SUMMER 2016 - VOL. 33, NO. 3 ALM SUMMER 2016 (2) ALM EXECUTIVE TEAM IN THIS ISSUE USLA Executive Board USLA Regional Presidents USLA Special Assignments President New England American Lifeguard Magazine Peter Davis, Bob Bertrand B. Chris Brewster PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ...... 4 Galveston, TX [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mid-Atlantic Bylaws and Policies WATER SAFETY USA ...... 5 Vice-President Ed Zebrowski Ed Zebrowski III Rob Williams [email protected] [email protected] Newport Beach, CA South Atlantic Certification 34 YEARS OF PIPELINE RESCUES ...... 7 [email protected] Tom Gill Tony Pryor Treasurer [email protected] [email protected] THE HISTORY OF BEACH LIFEGUARDING Michael Bradley Southeast Lifesaving Sport Charleston, SC Gerry Falconer Ed Zebrowski WORLDWIDE - PART II ...... 10 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Great Lakes Heroic Acts Awards Nikki Bowie, USLA AGENCY PROFILE ...... 15 Joe Pecoraro Adrienne Groh Charleston, SC [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Gulf Coast Junior Lifeguards VOLUNTEER PROFILE – NIKKI BOWIE ...... 24 Executive Delegate Tony Pryor David Robinson Ed Zebrowski III [email protected] [email protected] Cape May, NJ PISMO BEACH JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS ...... 27 [email protected] Northwest Membership Bert Whitaker Charlotte Graham Liaison Officer [email protected] [email protected] MAKING A DIFFERENCE ...... 33 B. Chris Brewster San Diego, CA Southwest (CSLSA) Professional Development [email protected] Mike Beuerlein Stephanie McCormick PARTING SHOT ...... 34 [email protected] [email protected] Advisor Ralph Goto Pacific Islands Public Education Honolulu, HI Kalani Vierra Denise Blair [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Medical Advisor Public Information and Dr. Peter Wernicki, Media Relations Vero Beach, FL Tom Gill [email protected] [email protected] Legal Advisor Statistics John "Chip" More, Rick Gould Neptune City, NJ [email protected] [email protected] Ways & Means USLA Executive Director Michael Bradley Kay Smiley [email protected] [email protected] Website Karissa Ickes [email protected]
United States Lifesaving Association
We are America’s nonprowfiwt,wp.ruofselsas.iorngal as8so6c6ia-FtiOoRn-UofSbLeAac(h36li7fe-8gu7a5r2ds) and open water rescuers. The USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other means. Corporate address: P.O. Box 366, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 or [email protected].
American Lifeguard Magazine ™Aims tehreicoaffniciLailfemgaugazridneMoaf gthaezUinSeL™ A, mailed February 1, June 1, and October 15 to a membership of about 10,000 members and subscribers. The opinions expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USLA. We welcome stories, photos, and advertising which target our audience of athletic, beach oriented people. Our junior lifeguard members (our largest member category) range in age from 8 - 18, with an average age of 12. They are about 55% male, 45% female. Our lifeguard members (professional, alumnus, and life) range in age from 16 to over 85, with an average age of 29. They are about 80% male, 20% female. Readers include lifeguard agency chiefs, junior lifeguard program administrators, and others involved in purchasing decisions. Promote your products and services by delivering your message directly to lifesaving professionals through the only magazine targeting beach lifeguards in the US. We rarely pay for articles or photos, but give full credit. We pay $100 for cover photos.
Deadlines for contributing stories, photos, or advertising to ALM are March 15 (summer edition), July 31 (fall edition), and November 15 (winter edition), unless a later date is approved by the editor. You are encouraged to contribute earlier, as this increases the possibility of selection.
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ALM SUMMER 2016 (3) PRESIDPeEter NDavTis,’GSalvesMton, ETX SSAGE Three and a half decades ago, I showed co-sponsored by the American up for my first day of work as a season - Camping Association, the United al beach lifeguard in Galveston, Texas States Lifesaving Association, and the They looked at my Red Cross pool life - Council for National Cooperation in guard card, told me to keep people Aquatics. Participants included groups away from the piers and close to shore, like the American Red Cross, the US and sent me to a rock groin for the first Coast Guard, the National Park half of the day to shadow an “experi - Service, and many leaders of USLA I almost died the first time I made a enced” guard. I had visions of this affiliated beach lifeguard operations. In decent rescue. It wasn’t that I wasn’t guard being a mentor and guide — a the end, not only were key benchmarks physically able to do it. I’d been an avid sort of beach-god surveying his king - for beach lifeguarding agreed upon, but surfer and swimmer from the age of 10. dom from a throne (lifeguard tower) the stage was set for the USLA to take But I’d never practiced in the ocean able to sense when he was needed and the lead nationally. and hadn’t repeated the skill over and over until the chances of making a respond with superhuman speed to Eventually, the standards were inte - dumb mistake were eliminated. It was a people in danger. grated into an actual certification pro - hard lesson to learn and almost chased gram and the first training manual was In reality my “instructor” ended up being me away from the profession. But now created (it’s since been updated twice). more of a pudgy human, not even sitting Galveston’s lifeguards hit the stands Now we have somewhere in the neigh - in his tower. He was wallowing on his the first time with 100 hours of stan - borhood of 130 USLA certified agen - belly in a big puddle by the jetty, his chin dardized training and are exponentially cies which all adhere to at least the on a rescue tube, yelling and whistling at better prepared than I was. Scores of minimum recommended standards. An people to move away from the rocks. agencies and thousands of lifeguards incredible amount of volunteer time Two hours later I was moved to work a would say the same. There’s no way to and energy went into these projects so tower solo, knowing no more what to do accurately measure the millions of lives we’d be where we are today. But, as than before I showed up to work. That that were impacted in a positive way by painful a process as it