What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word, Lifeguard? Most likely, you will picture the image of a Baywatch Lifeguard in a vibrant red swimsuit sauntering down the beach. Even though most lifeguards are extremely attractive and physically active, we often forget what they do to keep us safe on the beach. So, let’s take a look at, “Baywatch in Action."

The Oxford Dictionary’s definition of a lifeguard is: “An expert swimmer employed to rescue people who get into difficulty in a swimming pool or at the beach.” In order to become a lifeguard, you have to pass several swimming tests such as: swimming 800 yards, treading for two minutes, and holding your breath for one to two minutes.

Not only do lifeguards have to swim well, but they also have to be mentally tough and sharp. A lifeguard must know safety protocols, be familiar with the environment, and use equipment like rescue buoys. This does not include the intensive training lifeguards have to obtain.

In order to become a lifeguard, you have to be properly certified. According to the Oceanside Fire Department’s Informational Lifeguard page, lifeguards are required to be certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid. The majority of Oceanside lifeguards are Emergency Medical Technicians so, they can quickly respond to any emergencies on the beach. It is also interesting to note that if an individual calls 911, Oceanside lifeguards may be called to the scene.

Speaking of lifeguards, I was lucky enough to interview, Emile Lagendijk via telephone. Emile was a 19 year old kid in the Lifeguard Program when he fell in love with the ocean and realized the importance of teaching people about it—that was 20 years ago.

He is now the Lifeguard Lieutenant of the Oceanside Lifeguard Department. His challenge is to teach younger lifeguards and communicate with them effectively, despite the generation gap. He wants to instill in them the need to have good work ethic. It is not an easy task, but Emile does the best in preparing them and making sure they have the right mindset. In this job, the right attitude is everything.

For Emile, the most challenging situation he has encountered as a lifeguard is when he had to rescue several victims and provide assistance, at the same time performing CPR, during a major traffic accident on the beach. He also mentioned that he vividly remembers a time when they rescued a dolphin. They went on a boat and had to cut the fishing net that restricted it from swimming, because it was attached to its fin. He also shot a video of this rescue and you can watch it on the Oceanside Lifeguard Website. Check out this link!

Oceanside lifeguards rescue rope-snared dolphin

He also noted that the seal puppy season keeps them busy. This is the time when sea creatures, like the seal moms, wean and let the seal pups go. These babies get into a lot of trouble and need help.

Emile said that lifeguard duties include: monitoring and ensuring safety on assigned sections of the beach. They also have to administer medical aid and rescue when necessary. In order to be a Lifeguard, you have to complete a basic Lifeguard course and be certified by the American Red Cross and Emergency Medical Rescue (First Aid and CPR). You also have to graduate from the Lifeguard academy.

It takes a lot of professionalism, patience, and knowledge of the ocean to be a good lifeguard. However, you must also be responsible, athletic, and mature. A lifeguard’s job is very challenging! You must always be ready to help in traffic accidents, perform CPR, and be able to perform multiple victim rescues at a moment’s notice. A lifeguard must be alert and vigilant at all times!

I also asked Emile what safety advice he can give to beach goers. This is what he had to say: 1) Before swimming, talk to a lifeguard on duty and ask about if there are any hazardous conditions such as rip tides, 2) Never swim alone, 3) Swim near a lifeguard, 4) Avoid man-made structures, and 5) If you are in trouble, don’t panic! Keep calm and raise your hand up high!

I wrote this article to thank the lifeguards for the way they diligently handled my family’s emergency. During the Independence Day weekend, my family and I visited Oceanside, California. We were just relaxing in my godmother’s beach house. Suddenly, she accidentally cut herself while making a drink. Her index finger was heavily bleeding, and my family members knew she needed immediate medical attention. My family and I did not know if she needed stitches on her cut and were scared she would lose too much blood. Thus, we had to rush to the nearest first aid station.

After walking for about a mile, we saw an Oceanside Junior Tent and decided to ask for some help. Beach Lifeguard II Dieter Swank and Beach Lifeguard I Steven Cook saw we needed assistance. They wrapped her finger and calmly explained everything. I just wanted to thank the Oceanside Beach lifeguards for first aid given to my Tita Marissa. This experience is why I am considering becoming a lifeguard.

As shown, it takes an abundance of dedication, energy, effort, and tenacity to be a lifeguard. In my opinion, lifeguards are under-appreciated. They have dedicated themselves to saving lives and are not recognized as much as they should be. Instead of making googly eyes at a lifeguard, approach them and say: “Thank you for being a lifeguard. You do a lot to protect and save us. I appreciate your hard work and wish you the best.” And if you are inspired by what they do, maybe you can even join the lifeguard force and become part of “Baywatch.”