highest possible resolution, preferably takenwith a digital camera with 5 mega pixels or higher to: USLA - American Lifeguard Magazine,15481 Cottonwood Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

I N TH I S I SSUEPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CERVICAL SPINE INJURY VICTIM GIVES THANKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

USLA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

DEADLY HOLIDAY AT CAROLINA BEACHES SPARKS RIP-CURRENT CONCERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

BOB IS HERE TODAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

GALVESTON ISLAND BEACH PATROL JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

USLA NATIONALS BRINGS STIFF COMPETITION AND SURPRISE WINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

NOTHING CAN STOP THIS LIFESAVING LEGEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

QUEST FOR THE COAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

USLA AGENCY PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

HISTORIC FLOOD IN TEXAS RECALLED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

NAUTICA® JOINS USLA SUPPORT TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

DESCENDENT OF LIFEGUARD FAMILY IS JUNIOR NATIONALS STAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RECORD 244 COMPETE AT 29TH NPS ALL–WOMEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

USLA'S BOB DILLON RECEIVES SERVICE AWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Cover Shot: Huntington Beach Lifeguards resuscitate aswimmer who suffered a near-drowning in March 2013 justsouth of the pier. Lifeguard III Jason Cloud is credited forsaving his life during this late-evening area patrol when hespotted the swimmer 150 feet offshore. The victim wasunderwater when Cloud rescued him. Photo courtesy ofAnthony C. Christlieb, Orange County, CA.

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P RES IDENT ’ S MESSAGEB. Chris Brewster, San Diego, CA

New England, whereart thou?

I write this message from ahome a scant mile from theunspoiled beauty of theCape Cod NationalSeashore, preserved in per-petuity under an act ofCongress signed byPresident John F. Kennedy.I visit here each summer,having grown up in thesame state. I frequent avictualler’s establishmenthoused in the historicCahoon Hollow lifesavingstation (circa 1853). Alasthough, here in NewEngland there is scant par-ticipation in the USLAamong lifeguards and life-guard agencies.

Why? I can’t say exactly. Tradition? History?Motivation? Comfort? I don’t know. In any case,although the American Red Cross clearly states thattheir training is neither intended nor appropriate forsurf lifesaving, it’s inexplicably used as a staple of life-guard training here. It should not be.

Many of us hoping to bring New England into theUSLA fold have made forays here to encourage partici-pation. Decades ago our first Executive Director drovehere from Southern California and made many valuableacquaintances. More recently representatives of theMid-Atlantic Region have made numerous trips here. Imade a presentation on the USLA in March 2013 tothe Massachusetts Recreation and Parks Association.And each summer I meet with Cape Cod lifeguards. Infact, this resplendent August morning I was greeted bythe head lifeguard at Nauset Beach as I finished mydaily soft sand run.

All of this though has metwith disappointment. Ideashave been floated, propos-als made, and commitmentsextended, but then thesummer season has endedand the best of intentionshave evaporated into thesalty, humid air.

The Mid-Atlantic Regionis not satisfied that thiseffort should wither. Likeeach USLA region theyhave a rotating responsibil-ity for hosting our biannualBoard of Directors meetingand educational confer-ence, a role that is normal-ly proudly hosted some-where within the bounds ofthe host region. But MAunselfishly decided thistime to host it in New

England, in November 2013, in the town of Hyanniswhere President Kennedy himself famously resided.And so we continue our efforts to bring the lifesavers ofNew England into the fold.

It is a matter of history that the first lifesavers in theUnited States patrolled the beaches of New England,looking not after recreational swimmers, but after thevictims of shipwrecks. We have all evolved in one wayor another from that tradition. Now we must seek toconvince their local successors that we are worthy ofthem and they worthy of us. We must seek to elevatethe profession of lifesaving here, as we have elsewhere,and in turn learn as we always do from fellow lifesavers.And indeed we will.

Come hither New England. You are not an island of life-saving. You are as much a part of the lifesaving profes-sion as any of us and we are all stronger through unity.We welcome you. Lifesaving aye!

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The following letter was received by Captain Greg Lee of theLos Angeles County Lifeguard Service (a USLA certifiedagency at the advanced level). The incident occurred in earlyDecember 2012. It is a reminder of how important the

handling of cervical spine injuries can be -- even those likethis one that seemed routine at the time. It is also a reminderof what a monumental difference lifeguards can make in thelives of others.

CERV I C AL SP INE IN JURY V I C T IM G IVES THANKS

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U S L A 50TH ANN IVERSARY CELEBRAT IONHelp Wanted!

The USLA will celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2014 and two major celebrations are planned,one on each coast.

The first will take place in Huntington Beach, California on the afternoon and evening of April26, 2014. Be sure to check the USLA website (event section of the home page) forfurther details. There will be an educational session with speakers from throughout the USLA’shistory, followed by a get-together and a gala banquet. Come one, come all and share yourstories of lifesaving and the USLA. Contact swtreasurer@usla.org for any questions.

The second will take place in Virginia Beach, Virginia in concert with the National LifeguardChampionships from August 6 – 9, 2014. The Old Coast Guard Station museum will host anexhibit on USLA’s first 50 years. There will be ongoing recognition of the USLA 50thAnniversary Competition Team: The USLA’s top 50 competitors over the years will berecognized throughout the championships. And there will be a nationwide surf lifesaveralumni reunion: An open invitation to lifeguard alumni groups and individuals from around thecountry to gather in Virginia Beach. Contact vb50@usla.org for any questions.

How you can help:

1. Send us your pictures and artifacts from the first 50 years of USLA for display in HuntingtonBeach and Virginia Beach. All items should include a description of the item or photographincluding the date and names of any those in the pictures, as well as permission to publish ifpossible. Send to: 50years@usla.org or to USLA History, P.O. Box 366, Huntington Beach,CA 92648.

2. Nominate your association’s top athletes for a spot on the 50th Anniversary CompetitionTeam. Nominations should be emailed to top50@usla.org and include a competitive resume ofthe nominee.

3. Notify your alumni groups to consider meeting in Virginia Beach and celebrate 50 years ofcollaboration among regions under the umbrella of the USLA. An alumni party is in theplanning stages as well as the opportunity to participate in the many events associated with theNationals. For details, contact vb50@usla.org.

Stay tuned to the USLA website and email updates for more information about USLA’sGolden Anniversary!

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D EADLY HOL IDAY AT C AROL INA BEACHES SPARKSR IP - CURRENT CONCERNReprint with permission, Charlotte Observer

Officials in Brunswick County will consider adding beachwarning flags and lifeguards after a July 4 holiday that sawseven people drown in rip currents along the Carolinas coast– nearly twice the number of deaths in an average year due tothe dangerous water condition.

One victim was a Fort Mill school employee, and anotherwas a judge who tried to save her. The victims also includeda Catholic bishop and an Ohio man who was nearing the endof a weeklong family reunion.

“If it brings everyone to the table to try and help the public,that’s at least taking something positive from a tragedy,” saidAnthony Marzano, director of emergency services in BrunswickCounty, where four of the deaths occurred. The area is a popu-lar vacation destination for Charlotte-area residents.