was, the sweat completed my training course. these advancements, led by the USLA. they put in cleared the path. It’s hard to believe this scenario was the Working with guards and agency One of the many exciting things going norm for most of the country. At the administrators around the country, and on right now with the USLA is that a time though, there were no standard - around the world, who don’t yet enjoy project is underway to rewrite, update, ized minimum requirements for beach the gift that our predecessors gave us by and modernize our current USLA man - lifeguards. Of course there were agen - creating this structure is eye opening. ual. There will be an online supple - cies with excellent training programs, Communities and organizations that ment that accompanies it, with addi - but no real consistency or quality con - don’t yet see the value of supporting a tional materials to support instructors, trol standards — until 1980 when a program that meets these minimum like lesson plans, PowerPoint presenta - national conference took place in standards endangers the lifeguards, the tions, and a test bank. Input has been Galveston to address those gaps. public, and the economic viability of solicited from our member body and Considering my beginnings as a life - the communities themselves. But when representatives from each region to guard there, it was clear there was plen - they’re ready and the ground is fertile, ensure that each part of the country has ty of space for advancement when that the tools will be there to help sow the the opportunity to voice their specific conference began. seeds of successful, modern, lifesaving needs. Since most of what we do programs. The conference “Conference to involves volunteer labor, this is a huge Develop Guidelines for Establishing effort. But the payoff is that their Each step we take in this area is one Open-Water Recreational Beach efforts can help shape all of our training step closer to the dream of a nation free Standards” was hosted by the Center programs for years to come. Better pre - of open-water drowning death. Many, for Marine Training and Safety of the pared lifeguards means safer waters and many, kudos to all of you who do so Coastal Zone Laboratory of Texas fewer drowning deaths on our nation’s much day in and day out to move us A&M University at Galveston. It was beaches. closer to that dream.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (4) WATER SAFETY USA
The United States Lifesaving data (e.g. circumstances of drowning Association is proud to announce the events, swim skill of victims and popu - launch of Water Safety USA — a new lation, effectiveness and reach of pro - consortium consisting of 13 leading gram efforts) will assist in development national governmental and non - and more effective targeting of preven - governmental organizations with a tion programs and strategies. strong record of providing drowning prevention and water safety programs, including public education. Water Safety USA was created as a result of a Water Safety: It’s learning to joint initiative of the United States Lifesaving Association, the American swim and so much more … Red Cross, and the YMCA of the USA to bring together the major contribu - The founding member organizations of tors to water safety and drowning pre - Water Safety USA are: Water Safety USA is a roundtable of vention in the United States. • American Academy of Pediatrics equals. Each of the member organiza - In February 2014, then President B. tions of Water Safety USA has been • American Red Cross Chris Brewster, then Vice-President involved in efforts to reduce drowning Peter Davis, and Executive Director • Boy Scouts of America and improve water safety and that will Kay Smiley represented the USLA at continue. Our hope is that by aligning • Centers for Disease Control and messaging and working collaboratively the formative meetings, beginning in Prevention Washington, D.C. The USLA has been the effectiveness of our individual orga - represented at each in-person meeting • National Park Service nizational efforts will be enhanced to the betterment of those we serve. One since, as well as numerous telephonic • National Safe Boating Council meetings. From the outset, Chris of our first efforts was to identify a key • National Swimming Pool Brewster has served as moderator of water safety message each year to pro - Foundation Water Safety USA at the request of the mote to the general public, which we group. • Safe Kids Worldwide expect to announce each spring. The message for 2016, which was formally • U.S. Coast Guard released in May, is: “Water Safety: It’s Learning to Swim and so much more...” The long-term goal of • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Drowning is a leading cause of death Water Safety USA is to • United States Lifesaving and injury in the USA. Water acci - reduce drowning and Association dents can be devastating, but with proper safety precautions, water is one • USA Swimming Foundation promote water safety in of our healthiest recreational environ - the United States. • YMCA of the USA ments. Water Safety USA believes by working collaboratively it can mean - These member organizations believe ingfully reduce the nearly 5,800 annual that identifying evidence-based strate - trips to emergency rooms and more Water Safety USA exists to empower gies to promote water safety and using than 3,800 deaths due to drowning. people with resources, information and consistent, evidence-based wording of The good news is that drowning is tools to safely enjoy and benefit from water safety messages are key to reduc - almost always preventable. our nation's aquatic environments. ing the incidence of drowning. The long-term goal of Water Safety Additionally, the members of Water For more information about Water USA is to reduce drowning and pro - Safety USA believe that the collection Safety USA, please visit: www.water - mote water safety in the United States. and analysis of reliable, standardized safetyusa.org
ALM SUMMER 2016 (5) ALM SUMMER 2016 (6) 34 YEARS OF MPaIttPPruEett LINE RESCUES
Editor’s Note : This Q&A article on City of my coworkers are my former stu - and County of Honolulu lifeguard Rick dents. The time is right to pass it on to Williams first appeared online at Surfline’s the next guy. website (www.surfline.com). The USLA So what now, a surf trip perhaps? thanks Surfline for allowing us to republish it here. [Laughs] My whole life is a surf trip. Living on the North Shore for 42 years, Question: How’d you get into the life - I’ve seen the most amazing surf. I’m saving business? pretty well traveled — I’ve been to Rick Williams: I grew up in Hermosa Mexico 13 times, Fiji 11 times, Beach, CA, and learned to surf when I Australia eight times, Costa Rica six was six years old. I first got involved Rick Williams. times, South Africa and Bali twice — with lifeguarding in 1969 through the Photo courtesy of Rex Dubiel. and I’ve scored perfect waves every - Junior Lifeguard program at Redondo where I’ve gone, so I’m not super eager Haleiwa, V-Land and Rockies, but I Breakwater. to go on a surf trip. wasn’t really chasing after it at Pipe. Most guys were riding single-fins, often without leashes, there were very few He was sending me to bodyboards and it was a goofyfooter’s I’m on a first-name basis Pipeline, that was like the paradise — which is one of the reasons with my dermatologist. I shied away from it, because I’m regu - key to the city! larfoot. Right now I’m just going to cruise, But once they assigned me to go there, spend time with my wife and enjoy I had some really good mentors and When I was 15, I ran away from home myself at home. I’ve made some invest - learned the whole deal about Pipeline. and moved here. I picked up a newspa - ments, own a couple of rentals, and I I started bodysurfing out there and saw per in 1981 and read that there was a have my pension coming in — so I’m some pretty wicked stuff right off the rash of drownings on Oahu. The life - not too worried financially. And I’ve bat. I feel proud to have gotten to the guards were short-staffed and a couple got some projects I’m working on. I live level that I did, because I’m not a big- people drowned right in front of the in Pupukea and have over an acre of wave surfer. But I’ve gone out there so towers. At the end of the story, it said organic farmland that I virtually run by many times and had so many remark - they were looking to hire lifeguards. At myself. I’ve never hired any employees. able sessions that I learned to enjoy it. the time I was working construction. I It’s such a perfect wave. So exciting, I want to grow more vanilla and set up liked it, but lifeguarding had a real but so frightening at the same time. my greenhouse. I love playing with magnetism to it. I tried out and came in plants, watching them grow and pro - 2nd out of 40 guys, so the captains were What compelled you to hang it up? ducing organic food that people can practically begging me to come to their Exhaustion. I’m 58, I’ve had three eye buy. It’s worthwhile, and I’ve been able recruitment class. surgeries over the past two years due to to juggle farming with my 40-hour When did you get stationed at Pipe? sun damage and I’m on a first-name weeks at the beach. I’ve always been on basis with my dermatologist. I’m in the go, so it will be nice to relax. I started at Haleiwa two days a week pretty good shape for my age, but it’s and had only been working for three What’s the biggest change you’ve not getting any easier. But there’s cer - weeks when the captain told me they noticed during your tenure? tain aspects of the job that I’ll never be needed someone to work at Ehukai. I ready to leave. The reality of it, Well, for one thing the level of surfing mean, he was sending me to Pipeline, though, is you can’t do it forever. It’s a has gotten progressively higher. Every that was like the key to the city! young man’s deal. I ran the NSLA Living here since ’74, I surfed Sunset, Junior Lifeguards for 15 years, so many continued on next page
ALM SUMMER 2016 (7) season that passes you see more outra - How do you deal with the psychologi - in my life. He made everything so fun geous and progressive stuff. One thing cal effects of a fatality? and interesting, yet so simple and clear that’s a little disturbing to me is the as far as anatomy, physiology, under - I’ve seen about 20 dead bodies over the way parents send their 10-year-old chil - standing how your body is put together, course of my career. I’ve had people dren out at eight-foot Pipeline without and how the systems work together — throw up on my feet. I’ve had about 25 thinking twice or coming to check how to look at somebody, assess their CPR cases, and I’ve had to shock some - with us. The kids are so small, they’re vital signs, and be able to tell what the body with a defibrillator and see them not very strong, and it’s just gotten a problem is and how to treat it. We’re start breathing two seconds later. little out of hand. I think kids need to really well-trained over here. Everybody handles it a little differently, go back and take swimming lessons, but it’s never been a problem for me, Even for the deadliest wave in the become stronger that way. Swimming is world? everything. If you can’t swim, or have the confidence that swimming gives One thing that’s a little I try not to look at it like that too often. you, you shouldn’t be out there. You’re right, it is the deadliest, but it’s disturbing to me is the also one of the most amazingly beauti - How has technology altered the life - way parents send their ful beaches in the world. And the level saving landscape? 10-year-old children out at of action and activity is so high, you Jet-skis came about around 1990. That almost get numb to it. And it’s always really revolutionized things to the eight-foot Pipeline without changing. It can go from mediocre to point where almost every lifeguard thinking twice or coming all-time in two hours. Then you see the agency in the world now uses them. We craziest [thing] every five minutes. It’s also rely heavily on the ATV to cover to check with us. almost overwhelming… kind of ridicu - such an extensive area. Three and a lous, really. It’s been so fulfilling and seeing someone's blood or looking half miles from V-Land, there’s only fun, and the people I’ve worked and inside somebody’s skull. three lifeguard towers, so ATV’s are surfed with at Pipeline — the whole very important. We’ve always had a A big part of that was the initial train - North Shore in general — they’re just radio system, which is essential, and ing I got from Dr. McCabe, the medical really high-caliber people. In some having up-to-the-minute, reliable surf trainer from that first recruitment class. ways I’m going to miss it, and in some forecasts now has been huge, as well. He was the best teacher I’ve ever had ways I’m relieved that I survived it all.