Two other drownings happened just south of that county,along the Myrtle Beach, S.C., coast. The seventh was farthersouth, on Hilton Head Island.

A surge of water coming in from storms and tourists arrivingfor the Independence Day holiday created a death toll thatshocked long-time coastal residents.

“After we’ve had this rash of things happening, anything’s onthe table,” said Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith, a life-long resident who said she can’t recall the last ocean drown-ing in her town, which has 7 miles of coastline.

The Myrtle Beach area has lifeguards, but Brunswick County,with six municipalities responsible for more than 40 miles ofcoast, does not. Nor do any of the Brunswick County beach-es have flags to warn visitors when there’s a high risk for ripcurrents, which can quickly and unexpectedly pull swimmersout to sea.

“It’s always been kind of ‘swim at your own risk,’ ” said Smith,who says the gently sloping beach and calm waters generallykeep the risk low.

Town officials from Sunset and Holden beaches, BrunswickCounty towns that also had drownings, could not be reachedfor comment Monday afternoon.

The risk was high on Wednesday and Thursday, when theN.C. deaths occurred, Marzano said. But visitors would havehad to go online or watch local TV to know that.

“As a tourist, you’re not going to spend a lot of time watch-

ing the news while you’re on vacation,” Marzano said. “Wedon’t see a lot of problems with the local public. It’s the tran-sient population.”

Chris Brewster, president of the California-based U.S.Lifesaving Association, said the Brunswick County scenariosounds like a case of “irresponsible local governments,”which promote profitable tourism but “are unwilling to pro-vide safety services that are necessary.”

It often takes tragedy to bring change, says Brewster, whosegroup is a nonprofit association of beach lifeguards and waterrescuers. “The biggest mistake is to have these kind of inci-dents and take no action.”

Danger builds

The unusually high number of rip current deaths resultedfrom the same weather pattern responsible in part for therainy weather inland across the Carolinas, one meteorologistsaid Monday.

Dave Loewenthal of the National Weather Service office inWilmington said a high pressure system over the Atlanticallowed a southeast wind to blow for hundreds of miles beforereaching the Carolinas coast.

“We call that a long fetch,” he said. “The waves aren’t superbig, but there’s a lot of water coming in.”

Scientists say rip currents are nature’s way of returning waterfrom the shore to the open ocean. Small channels developfrom the shore to deeper water, pulling the water out atspeeds up to 6 mph — faster than an Olympian can swim,according to Marzano.

Signs at beach access points warn swimmers how to respond:Swim parallel to the beach to escape the currents, rather thanrisk exhaustion trying to fight the current back to shore. Butthat’s hard to remember in a panic situation, Marzano says.

The first three drownings came Wednesday, as the holidaybegan. William Nicolaro, a 72-year-old Apostolic Catholicbishop from Florida, drowned while spending time with fam-ily members at Ocean Isle Beach.

The same day, two people died at Sunset Beach, which bor-ders Ocean Isle on the southwest. Maryanne Galway, a 55-year-old school attendance counselor from Waxhaw, began

continued on page 8

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experiencing trouble in the water. Mitchell McClean, 54, aDistrict Court judge from Wilkes County since 1998, jumpedinto the surf to help. Both people died. Galway’s husband,who also tried to help, was caught in the current but survived.

During a 5-minute 911 call obtained by the Observer, awoman tells the dispatcher that a man had just been pulledfrom the water. That man said two others were still “in thewater drowning,” according to the caller.

Minutes later she reports that two people are being pulled outof the water.

“They’re giving CPR on the woman,” she said. “The womanis not breathing.”

Sunset Beach police Det. Joe Smith said there are a numberof water rescues annually on his island, but he said, “Itseemed like the rip currents were worse last week. I’ve livedhere a number of years, and that was worse than usual.”

No guards to help

“Good Samaritan” deaths are common in rip currents,experts say. While trained lifeguards have flotation equip-ment, amateur rescuers often get themselves in trouble, evenwhen the original victim survives.

“Most of the time, if you just float, it will kick you to safety,”said UNC Wilmington Professor Spencer Rogers of N.C. SeaGrant, a coastal research and education program. “That’swhy the original victims often make it back.”

Attorney Dennis Joyce of Wilkesboro told WGHP-TV heisn’t surprised that McClean risked his life trying to savesomeone: “He died the way he lived.”

Solid numbers on rip current rescues and deaths are hard tocome by, with no single agency responsible. Beaches withlifeguards report data to the Lifesaving Association, but thosewithout do not. Brewster said the vast majority of ocean res-cues are caused by rip currents, and deaths in those situationsare rare.

Ten N.C. and S.C. beaches, including Nags Head,Wrightsville, Kure and Kill Devil, reported 3,875 rip currentrescues from 2010 to 2012. Rip currents drowned three peo-ple on unguarded beaches and two on guarded beaches dur-ing that time, data show. More than 34 million peopleattended those beaches over the three years.

A 14-year study conducted by the College of DuPage, inGlen Ellyn, Ill., found an average of 3.14 rip current-relateddeaths annually in North Carolina and 0.93 in South

Carolina. Those numbers echo what Marzano reported fromtalking to his staff: The two-day holiday brought more deathsthan they’d normally see in an entire summer.

Smith and Marzano say lifeguards might have averted someor all of the Brunswick County deaths, which continued onThursday. At Holden Beach, northeast of Ocean Isle, 57-year-old Randall Joyce of Pfafftown drowned in a rip current.His wife and two adult children were rescued.

“It’s challenging to be an emergency responder,” Marzanosaid. “You get there after the fact.”

Response to tragedy

Smith said all Ocean Isle firefighters are trained in water res-cue, but they’re not stationed on the beaches.

“I would think your chances are improved” with lifeguards,Smith said, “but there’s no guarantee.”

Indeed, the holiday deaths continued in South Carolina, inan area that has lifeguards.

In Myrtle Beach, Richard Butler, 57, of Laurinburg, died inrough waters off 72nd Ave. North. And 50-year-old MarkBaucom, from the Anson County town of Polkton, was killedin the surf off 15th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach.

The seventh victim was reported Friday. Bob Mann, a 69year-old visiting from Ohio, died when he was swept away bya rip current while walking in the water in Calibogue Soundat Hilton Head.

In Brunswick County, emergency officials immediately print-ed out instructions on how to escape rip currents and gavethem to owners of rental properties. Smith, the Ocean Islemayor, is among the property owners who distributed themduring the holiday weekend.

Smith said the Ocean Isle Town Council will discuss beachsafety measures at its regular meeting Tuesday, though theissue isn’t likely to be settled that quickly.

The lifeguard question “is a manpower issue,” she said. Withseven miles to cover and swimmers present from sunrise tosunset, the coverage could be challenging, she said.

But Brewster said that’s a typical excuse. No governmentcovers every stretch of beach, he said. Instead, guards are sta-tioned in high-traffic areas, and tourists are informed whichbeaches have guards. “What you do is provide reasonableamounts of safe alternatives.”