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: - 25 –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
ALM SUMMER 2016 (8) ALM SUMMER 2016 (9) THE HISTORY OF BEACH LIFEGUARDING
WORLDWB. CIhrDis BErews-ter PART II
Editor’s Note: The Science of Beach Hazards aside, use of the line was con - rope shall be provided at each lifeguard Lifeguarding was published in the first sidered a reliable method of rescue, station at ocean bathing beaches.’ quarter of 2016. Written by leading despite some notable disadvantages. (8:26-5.12 Lifesaving equipment for researchers and academics, this is the first There is the drag on the swimmer mak - bathing beaches.) book to pull together the different areas ing way toward the victim, for exam - Rescue Floatation Devices involved in beach lifeguarding and to eval - ple, and the need for multiple lifesavers uate the science behind current practice. for the rescue of a single person. Rescue floatation devices (RFDs) have The publishers have graciously permitted become the most fundamental rescue ALM to reprint the first chapter of the implement of lifesavers today. Their book and to offer a 15% discount to ALM utility is manifold. They can be carried readers here: http://bit.ly/1QkVqHd. The and swum easily behind a single life - first portion was published in the Winter saver with minimal drag; can be pushed 2016 edition of ALM. The following is the to a victim in distress, thus eliminating second portion of the chapter. The third direct contact with a panicked victim; portion will be published a future edition and with the leash and harness, allow of ALM. the lifesaver to swim normally when The reel, line, and belt achieved an THE EVOLUTION OF BEACH iconic status in Australia, surviving as a returning to the beach. The first RFDs LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT primary method of lifesaving for decades. were life-rings towed by a lifeguard Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia with a sling over the shoulder, but they Lifesaving equipment has been a major created quite a drag and a better solu - aspect of the evolution of lifesaving. The reel, line, and belt achieved an tion was needed. (5) Innovated over time, lifesaving organi - iconic status in Australia, surviving as a zations have learned from each other’s primary method of lifesaving for The first rescue buoy is reported to advances and gradually, although not decades. SLSA’s extended reluctance to have been developed by Captain completely, gravitated toward interna - give up the line in favor of more mod - Henry Sheffield, an American who was tional standardization. ern lifesaving tools (e.g. rescue floata - touring Durban, South Africa in 1897. It was four feet long, made of sheet Rescue Lines tion devices) drew some derision. In correspondence between themselves in metal, sharply pointed at both ends, The reel, line, and belt, the landline, or 1977 and 1978, the secretary of World and quite heavy. (6) The design was whatever it might be called in different Life Saving (a New Zealander) joked modified in a myriad of ways in the places involves a lifesaver swimming a that if Australia ran out of nylon line United States. The heavy sheet metal line out to a victim in distress and life - everyone would drown; while the WLS was replaced with copper or balsa wood savers (or others) ashore pulling them president referred to it as, ‘… a lifesav - or aluminum (rounded on both ends), back. It was being used as early as 1902 ing method so archaic I can’t even and also fiberglass. A version made of in the U.S. (1) It was used both on the believe it.’ (4) (Considering that the copper was being used by Atlantic City east and west coasts. In Australia it was WLS president at the time was lifeguards as early as 1901. (5) first placed in service at Bondi Beach in American, he was either unaware of or 1907. (1) Atlantic City ceased using it Walter Biddell of the Bronte surf club equally dismissive of the line’s wide - early on after one of their lifeguards was in Australia introduced a ‘torpedo spread use in his own country by life - pulled ashore dead, having become buoy’ of canvas and kapok in 1907 to entangled in the line. That tragedy was guards on the New Jersey shore.) be used in conjunction with the reel repeated in Australia where in 1924 a Today the line is used almost exclusive - and line, or independently, but no lifesaver died on the line, then two ly in competition, not in lifesaving, device of this sort would be officially more in 1950, and a fourth in 1967 at although the New Jersey Bathing Code adopted by Surf Life Saving Australia Coaldale Beach. (2) (3) still requires: ‘A 600 foot ¼ inch poly for more than 60 years. (2) Conversely,
ALM SUMMER 2016 (10) the U.S. lifeguard organizations, which Angeles County lifeguard Lieutenant legend Duke Kahanamoku. A member were all independent of each other, Bob Burnside (the founding president of an Australian club, Charles Paterson, used what they wanted, and they want - of the United States Lifesaving brought a surfboard from Hawaii in ed rescue buoys. Association) about injuries to lifeguards 1912 that was, typical of the time, solid struck by aluminum rescue buoys. He redwood and 99 pounds, but the effort An advantage of the early rescue buoy noticed a plastic pliable statuette sitting to use it for surfing by club members was designs were that they moved fairly on his desk and wondered if the buoy a failure, apparently due to lack of any smoothly through the water, producing could be constructed of similar materi - board riding experience, and it was less drag than a life ring. A disadvan - al. He consulted with Professor Ron quickly retired. (2) Several years later, tage was that they sometimes caused Rezek, an industrial design expert at the in 1915, Kahanamoku visited Australia injuries, both to rescuers and those University of California at Los Angeles. and demonstrated to the lifesavers how being rescued. They sketched different designs until to surf these boards. Thus began the In 1935, Santa Monica, California life - they arrived at one that seemed to work surfing culture in Australia. Lifesavers guard Pete Peterson came up with a dif - and, using a new method called rota - did endeavor to use these boards for res - ferent approach. He wanted something tional molding, the plastic rescue buoy cue, but found them so unwieldy and