Marzano said he’s heard from officials from other coastalmunicipalities who plan to discuss safety improvements.

“It’s a hot topic for discussion,” Marzano said, “and it should be.”

DEADLY HOLIDAY AT CAROLINA BEACHES... from page 7

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BOB I S HERE TODAYJames Earnest, San Diego, CA

The line of pelicans flew in perfect formation overthe attendees. The clear June sky formed aperfect backdrop for the graceful aerialpatrol that arced overhead, then overthe cliff and out to sea – as if on cue.Most everyone looked from the birdsto one another with mouths openin disbelief, or they exchangedknowing smiles and silent nods.The celebrant at the service said,See – Bob is here today!

I first met The Honorable RobertBaxley during my early years as alifeguard at San Diego’s OceanBeach. On occasion, old timers walkup to the main tower at Ocean Beachand begin a conversation of recollectionthat usually begins, You know, I used to life-guard here too back in… Quite often, these sto-ries have a slightly one-sided quality to them as thestoryteller brings up names that the tower walls have notheard in decades. Then, satisfied that the story has reachedthe ears of a younger lifeguard, he goes on his way. Bobproved different, though. His visits held more permanence.Before I first met him, another lifeguard had pointed him outto me while he, his buddy, Mouse Robb, and some of thelocals, talked and checked out the surf from the parking lotto the north of the main tower. So, when he came in to themain tower and introduced himself to me, the new guy, Ialready knew that he was Bax, a living legend at OB. Hepointed out old lifeguard pictures decorating the walls insidethe tower and put names to the faces. He also put stories tothose faces. He had so many stories in fact, that he eventual-ly wrote a book about his times spent as a lifeguard back inthe 1950’s in Ocean Beach. Although he had gone on tobecome a successful attorney and then a San Diego SuperiorCourt judge, those lifeguard days almost four decadesremoved were incredibly important to him. As important tohim as they were to those other old timers who, on occasion,visit the tower. As important as they are to the current life-guards working today. Time spent on the job makes little dif-ference. It could be one season; it could be half a lifetime.

As the pelicans continued to the south following the con-tours of Sunset Cliffs, the memorial service for Bob Baxleycontinued with friends, family and a few current lifeguardsgathering up for a paddle out. I had a shift to work soon andcould not participate. So, along with a few other guards,hopped back in to the lifeguard truck and drove back toOcean Beach, a little less than two miles north, all happy

that we had the chance to pay our respects to animportant figure in the lifeguarding commu-

nity. A few hours into my shift that dayfound me patrolling on Jet-1, the per-

sonal watercraft the OB guards use forrescues. Although it takes hours oftraining to become somewhat profi-cient on this vessel, I often shakemy head in embarrassment when Ithink about how the guards whocame before me, like Bax andMouse, used to row a dory in thesurf to make rescues. These were

true watermen who relied on a com-bination of brawn and skill to do

their job. But we guard a different typeof beach today – a larger more diverse

crowd whose water skills likewise vary.Speed, always a necessity in lifeguarding, is

even more important now. About half way throughmy time on Jet-1, the rescue activity began to pick up in frontof the Tower 2 area. I made several rescues, as did the guardfrom Tower 2 and numerous guards from the main tower andthe lifeguard truck. After dropping off one particular victimsafely on the inside of the break, and feeling more than a lit-tle pumped up from the flurry of rescues, I headed back outwest, through the surf. I punched through a wave and, on theoutside, I saw a line of color, floating in the water. Great!More kelp to foul the impeller I thought. But as I got closer, Isaw that the color was flowers and broken up leis. Theyformed a distinct boundary that closed in on the area of thebeach where we currently experienced that high volume ofrescue activity. A cordon of carnations and orchids, in per-fect formation, arced the length of the water, drifting inthrough the line of waves, like a floral safety net – as if oncue. It took me a while for the odd sight to register, then itall made sense. Sure enough, the flowers from Bob’s paddle-out earlier in the day had drifted in the wind and the currentthe few miles north from where the ceremony took place.They made it to OB at that particular time, and that partic-ular location on the beach calming the rescue activity for theday. I reached into the water and scooped up a couple of redcarnations, gazing at them in amazement. The timing of theirdrift, the path they followed and the location where theychose to make landfall held more than the simple aspect ofcoincidence. I gently laid one of them back in the water. Theother, I wedged securely into the handlebars of Jet-1and con-tinued my patrol, remembering the words of the guy from theservice that morning, See – Bob is here today.

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GALVES TON IS L AND BEACH PATROLJUN IOR L I F EGUARD PROGRAM

Tony Pryor, Galveston, TX

The 2013 Galveston JGProgram experiencedanother fun and success-ful year. Our program lastssix weeks with each agegroup meeting threetimes a week. The JGprogram combines theright amount of lifeguardand water education, pooland open water training,and silliness.

We average three fieldtrips a session. This yearwe visited the Moody Gardens Aquarium, an adventure onan educational/lab that’s actually on a boat, and a wildlifesafari. On the aquarium trip JGs learn about marine life, pol-lution hazards, and how the marine ecosystem affects us. Thenext outing was a cool trip thru the aquarium where we evengot to go behind the scenes to meet the penguins faceto…beak. The boat adventure involves fishing and learningabout the animals that live in our bay and local ecosystem.Campers get to check out microorganisms that they catchright out of the bay through a microscope. When they arefinished all flora and fauna is returned to the bay. The safariadventure includes a tram ride through a 100 acre area with

a bowl of food. It’s a blast to watch the kids and instructorsfreak out when the ostriches and larger animals just won’ttake no for an answer.

We train our Juniors in a very similar manner to that of ourrookie guards. We teach them first aid and CPR, radiocommunications, the lifeguards’ daily routine, how to treat ajellyfish sting, and how to approach victims when rescuingthem. In all honesty I believe this is the most enjoyable partfor the kids because while in that moment they all want to belifeguards. Many of them retain both the information anddesire to become a guard until they are old enough to try outfor the Galveston Island Beach Patrol.

The USLA has arranged for deep discounts and special deals with leading companies that offer products of value to USLA members.

Visit the USLA Home page (at the bottom) or the USLA Store, at: www.usla.org/store

Example discounts available to you:

- 50% off Hobie polarized sunglasses (including special deals on prescription sunglasses)

- $30 off DaFin swim fins

- Special discounts on Ford automobiles.

As well, lifeguards, chapters, and regions can purchase clothing and other items with the USLA logo embroidered on them at Uniserv

GuardGear. And you can purchase rings with the USLA logo from Jostens.

The USLA is committed to helping lifeguards get the best equipment at the best prices. Don't forget to sign up for your membership

today through your chapter or at: www.usla.org

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U S L A NAT IONAL S BR INGS S T I F F COMPET I T IONAND SURPR ISE WINSNan Kappeler, Huntington Beach, CA

Under typical SouthernCalifornia morning clouds,lifeguards from around thecountry gathered inManhattan Beach, Calif.to compete in the 2013Nautica USLA NationalLifeguard Championships.The four day event, whichincludes a junior lifeguardportion, took place fromAugust 7-10, attractingnational caliber and formerprofessional athletes aswell as the attention of local television stations, newspapersand curious beach patrons.

The Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association, LACOLA,took first place in the “A” chapter title for agencies with over100 employees. California State Parks (STATE), who justweeks before upset LACOLA for the first time in the historyof the competition in the regional competition captured sec-ond place. Monmouth County, N.J. placed third. SmithPoint, N.Y., one of several beaches on Long Island locatedabout an hour’s drive from New York City, claimed the “B”title for chapters with less than 100.

“The competition is always tough. You show up thinking youare ready, but it’s very competitive,” says Heather Thomson,23, from STATE, who has competed in five nationals. “Iknow what I need to improve on for next year.”

The annual event, which alternates from the east coast to thewest coast each year, draws just over 800 junior lifeguards andworking and alumni guards, who range in age from 18-80years old. Events include surf swims, runs, paddleboards, surfskis and dory boats. In addition to individual races are twoand four person relays, which simulate rescues on boards withrelay members running “victims” to the finish line.

This year, all participants were required to wear a neon pinkrash guard top, a new rule implemented based on researchand testing in Australia concluding the color pink the bestcolor to locate and recover victims in the water.

To most racers delight, especially from Florida, the usuallychilly pacific waters registered a somewhat inviting tempera-ture of 68-degrees along with 1-2 foot waves and a relativelycalm current through the days. Later each morning, skies

turned sunny and the airwarmed to a comfortable70-degree.

“The conditions weregreat. We are always pre-pared for colder water outwest, but this year wasokay,” says Kevin Kolar,the assistant chief of theSmith Point lifeguards.“We are used to wavescrashing on the beach sothe little roller waves werenothing for our team.”

On the first day of competition, mostly preliminary heatswere run for open events with winners advancing to thefinals. Age group finals took place for an event favorite, thebeach flags. Tense nerves and high adrenaline resulted inseveral eliminations (including myself) for twitches or move-ments after the “heads down” command.

Smith Point once again dominated the beach flags, with asweep of the first three places in the men’s open division byBrian Costello, Charles Appell and Christopher Deluca. Inthe women’s open division, Lucy Kholhoff from theHamptons snagged first, with Smith Point’s BrianneJackolski, Courtney Dooley, Sandi Woodhed and NicoleLoMeli winning the next four places.

“A lot of our guys take pride in the beach flags,” says Kolar.“We do several competitions before Nationals and do dailysand workouts with 100 yard deep sand sprints. Leg strengthis the only thing we can think of that helps us.”

Three men competed in the men’s 70+ heat. Monmouth’sJohn Sink took off for an early lead with Hampton LifeguardAssociation’s Roger Tibbett’s not far behind. Several falls offthe start put Thomas Hogan from Palm Beach in third place.

Day two started, again under cloudy skies, with the prelimi-nary open and final age group 400 meter surf race, drawingthe usual large number of competitors. Olympic hopefulChad Carvin from LACOLA won the men’s final title andManmouth’s Annie Fittin won the women’s.

In surf boat races, two person teams rowed a three lap course.A top contender for the gold, Jose Louise Bolivar and BokiCorsivich from Hollywood Beach, Fla. took an early lead and

photos courtesy of Kat Prichard

led for the first two laps.

“To avoid tie-ups with other boats, I saw them head towardsthe inside of the course but their craft went sideways, send-ing them too far inside the course,” says Ft. Lauderdale’s JimMcCrady. “They came out down the beach and were unableto make up the additional distance, coming in third.”

LOCOLA’s Tom Seth and David Cartildge won the eventand Monmoth’s John Cullen and Christopher Wilson placedsecond. A second favored LACOLA team failed to make thefinal heat and subsequently placed first (11th overall) in theconsolation heat.

The open Taplin relay provided for another exiting race.The highly competitive event begins with the swim, followedby a paddler, surf ski and run. For a second consecutive year,California State’s Collin Baratte, Shane Scoggins, PatrickHemmins, Shane Scoggins and Sean Butler took first place.

In the women’s division, LACOLA’s Diane Graner Gallas,Kelsey O’Donnell, Tandis Morgan and Catherine Hazelriggwon but the race was far from over. STATE’s HeatherThomson was able to out run Manmouth’s Denise Blair justyards from the finish to capture fifth place, scoring her firstnational medal.

“The Manmouth runner had a lead on me but thought if Iturned it on I could catch her,” Thomson says. “After tag-ging the paddler in waist deep water and getting through

some shore holes, I got my footing in the wet sand. It wasclose, but I got her.”

Awards were also given to first place open age group winnerswho received Hobie sunglasses and top three age group fin-ishers received large medals. Other generous USLA support-ers included Jersey Mikes Subs, Zico Coconut Water, DaFinHawaii, Bennett Racing Technology and Waterman.

Throughout each day, announcer Tom Gill from VirginiaBeach kept spectators and team members informed onupcoming events, even calling for missing competitors andresults. Daily raffle drawings kept people on their toes, withwinners scoring super prize packages from sponsors includingcases of Zico coconut water, Zinka sun products, Calaverabathing suits, DaFin’s and Nautica towels.

Special thanks to California State Lifeguard Associationpresident Mike Silvestri and LACOLA’s Charlotte Grahamwho worked countless hours overseeing registration check-inand distributing gift bags containing LACOLA’s beautifullyillustrated and informative 50 page event guide and hand-some white Nautica tee-shirts.

A huge thank you goes out to LACOLA for hosting nation-als and all the officials, referees and everyone who volun-teered countless hours to make nationals a success this year.Looking forwards to doing it again in Virgina Beach in 2014.

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NO TH ING C AN S TOP TH IS L I F ES AV ING LEGENDPeter Davis, Galveston, TX

He paddled steadily out to a coupleof buoys that were about 200meters from the shoreline. Withouta pause, he rounded the second oneand headed back to the break. Awave popped up and he paddled forit. For a moment the crowdthought he was done as he shotdown the face of the wave, but herepositioned his body to the backof the board expertly, so the nosedidn’t go underwater, and hung onas the board bounced to the shore-line. He slowly got to his feet,appearing a bit unsteady at first,then collected himself and trottedup the sandy slope, around a coupleof flags, and back to the icy water.

He swam back through the surf, diving under a couple oflarge waves. He rounded a couple of flags that were 150meters from the shore and stroked back, repeating the runand getting into a surf boat. He then rowed around threebuoys farther off shore and headed back into the shoreline.

A 4 ft wave jacked up as he entered the surf line and hepulled on the oars fearlessly, driving the boat down the faceof the wave. The boat careened crazily sideways on the waveas he lay down inside the boat on his back until it slid uponto the sand. The crowd was completely silent for a few sec-

onds, but thenexploded as heslowly pulledhimself out ofthe boat andtrudged up theslope one lasttime, flashinga huge, whitetoothed smile.The announc-er screamed,“Ladies andg e n t l e m e n ,Bob Burnside,the UnitedS t a t e sL i f e s a v i n gChampion for

2013, 70 and up division, of theAmerican Ironman!”

After spending time in the vortexof a throng of admirers and friends,Bob trudged over to me. I handedhim his towel, gave him a bro-hugand congratulated him. He saidsomething about being lucky tostill be out there. I felt like I wasthe lucky one to have been able tosit with him on the beach, talkingabout the state of lifesaving in theUS and the world, and about life ingeneral.

Bob’s accomplishments are many.LA County Lifeguard Chief,inventor of the “Burnside Can”,

champion college swimmer, and world bodysurfing title hold-er. He founded “Club Tortuga”, which provides support tolifeguard agencies in Mexico and is partnered with theUSLA. Perhaps most significant was that in a time wherelifeguards around weren’t sharing information or talking, hespearheaded the creation of what has become the USA’snational lifesaving organization. USLA was formed and hecontinues to advocate for us to remain inclusive and progres-sive to this day.

As I looked at Bob, with his piercing, challenging, intelligenteyes and still fit 82 year old body, I realize that I’m in thepresence of a true legend and visionary. He is both a livingreminder of our history and a compass pointing us to thefuture. Some candles burn brighter.

He embodies our slogan, “Lifeguards for Life”.

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QUES T FOR THE COAS TDavid Robinson, Sonoma County, CA

At last, Sonoma CountyRegional Parks made it to theCoast. After six decades oflifesaving at lakes and rivers,Regional Parks brought 31Junior Lifeguards to DoranBeach on the NorthernCalifornia Coast and fulfilled adream to take the aquatic pro-gram to the ocean.

The BeginningThe Junior Lifeguard program began with a dream over sixyears ago at the National Lifeguard Competition in MyrtleBeach, South Carolina. A conversation regarding the bene-fits and the ability of a smaller county lifesaving organizationwith Duke Brown started what would become a 200 strongjunior lifeguard program in Sonoma County, California.Partnering with city recreation and parks departments for

their expertise in summercamps and registration led tothe first ever Sonoma CountyRegional Parks’ pilot camp inJune of 2008. With 10 out ofthe 12 enrolled being family orfriends of Regional Parks’ staff,we soon realized that we wouldneed to increase marketing.Regional Parks spent the offseason expanding marketing

and furthering the curriculum. The second year, there weremore than 30 campers in each of the two Junior LifeguardCamps.

Growing the ProgramDue to the increasing demand and popularity of the program,from 2008 to present, each year Sonoma County RegionalParks has added a session to its Junior Lifeguard Camp.

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Currently, we provide Junior Lifeguard Camps eight weeksthroughout the summer. Additionally, after the third year,we started adding themed camps. Our Beginning Campfocuses on beginning lifeguard skills, CPR and first aid. OurAdvanced Camp includes dive fins and dive lines along withadvanced first aid, CPR and oxygen administration.Wilderness Junior Guards added an environmental awarenesscomponent, wilderness first aid and how to save a life whenyou’re not at a lifeguarded beach. This year, we added theJunior Lifeguard Surf Camps.

Surf CampMany of us at Sonoma County Regional Parks had dreamedabout launching a program at one of our ocean beaches foryears, but the logistics and ability to overcome the obstaclesseemed insurmountable. Obstacles and Solutions

Government agencies are typically risk averse. We were con-cerned that our Risk Management Department would nevergive its blessing to a surf camp on the Northern CaliforniaCoast where there are great white sharks, rip currents, freez-ing water, and numerous medical emergencies each year.However, the Department agreed to let us pursue the campafter we showed the safety plans for the previous six years ofthe Regional Parks’ Junior Lifeguard Camps and theenhanced safety of having extra USLA certified counselors atthe beach.

Equipment is expensive especially rescue boards. Luckily,Costco (a large box store) had an abundance of 9-foot softtop surf boards for $99 each. In April, as soon as they wereavailable, the Junior Guards were immediately outfitted with10. Next season, we plan to purchase 10 more.

Weather is always a huge obstacle on the Northern CaliforniaCoast. The summer on our coast tends to be windy, foggy andcold. There can be triple-digit heat 15 miles inland and 50-degree temperatures at the beach. Not only is the weathercold, but the water is colder. The Pacific Ocean on theN o r t h e r nCalifornia Coastis typically colderin the summerthan in the win-ter. Upwellingbrings cold waterand nutrients to

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the surface, which is great for animal life; however, is quitethe contrary for our Junior Guards. The average ocean tem-perature is around 52 degrees. To tackle the obstacle of thefrigid waters, we required all participants to purchase or rentat least a 4:3 wetsuit and booties. We partnered with BodegaBay Surf Shack out of Bodega Bay for a discounted, weeklywetsuit rental to ensure that all participants had the properequipment.

If only it was as simple for the Campers out of the water as inthe water. We have a feeling that Campers’ gear out of thewater will continue to be a work in progress. Last summer,there were days that were sunny and in the mid-70s, somedays were in the mid-50s, windy and rainy. All the JuniorGuards frequently looked like they were packed for a trip toboth the Sahara and Antarctica. They brought flip flops andshorts along with parkas and rain gear.

In addition to the treacherous weather, the distance to thebeach was another obstacle. It is a 45-minute drive to DoranBeach which is the closest and calmest beach from Sonoma

County’s largest city, Santa Rosa. Many parents with chil-dren participating in our camps commented that they wouldlove to enroll their children in the Surf Camp, but the drivewas simply too much. In an effort to resolve this problem, weoffered camping as a way to entice a family vacation. Nearlya quarter of the families stayed at least one night during thefour-day camp. Next year we are planning to offer campingwith the registration and are working with the City of SantaRosa, our local government partner, to try and provide ashuttle service to the coast and back.

The FutureThe future looks promising for the Sonoma County RegionalParks Junior Lifeguard Camps on the coast. We achieved ourdream, but are far from finished. We plan to offer a campeach month during the 2014 summer season, and we arelooking at the possibility of offering a Spring Break Camp inMarch. We are excited to continue our partnerships with theCity of Santa Rosa, Bodega Bay Surf Shack and theCalifornia State Lifeguards on the North Coast who helpedmake our dream a reality. As one JG said as he was leaving,“it was Awesome!”

QUEST FOR THE COAST... from page 25

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U S L A AGENCY PROF I L E :Newport Beach Fire Department Marine Operations Division

USLA Certified Agency since Year:Advanced Agency 1994

Affiliated USLA Chapter?Newport Beach Ocean LifeguardAssociation founded in 1964.

Year agency was founded:August 1923, the City passed ordinance # 239 officially cre-ating the City Lifeguard Service. In 1929, the LifesavingService became affiliated with the Fire Department, underthe supervision of Fire Chief Frank Crocker.

Describe agency:Division of the Newport Beach Fire Department

Annual operating budget:Lifeguard Operations $4,060,971.64 Junior Lifeguards andTraining 1,089,227.12. Total 5,150,198.76.