to secure a victim in the surf, not just was born in 1968. Known to many as dangerous that they were banned for something the victim could hold onto. the Burnside buoy or ‘can’ (a terminol - that practice. (1) Amazingly, the design He produced an inflatable, bright yel - ogy throwback to the original metal of surfboards in Australia went largely low rescue tube with a snap hook mold - design) and used by lifesavers through - unchanged until 1956. ed onto one end and a 14 inch strap on out the world, it was made iconic by the Kahanamoku also visited the U.S. west the other, based on a design by Reggie 1980s television show Baywatch, whose coast in 1913 and struck up a friend - Burton and Captain George Watkins. lifeguards seemed to use it exclusively. ship with Roy ‘Dutch’ Miller of the A line and harness were then attached. (7) (Personal communication via e- Long Beach, California lifeguards. mail, Bob Burnside, April 12, 2015.) This highly visible RFD was used by Realizing the utility for rescue, the many lifeguard services into the early Long Beach lifeguards arranged to 1960s. (7) There is much discussion have modified surfboards made by the In response to the buoyancy problems city’s maintenance shop and used them related to punctures and climatic condi - amongst lifesavers about for rescue thereafter. (8) Other life - tions, Peterson redesigned the tube, the relative merits of the guard agencies in California used them constructing it of flexible foam rubber for rescue as well. tube and buoy. with an orange skin to keep water out of Although he was not a trained life - the interior. While this was an saver, Kahanomoku was involved in at There is much discussion amongst life - improvement, the skin was still subject least one extraordinary rescue. He and savers about the relative merits of the to piercing and the underlying open cell fellow surfers were credited with using tube and buoy. The buoy is highly foam would then act like a sponge, their boards to save the lives of 13 peo - buoyant and, particularly in its larger becoming waterlogged. By the late ple when a gas launch overturned off size, can facilitate the rescues of numer - 1960s, however, closed-cell foam rubber Laguna Beach, California in June 1925. ous victims simultaneously, although was invented, and the tube was manu - (9) factured with this material so that they must be conscious and able to Australians and Americans Exchange punctures to the skin no longer resulted maintain their grips on the handles. Concepts to Their Betterment in water absorption. This device is still The tube, while less useful for multiple known to some as the Peterson tube, victim rescues, is particularly secure for A dramatic evolution in Australian but is more commonly known as the a single victim, around which it can be and U.S. lifesaving, as well as rescue tube. (7) Ironically, this tool to wrapped and secured. Thus the buoy Australian surfing, took place in 1956. help secure victims in the turbulence of tends to be used on beaches with high Upon the occasion of Australia’s host - the surf is now widely used in the calm rescue volumes. (7) ing of the Olympic Games, Surf Life environment of pools, often to support Rescue Boards Saving Australia decided to organize a lifeguards, rather than victims. concurrent Australian Olympic One man seems to have been a primary International Surf Championships at The modern plastic rescue buoy was factor in introducing the surfboard to developed as a result of concerns by Los lifesavers: the swimming and surfing continued on page 14
ALM SUMMER 2016 (11) ALM SUMMER 2016 (12) ALM SUMMER 2016 (13) continued from page 11 In one instance, lifeguard Tad Devine, Surf , by Douglas Booth, ‘Australian Torquay, not far from Melbourne, the the son of movie star Andy Devine surfing at the time was, in Zahn’s center for the Olympic Games. Teams (who had also been a beach lifeguard), words, ‘like nowhere.’ They were still of lifesavers from other countries demonstrated the rescue tubes and going straight off on 16-foot paddle - including South Africa, Great Britain, buoys to the Australian lifesavers. The boards.’ (12) Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), New Zealand, U.S. team captain noted that each The Americans left their boards and the U.S. were invited. In the U.S. lifeguard was assigned one and behind, and surfing in Australia absence of a national U.S. lifesaving they needed just one lifeguard for a res - changed forever, but so did lifesaving. organization, some California life - cue of up to five people, instead of the The lifesavers came to use them in res - guards created one on the fly, calling five or six lifesavers needed to rescue a cues and added handles. They were themselves the Surf Life Saving single person with the reel, line, and eventually shortened to the present 2.8 Association of America. In fact, it belt. (2) (11) meters to lighten them and made them would barely have qualified as a club in of fiberglass. (2) They would still not Australia, although it was composed of replace the reel, line, and belt though. The Americans left their professional lifeguards from several Why might Australians have preferred organizations. (7) boards behind, and surfing the rescue board, but rejected the res - in Australia changed forever. cue buoy and tube? Tradition, it seems. It was not until an international con - ference was hosted in Australia in 1976 A sponsor, Ampol Petroleum, offered that word was passed, to the horror of to donate rescue tubes for use on all of many, that the reel, line, and belt Australia’s beaches if SLSA agreed to would eventually be retired in favor of adopt them. (2) Sadly, it was not to be, rescue tubes, boards, and other devices. explains Alleyn Best: ‘Despite favor - (13) In fact, the SLSA standard for res - able results from testing the tube in July cue tubes was not published until 1986. 1957 by two Collaroy club members in (2) Surf Life Saving New Zealand difficult conditions at Bilgola Beach, notes their move a bit differently stat - inaction by the various gear commit - ing that, ‘A major shift of thinking was tees of state and national Boards of needed to free lifesaving [from the reel, Examiners led to a lack of interest for line, and belt] to take to the water with many years. So entrenched was the fins and neoprene rescue tubes … in reel, line, and belt in the Australian the 1970s.’ (14) surf lifesaving movement’s traditions The value of the trip to the Americans and culture that 30 years elapsed before was easily equal, but in a very different One of the earliest and most influential the flexible rescue tube was adopted way. Their local lifeguard employers all international exchanges of lifesaving knowledge took place in 1956 at an nationally.’ (2) worked independently, with no single national standard. There was no event hosted at Torquay Beach by It was a different story with respect to Surf Life Saving Australia. national association and there were no surfboards. Several of the California Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia national training standards for beach and Hawaiian lifeguards, notably Greg lifesaving. Inspired by what they had The Americans brought with them Noll, Mike Bright, and Tom Zahn, seen, the Americans went on to found three lifesaving tools: the rescue buoy, were also expert surfers and attracted what is now the United States the rescue tube, and the short and light huge attention with their surf riding Lifesaving Association, in 1964. One Malibu balsa surfboard. Up until then skills, which had never before been of them was Bob Burnside, who drove Australian lifesavers had been relying seen in Australia. Their boards were the creation of the USLA and became on the reel, line, and belt, and surfing lighter, shorter, and much more its founding president. One of its pri - was limited to the massive plank design maneuverable. Several minutes of that Duke Kahanamoku (who was in Service in the Sun are devoted simply to mary founding goals was national stan - attendance) had introduced. A movie showing the Americans surfing. dards for beach lifeguarding, which was made at the time entitled Service in According to Australian Beach ultimately achieved. (7) the Sun details the outcome. (10) (11) Cultures: The History of Sun, Sand and continued on page 28
ALM SUMMER 2016 (14) USLA AGENCY PROFILE Agency name: Local Community Description: Beach geography and other facts: Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue (FLOR) The City of Fort Lauderdale was incor - The beach is fairly consistent through - porated in 1911 and today has slightly out, with an unobstructed soft sand Address: over 160,000 residents, with 37,000 of beach. There are no jetties, piers, or 501 Seabreeze Boulevard, those people living on the barrier inlets. We do not get large surf very Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 island known as Fort Lauderdale consistently, but have many rip cur - Website: Beach. The median age of these resi - rents, most in fixed locations, any - www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/fi dents is 39. The median household where from 50 to 150 yards apart, that re-rescue/ocean-rescue income is $55,538. The average high can pull 50 to 300 yards from shore. temperature is 75° in January and 90° The water temperature ranges from Phone (public): in July. 70°-90°, with an average temperature (954) 828-4595 of 77°. Fort Lauderdale beach is Seasonal or year round operation: impacted by large influxes of USLA certified agency since: Year-round operation. 2008 (regular) Portuguese Man-of-War, mainly in Hours of operation: winter and spring. Affiliated USLA chapter name: During Eastern Standard Time, life - Annual average statistical highlights: USLA Fort Lauderdale Chapter guards respond from 6:30 am until 6:30 Attendance 3.5 million; 100,000 beach (Southeast Region) pm, with the lifeguard towers open from patron contacts; 25,000 preventive 9:15 am until 6:00 pm. During Daylight Year agency founded: 1926. actions; 175 rescues with 250 individu - Savings Time, we respond from 7:30 am als rescued; 9,000 first aids with 100 Agency Alignment: until 7:30 pm, with guard towers open patients transported to area hospitals; The lifeguards of Fort Lauderdale from 9:30 am until 7:15 pm. Ocean Rescue are considered public 75-100 missing persons lost and found. Jurisdiction: safety, and are classified as a stand- Mission statement: FLOR shares the FLOR actively guards three miles of alone division of the Fort Lauderdale USLA's mission statement. beach and responds to reported (or Fire-Rescue Department. observed) emergencies on an addition - Operational philosophy: Annual operating budget: al four miles of unguarded, primarily Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue prides $3.2 million. private beach area. itself on its preemptive, preventive actions, with the ultimate goal of zero rescues. Those responsible are a team of very experienced lifeguards. FLOR has one of the lowest turnover rates of any Florida beach patrol, with an average lifeguard being 38 years, with 14 years of seniority and close to 20 years in the profession. FLOR dispatches Advanced Life Support on all water rescues, only to be called off after patient evaluation by an onsite lieutenant. Facilities and major equipment: There are two headquarters locations, 20 permanently stationed lifeguard towers (with temporary auxiliary tow - ers used for special events), four Toyota Tacoma trucks, three Honda all-terrain vehicles, and two personal watercraft FLOR lifeguard Crystal Haire with junior lifeguards. Photo credit: Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol continued on next page
ALM SUMMER 2016 (15) with daily beach conditions is main - tained that includes a live beach cam and educational information for the public and schoolteachers that meets state of Florida educational curriculum requirements. Personnel: Full-time personnel: One Division Chief, 8 Lieutenants, and 36 Lifeguards. Part-time personnel: 50 Lifeguards. All personnel work year round (no seasonal positions). Of these 95 personnel, 50 are EMTs and 30 are paramedics. Pay, including all classifications, ranges from $17.60 per hour to $95,500 per year. Top scale for regular, full-time lifeguards is about Photo credit: Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol $54,000 per year. with sleds. Automatic external defibril - trained in their use. A centrally con - Range of services: lators are positioned at every other trolled public address system with four- Lifeguards respond to all aquatic and staffed lifeguard tower and in each way speakers on all guard towers is used medical emergencies on the streets and supervisory vehicle. King airway in a variety of situations from lost chil - sidewalks along/adjacent to the beach, devices are available with lifeguards dren to lightning closures. A website continued on page 20
ALM SUMMER 2016 (16) ALM SUMMER 2016 (17) ALM SUMMER 2016 (18) ALM SUMMER 2016 (19) continued from page 16 including boating emergencies. An advanced life support ambulance is dis - patched upon the initiation of any water rescue and cancelled if not needed. Protocol includes having an AED and a King Airway device on scene in under a minute, anywhere on our beach. Special services: Three beach wheel chairs are available free of charge upon request and a dog- Program since 1986. We currently host drownings on that area. FLOR is organ - friendly beach is available on weekends 200 JGs annually, with three, two-week izing through Fort Lauderdale Fire- at specifically designated times. FLOR sessions, and a new year-round Rescue, and Sister Cities International, has hosted three USLA Southeast Saturday High-Performance Squad a lifesaving mission and goodwill Regional PWC Rescue Academies. competition team clinic. It has been a ambassadorship to Maya Plata, designated as a Public Service Hour Argentina. Mutual aid agreements: Provider for the Broward County USLA Life Members from Fort We perform mutual aid with Pompano School System. Beach Ocean Rescue, Dania Beach Lauderdale: Ocean Rescue, Lauderdale by-the-Sea Unusual facts: Gene Bergman and James McCarthy. Volunteer Fire Department, Fort We had the first female ocean life - Jim McCrady is a Life Member of the Lauderdale Police, Broward County guards in the U.S., starting with our Southeast Region. The Fort Lauderdale Sheriffs Office Fire-Rescue, Florida inception in 1926. We hosted the first Chapter hosted and won the USLA State Wildlife Conservation recognized U.S. National Lifeguard National Division B Championship at Commission, Marine Animal Rescue Championships in 1967. Our entire 2009 the USLA National Lifeguard Society, South Florida Wildlife Center, staff (28 rescuers per day) are trained Nationals. and the US Coast Guard. and equipped to use the King Airway Intubation device in all respiratory and Active USLA leadership members Special beach events: cardiac emergencies. and the roles they serve: Over the last 20 years, FLOR has main - Lt. Jim McCrady is a member of the USLA Awards and recognition: tained a perfect safety record hosting Board of Directors, and a Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs 16 Air & Sea Shows (an event that regular member of the USLA Competition, Association's "Beach Patrol of the averages 2 million attendees), the National Awards Program, and Textbook annual Tortuga Music Festival, and Year" in 2005 and 2010. committees. He is the Fort Lauderdale numerous triathlons, ocean swim races, International assistance: Chapter President, USLA Southeast Region and beach volleyball tournaments. FLOR provided training to Costa Vice-President, and the Southeast Region Junior Lifeguards: Rican authorities of Quepos on ocean Lifesaving Academies and Competition FLOR has had a Junior Lifeguard rescue, and help reduced the number of Director. Additionally: Gene Bergman (FLBP 1968-1992) was involved in the 1980 Galveston, TX meeting that started the idea of a national certification program, as well as being a USLA Southeast Regional President and very involved in the USLA at the national level. John Fletemeyer (FLBP 1971-1986) was a USLA National Education Committee Chair and was a USLA Southeast Frank Dane and Crew 1953. Photo credit: Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol Regional President.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (20) ALM SUMMER 2016 (21) ALM SUMMER 2016 (22) ALM SUMMER 2016 (23) VOLUNTEER InPtervRiewObFy BI.LChEris B–rewsNter IKKI BOWIE
Editor’s Note: From time to time ALM and was the secretary at the regional profiles individuals who volunteer their level for ten years prior to being elect - time on behalf of the United States ed national Secretary. Lifesaving Association. The USLA has Why do you volunteer for USLA? I just one paid staff member, so the vast started out volunteering as a way to majority of the work we do for you is learn more about open water lifeguard - thanks to hard working volunteers. Here is ing around the country and as a way to one of them. bring my agency up to USLA standards. In what role to you volunteer for in the I’ve continued because I believe that USLA? I’m currently the national that the USLA helps every lifeguard Secretary and also volunteer as an offi - and every lifeguard agency do a better cial for the USLA National Lifeguard job of promoting water safety and pre - Championships each summer. and generally keep the records of venting drowning. Together, we are much more effective than acting alone. What are your responsibilities as the USLA. Secretary? My main responsibility is How long have you been volunteering How does volunteering for the USLA to produce the minutes for our Board for the USLA? I’ve been volunteering make you feel? Empowered. It feels of Directors and Executive Committee at the national level for fifteen years. great to be part of a group of profession - meetings that occur twice a year. I also I’ve been involved with the South als who accomplish all we do and yet handle any correspondence, e-votes, Atlantic Region for over twenty years we are (almost) all volunteers.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (24) How long have you been involved in Board of Directors meetings and, in USA initiative (and longtime USLA lifesaving as a lifesaving professional? I addition to my position as Secretary, safety tip) of “learn to swim”. (Editor’s turned fifty this year and I’ve been have several women who are commit - note: Learn more about Water Safety involved in lifesaving since I was fif - tee chairs. USA in an accompanying article or at teen – so thirty-five years. www.watersafetyusa.org.) Why did you start lifeguarding? I swam What do you consider the greatest summer league at our neighborhood When I became a challenges facing professional life - pool and was at the pool every day. I lifeguard there weren’t many savers? Achieving recognition as pro - remember thinking that being a life - fessional rescuers and receiving the guard would be an awesome job. women involved, especially same benefits and accolades. Also, budget cuts are always an area of con - Can you give us a