Describe community (population/hotels/attractions):Newport Beach, is one of Southern California’s most pictur-esque, dynamic and popular beach communities. Located inthe center of coastal Orange County, Newport Beach isknown for its vast recreational opportunities and outstandingshopping, dining and lodging. The city surrounds NewportBay and more than 9,000 boats of all types are docked with-in the 21-square-mile harbor area. The bay and the city’seight miles of ocean beach offer outstanding fishing, swim-ming, surfing and aquatic activities. Newport Beach is knownfor its “villages”, each with its own distinct character andappearance.

They include Balboa Peninsula, a three-mile stretch bor-dered by Newport Harbor on one side and the Pacific Oceanon the other. It is famous for “the Wedge,” arguably one ofthe best bodysurfing sites in the world and the Ocean FrontWalk, one of the region’s most popular boardwalks. At thefoot of Newport Pier lies the historic McFadden Square,named for the family that helped found the city and the DoryFishing Fleet, where local fisherman bring in fresh seafooddaily. Approximately one mile south of the Newport Pier isthe Balboa, another of the city’s villages. Balboa includes theBalboa Pier, the Balboa Fun Zone, and the historic BalboaPavilion. Catch the Balboa Ferry from here for the short rideover to Balboa Island.

Corona del Mar to the east of the harbor entrance is uniquefrom the other beaches in Newport. Flat sandy beaches giveway to Coastal foothills meeting the ocean. The beach hastranquil cove like conditions unless the surf is directly fromthe south. Little Corona or Little “C” is a cove which beach

features tide pools and rocky reef formations. Both Big andLittle Corona are protected swim areas. Other villagesinclude West Newport, Lido Marina, Marnier’s Mile, FashionIsland, Newport Coast and the 8 islands located in NewportHarbor.

Seasonal or year round operation:Year Round

Hours of operation:Water observation from 0700 to one hour after sunset 365Days a Year. Lifeguard Stand By Response Memorial Daythrough September 30th.

Describe jurisdiction (area/miles):Newport Lifeguards provide observation and response fromthe Santa Ana River to Crystal Cove State Park and CoronaDel Mar Boarder, a distance of approximately 6.4 miles.Lifeguards are also provided at several bay beaches within theharbor. Lifeguards are available to respond to any water relat-ed emergency with in the cities 51.5 square miles includingthe bay, harbor and up to 3 miles off shore.

Describe geography ofbeach/shoreline/hazards/surf/temps:Newport Beach has over eight miles of diverse ocean frontgeography, of which 6.4 miles of falls within the patrol areaof the Marine Operations Division. A majority of water res-cues that are made are due to rip current activity. With bothsoutherly and westerly facing beach, Newport Beach receivessurf throughout the year. Sting Rays are common throughoutNewport Beach. Sting Ray wounds are a daily occurrence.

West Newport, located in the North-West end of the city,this area of the beach is popular with surfers and families

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alike. This area features broad, sandy beaches protected byrock groins. West Newport provides the most consistent surf-ing conditions winter and summer. The bottom profile is flatproviding gentle breaking waves during small surf and longrides during large swells. In moderate or large surf (Yellow orRed flag) conditions, this area produces dangerous trenching,long shore currents and rip currents that can overwhelmeven experienced swimmers. The area between 40th St. and44th St. is designated as a no surfing zone from May throughOctober making it attractive to body surfers and body board-ing enthusiasts.

The area around the Newport Pier is broad and sandy with avariety of surf conditions depending on the season. Blackies’beach offers gentle surf in the summer and the largest surf inNewport during winter swells. East of the Pier is “The Point”located at 18th street. This section of beach provides some ofthe best surfing and body surfing conditions particularlywhen large hurricane generated waves make their trek upfrom the Baja Peninsula. The point is capable of producingwaves up to 20 feet.

Balboa is 2-mile stretch of wide-open sand and includes theBalboa Pier, located at Main Street. The beach has a steepprofile and shore breaking waves. If the surf is moderate orlarger this area can produce large shore breaking waves thatcan be extremely dangerous to non-expert wave riders. Thisarea is popular with skim boarders. The Wedge located at theend of the Balboa Peninsula is world famous body surfingspot.

Corona Del Mar Beach located to the east of the Harborentrance is a protective swim area. Corona del Mar has densebeach population during the summer months. Corona DelMar is popular with ocean distance swimmers, scuba diver,paddle boarders and kayaks. Little Corona Cove is a MarinePreserve with tide pools. Rocky Point or Pirates Cove as it isalso known is a popular bay beach for small children.Newport Harbor has miles of Bay beaches with severalprotective swim areas.

In the winter months, the sea temperature can range from56-60 degrees. During the summer, water temperaturesaverage 67-70 degrees.

Average annual beach attendance/rescues/PAs/medicalaids/other statistics:Average Attendance: 10,000,000

Water Rescues: 3750

Medical Aids: 125,000

Mission Statement is:Protect life, property, and the environment with innovativeprofessionalism and organizational effectiveness using highlytrained professionals committed to unparalleled serviceexcellence.

Describe agency’s operational philosophy:VisionThe Newport Beach Fire Department will be engaged in thecommunity and recognized for exemplary lifesaving services,fire protection, prevention and preparedness by investing inour employees and the people we serve as well as focusingon our five Core Values:

• Integrity

• Teamwork

• Caring

• Respect

• Innovation

The mission and vision statement above provide the frame-work for all of the goals and activities of the Newport BeachFire Department. The Department’s 150 full-time employeesand 200 seasonal employees provide 24-hour protection andresponse to the City’s residents and visitors.

PRIMARY GOALS

• Identify and reduce fire and environmental hazards thatmay threaten life and property.

• Provide a safe, effective and expeditious response torequests for assistance.

• Develop an adequately trained work force to effectivelyperform their duties.

• Participate in the community development planningprocess to improve fire and life safety.

• Encourage department personnel to assume leadershiproles in the organization.

• Plan for response to natural and man-made disasters thataffect the community.

• Educate and train employees and the community toassist them in maintaining a safe environment.

USLA AGENCY PROFILE.. from page 27

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List facilities & inventories (type of buildings, # oftowers/vehicles/vessels, etc.):Lifeguard Headquarters at the base of the Newport Pier.

Corona Del Mar Sub Station

Junior Lifeguard modular building.

35 ocean lifeguard towers

3 Bay Lifeguard Towers

16 Vehicles:

• 2 Chevy Tahoes

• 7 GMC Colorados

• 1 Jeep Wrangler

• 3 Toyota Tacomas

• 1 Ford 150 Extended Cab

• 1 Ford F250 Crew Cab

• 1 Polaris Utility Vehicle

Vessels:

• 1 Honda Wave Runner PWC

• Three thirty-foot Crystaliner rescue boats.

Describe agency staffing:Lifeguard Chief (Assistant Fire Chief)

2 Lifeguard Battalion Chiefs

6 Lifeguard Captains

4 Lifeguard Officers

16 Seasonal Lifeguard III (Boat Operators, Dispatchers, andJunior Lifeguard Instructor Group Leaders).

68 Seasonal Lifeguard II (Unit Operators, Deckhands andJunior Lifeguard Instructors)

91 Seasonal Lifeguard I (Tower Lifeguards and JuniorLifeguard Instructors).

6 Lifeguard Safety Aids – Junior Lifeguard Program

Describe function and basic services provided:The City of Newport Beach Marine Operations Division isresponsible for water surveillance and rescue, boat rescue,underwater search and recovery and emergency medicalresponse along 6.4 miles of coastline and within NewportHarbor. The Marine Operations Division provides communi-ty education programs and manages the Junior LifeguardProgram. Each full time lifeguard is a certified EMT and is anAmerican Red Cross Emergency Response and AmericanHeart Association CPR instructor. The full time staff makesup the 13-member dive team. Lifeguard supervisors and areclassified as public officers and manage the beach resourceson a daily bases. Enforcement of Federal, State and City lawand regulations is done through education and voluntarycompliance. Lifeguard supervisor work closely with the

Newport Beach Police and Orange County Sheriff ’s HarborDivision on more difficult enforcement problems.

After hours response plan:The Marine Operations Division is staffed from 7 am untilone hour after sunset year round. From Memorial DayWeekend through the end of September, two full time staffmembers are on standby for immediate call back. Standbypersonnel are capable of being en route to a call out withintwo minutes and must remain within 10 miles of the jurisdic-tion. The remaining portion of the year Metro Net can con-tact employees by phone and pager to request response.

Mutual aid agreements:As part, the Newport Beach Fire Department the MarineOperations Division will provide mutual aid to the adjoiningFire Agencies and well as to all of the Orange CountyLifeguard Agencies.

List special beach events:The City of Newport Beach is host to various eventsthroughout the year that impact the beaches. The City isHome of Balboa to Newport Pier to Pier Swim and the DonBurn One Mile Swim off Corona Del Mar. The city allowsseveral surf contests each year and is the 2012 and 2013California Surf Life Saving Association regionalCompetition host.

Junior Lifeguard Program overview:By far the cities most popular recreational program the JuniorLifeguard Program educates over 1400 children ages 9 to 15with training in ocean safety. The program content consistsof 50% ocean proofing, 15% physical development, 15%marine safety, 10% first aid skills, and 10% competition. Toaccomplish this objective, the program utilizes a classroomtype environment and outside activities to stress the impor-tance of safety while at the beach. The program will informthe Junior Lifeguard how to properly prevent injury andrespond correctly in emergency situations.

They are provided with excellent instruction under thesupervision of the Lifeguard Training Captain, LifeguardOfficer, 39 Instructors, and 6 Assistant Instructors. Eachinstructor is a certified Ocean Lifeguard for the City ofNewport.

List of affiliated USLA Life Members:Maureen Boyer

Buddy Belshe

List of USLA awards or Members:Matt Blackford and Greg Meyer,Medal of Valor Recipient 2009

Completed by member:Brent Jacobsen

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It was a hot, hot July 5 day in Galveston. Word spread of aterrible flood that caused the Brazos River to jump its banks.Many people were cut off and were seeking temporary refugein treetops, on top of buildings, or mixed with farm animalson temporary islands formed by the rising water. The worst ofit was reportedly just outside the town of Duke.

Superintendent W. E. Hutchings, of the 8th lifesaving dis-trict received word late on the 5th and acted quickly. Hesecured the Galveston Lighthouse surf boat and two otherboats, a large long boat and a ship’s cutter and had themloaded onto the flatcar of a special train that the Santa FeRailway Service provided. He got Captain Edward Haines,keeper of the Galveston Life-Saving Station and KeeperWhite, of the Aransas Life-Saving Station to join them,along with several other volunteer surfmen. Everything wasloaded and ready by 2:15 pm, reaching Duke by 4.

The rail ran close to the river at one point and with someeffort all three boats were launched. They immediately found70 or 80 people trapped on little mounds that were now smallislands, huddled together with farm animals. The riverflowed quickly and there was a lot of debris to navigatearound but they went to work as fast as possible. The twosurfmen took the smaller surfboat through the shallowerwater, woods, and debris fields to a red farm house where 45or 50 people, including kids were huddled on the roof. Takingsmall groups at a time they eventually shuttled them to high

ground near the town and rowed back to the other two boats.The three boats continued rescues until they had gotten every-one in the area to safety. They finally stopped around 9pm,when it was too dark to continue safely. Many of the rescuedhuddled in boxcars while others were taken into the homes ofthe residents. As the rescuers accepted the hospitality of thelocals, word came that the city of Thompson, across the riverhad some 2-300 stranded people in need of assistance.

The rescuers grabbed a few hours of sleep, ate a hasty mealand headed off at first light. All that day they pulled one afteranother person to safety until night came and they ate a hastymeal provided by a local dry goods store owner, slept andstarted again.

All told the men worked almost continuously for 4 moredays. Food became scarce, and they had to contend with poi-sonous animals, brambles, heat, and sun. But they pushed on.

By the time it ended the representatives of the United StatesLifesaving Service (which branched later into the US CoastGuard, the Red Cross, and later the United States LifesavingAssociation) rescued a total of 257 lives and the other twoboats 300 more. One of the surf men died shortly after get-ting back to Galveston, possibly of exhaustion and malnour-ishment.

The year was 1899, but the tradition of their selflessness,courage, and bravery continues.

H IS TOR IC F LOOD IN TEXAS REC ALLEDPeter Davis, Galveston, TX

NAUT I C A® JO INS USL A SUPPOR T TEAMB. Chris Brewster, San Diego, CA

The primarysource of incometo the USLA isyou, our members.But that’s notenough to fund

the critical leadership the USLA offers as the onlynational nonprofit organization of beach lifeguards andopen water rescuers.

We’re pleased to welcome Nautica® as the title sponsorof the National Lifeguard Championships for both 2013(Manhattan Beach) and 2014 (Virginia Beach). In addi-tion to helping fund the Championships, Nautica’s sup-port will help fund many other programs, from public

education, to certification, to our recognition of heroicacts. And just as they support us, we hope you’ll supportthem by taking a look at Nautica’s quality products.

You may not know that Nautica® is a leading globallifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and chil-dren’s apparel and accessories to a complete home col-lection. Nautica® products are refined casual classicsinspired and energized by the water that are alwayscrisp, clean and distinct. Nautica® is available in morethan 75 countries with 256 Nautica® branded storesworldwide. Thanks Nautica®!

For additional information, please visit www.nautica.com.

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MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2013) — ElSegundo’s Kira Makuta and the host LA County LifeguardAssociation were standouts at the Nautica USLA 2013National Championships that kicked off with the junior life-guard competition featuring young participants from USLA-affiliated lifeguard programs across the country.

Makuta won four first-place gold medals on the day in thegirls’ 16 and 17-year-old age division, and also won a goldmedal in the relay race. She won titles in the Iron Guard,Run-Swim-Run, Surf Race (distance swim) and RescueBoard Race.

“It was fun, exciting,” said Makuta, moments after exiting thewater following her first win in the Iron Guard event, inwhich Junior Guards swim the designated course, run to thetransition area, then paddle the designated course and finishwith a final run leg.

Being an L.A. County lifeguard is a family affair for Makuta.Her father is a retired L.A. County Lifeguard Chief and atotal of 13 of her relatives have served as L.A. CountyLifeguards.

“Kira really dominated today,” said Makuta’s uncle, Steve

Contarsy, of Mar Vista, an L.A. County Lifeguard. “It’s in herblood. We’ve all spent so much time dedicated to this profes-sion. She is definitely the next in line to continue the tradi-tion.”

Added L.A. County Lifeguard Junior Coordinator BrianMurphy: “Kira could have competed and done very well insome of the women’s open events,” Murphy said. “She’s oneof our top competitors and we are thrilled at the way she per-formed today.”

The junior lifeguard competition opened the three-dayNationals. Over 450 junior lifeguards from across Americaparticipated on a resplendent sunny day with ideal condi-tions.

The talk on the beach was all about the great job done by theLA County hosts and the many volunteer USLA officials inmaking this a special event. As the sun set, talk turned toAugust 2014, where the venue will be Virginia Beach, mark-ing the 50th Anniversary of the United States LifesavingAssociation. See you there JGs!

Editor’s note: Want to find out how JGs (and adults) placedin the Nationals? Visit www.uslanational.org.

DESCENDENT OF L I F EGUARD FAMI LY I SJUN IOR NAT IONAL S S TAR

B. Chris Brewster, San Diego, CA

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R ECORD 244 COMPETE AT 29TH NPS ALL–WOMENCarl Martinez, Sandy Hook, NJ Photos courtesy of Laura Pedrick

A record 244 competitors representing 27 lifeguard servicesfrom 4 East Coast states vied for recognition among peers atthe 29th edition of the NPS All-Women.

This largest women-only U.S. lifeguard meet took place atthe Sandy Hook (N.J.) Unit of Gateway National RecreationArea on Wednesday, July 31, 2013.

Over the course of 10 events, these women demonstrated thespeed, stamina, and skill they use daily to safeguard the mil-lions who visit this nation’s shore areas.

They personified fit American womanhood in dramatic com-petitive action—running, swimming, paddling kayaks andrescue boards, and rowing surfboats.

Teams compete in Division 1 if they have fewer than 10women on their lifeguard staffs.

The top five teams in Div. 1 were: 1st, Asbury Park (N.J.);2nd, Jacob Riis Park (N.Y.); 3rd, Cape May Point (N.J.); 4th,

Wildwood (N.J.); and 5th, Middlesex (Del.).

Teams compete in Division 2 if they have 10 or more womenon their lifeguard staffs.

The top five teams in Div. 2 were: 1st, Sea Girt (N.J.); 2nd,Long Branch (N.J.); 3rd, East Hampton (N.Y.); 4th, SpringLake (N.J.); and 5th, Ocean City (Md.).

The top individual point-scorers were: Div. 1, Julianna L.Cavano, Asbury Park (N.J.) Beach Patrol; and Div. 2, AnneA. Skimmons, Sea Girt (N.J.) Beach Patrol.

It should be noted that this tournament is unique among life-guard competitions in the U.S. For it is, at its very core, aworkforce-diversity initiative.

The National Park Service hopes these impressive role mod-els will prompt other women to consider surf-lifeguard workas an employment option for themselves.

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Bob Dillon of theMonmouth County, NJChapter was awarded thisyear’s “Service Award”from the InternationalSwimming Hall of Fame,during the ISHOF’s annualInduction Weekend, May10-11. Below is his biogra-phical sketch from theISHOF Program bookindicating his affiliationwith the ISHOF overthe years.

Bob is a retired high school science educator and swim coachfrom the Jersey Shore and is a U.S. Navy veteran. Since hisretirement as an educator in 2007, after 31 years teachinghigh school science, he has been able to spend his winters

in Fort Lauderdale where the ISHOF is located, and where hevolunteers his time to do whatever is needed. He has beenaffiliated with the ISHOF since 1966, when he came to visitFort Lauderdale and the ISHOF and when he met thefounder, the late Buck Dawson. Bob’s high school swimcoach from Trenton Central High School (NJ), the late AlNeuschaefer, was inducted into the ISHOF in 1967. Bob waslater introduced to ISHOF Director Bob Duenkel by the lateDick Steadman, who Bob knew from the Jersey Shore. Hehas made a "pilgrimage" every year to ISHOF, during his col-lege days and both when he was in the Navy and when teach-ing, during his Christmas vacations. Since 1989, he hashelped set up and run the ISHOF’s "Rough Water OceanMile Swim”.

Now that he can spend more time in Ft Lauderdale, Bob hasbeen able to assistin a the operation of Ishof in a myriad ofways. In addition to helping with the annual ocean mile swim,he assisted in the organization and running of the "FranCrippin 10K Ocean Swim" (2011); assists in the preparationof the annual Induction Ceremonies, and for last year's inau-gural "Aquatic History Symposium". Bob is an ISHOF mem-ber and enjoys working with the regular staff of the ISHOF.

Bob has presented two plaques, along with monetary contri-butions to the ISHOF, one in 1996 on behalf of the late DickSteadman, member of ISHOF and also of the OlympicDiving Committee, and in 1983, on behalf of a MonmouthCounty NJ Water Safety icon, the late Howard Rowland.

He has been involved withaquatics all of his lifewhich has been his avoca-tion. Swimming in highschool and at GettysburgCollege; an American RedCross Instructor; memberof the Monmouth CountyARC Water SafetyCommittee; swimmingofficial; founder and firstcoach of Wall TownshipNJ High School, where hetaught; beach club aquaticdirector and manager;

founder and past president of the Monmouth CountyChapter of the USLA (25 years and now a life member);competition official for the Mid-Atlantic Region; and hasbeen a delegate to the national director’s meeting. Boborganized the national meeting in 1991 at Baltimore and hascontributed articles and regional reports to the “ALM” Hewas the logistics manager for the Monmouth CountyChapter team for nationals for 15 years, and has been thehead official of the local Monmouth County lifeguard "tour-naments" since 1972. Bob was awarded the USLA’s “BillyGeorge Sportsmanship Plaque" in 2003 (Cape May), and isstill involved with the USLA.as well as with the high schoolswim team, which he founded in 1995.

In 2000, at the turn of the millennium, Bob was recognizedby the "Asbury Park (NJ) Press" (11/28/11), for the paper's"2000 Millennium Countdown Project", being selected asone of the fifteen top/legendary lifeguards of the North JerseyShore Area for his contributions that had made an impact inthis profession. He was also recognized by the MonmouthCounty (NJ) Parks System, for twenty-five years of leader-ship in the lifeguarding profession.

USL A ' S BOB D I L LON RECE I VES SERV I CE AWARDBob Duenkel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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