snapshot of your life - in ocean rescue. cern in government agencies. Being a saving career? I was a pool lifeguard for USLA certified agency and having sta - four years (I grew up in Columbia, Can you please tell us about your life - tistics on our work are great ways to South Carolina, where there were no saving agency? The CCPRC is a special demonstrate our worth. open water lifeguard opportunities). I purpose district, so we are a government moved to Charleston to attend the What do you consider the greatest agency. Charleston County beaches are value provided by the USLA? I feel College of Charleston. While on the a series of barrier islands: Edisto Island, swim team, a teammate of mine told that the USLA helps lifeguards be seen Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, Folly in the same light as other professional me about her amazing job as an ocean Beach, Sullivans Island, and the Isle of rescue lifeguard at Folly Beach County rescuers such as paramedics and fire - Palms. With the exception of Kiawah fighters. I also think that the public Park. I was hired as the head lifeguard Beach Patrol, CCPRC provides the that summer then went on to get a full - education focus of the USLA is only lifeguard coverage for Charleston extremely important. time job with the Charleston County County beaches. We guard in areas Park and Recreation Commission where we operate county parks: What message might you like to offer (CCPRC). I have now worked for the Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, to the professional lifesavers of CCPRC for twenty-seven years and Folly Beach County Park, and the America? Get involved in the USLA currently serve as the Safety Program Commercial District of Folly Beach and at the local chapter, regional, or Manager. I oversee the training pro - Isle of Palms County Park. Total cover - national level and help promote all the grams for our ocean rescue and water- age is approximately two miles among incredible things that we do as ocean park lifeguards as well as our medical the three islands. Lifeguard responsibil - rescue professionals. responders. I also supervise our Junior ities include water rescue and emer - What three qualities do you think are Lifeguard Program and rural swim les - gency medical response on and around needed to be a great lifeguard? sons. I still get the opportunity to guard the beach and park facilities. Compassion, dedication, and a sense of several times a season. Is there anything unusual about your humor. What was the biggest challenge you lifesaving operation? One unique pro - faced in becoming a lifeguard? When I gram that we run is our rural swim pro - became a lifeguard there weren’t many gram. Several years ago we were continued on next page women involved, especially in ocean approached by a citizen from Edisto rescue. At the beginning I wasn’t Island who was concerned about the respected as much as some of my male high drowning rate in the rural areas of counterparts, but I was able to prove Charleston County. He had researched through hard work that I was just as several options and ended up building a worthy. When I attended my first portable pool that he donated to the USLA meeting, there were very few CCPRC. We’re able to transport the women in leadership, but Erin Joyce pool to areas of the county where there from the Great Lakes Region and traditionally aren’t swim lessons avail - Cathy VonWald from the Northwest able and have taught over 1,200 chil - Region took me under their wings. dren in the last three summers that we Now I am proud to say that we have offered the free program. This program more women than ever attending our fits perfectly with the Water Safety
ALM SUMMER 2016 (25) What is the best lesson lifeguarding taught you? Don’t assume anything. Is anyone in your family involved in lifeguarding or public safety? No, I’m the first one in my family, but hopefully not the last! Has lifesaving caused you to travel? Through my involve - ment on the USLA Executive Board I’ve been able to travel all over the country and have seen all types of different life - guard agencies. I’ve met some of my best friends through my volunteer work with USLA.
To me, lifeguarding is the best job in the world
What do you like best about lifeguarding? The camaraderie that exists no matter what part of the country you’re from and the knowledge that what we do on a daily basis makes a difference to someone. It may not be a big rescue, it may be something as small as taking the time to explain the water conditions to a visitor. What are your goals for lifesaving? That we continue the momentum the USLA has started by increasing awareness of what lifeguards do and continue the public education message. What would you tell your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews about lifeguarding as a career? I never considered that I would still be involved in lifeguarding at this point in my life when I was trying to figure out my major in college, and now I tell all the new employees that lifeguarding can be a career. To me, lifeguarding is the best job in the world – you get to be out in the elements, work out as part of your job and interact with the public. Do your family and friends support your lifeguard career? Yes they do and they think I have the best job. There are many peo - ple that are waiting for me to retire so they can have my job. Do your family and friends understand lifeguarding? I don’t think they understand the extent of what’s involved in life - guarding, especially in the off-season. They definitely support my choice and how it led to where I am in my career now, although I do get asked all the time what I do in the winter. Want to tell us a little about your family? My husband and I met through work and have been married twenty years this March. Our son will be thirteen in April and we have a rescue dog. What was your proudest moment as a lifeguard? When my son told me that I couldn’t retire because I save peoples’ lives.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (26) PISMO BEACH JRicUk HNowIaOrd R LIFEGUARDS
allowed a more efficient means to man - age personnel and lifeguard scheduling. Today the program is proud to have many junior lifeguard alumni working as seasonal lifeguards and many have transitioned into full time firefighters. The summer of 2015 cele - brated the program’s twenty-first year. I retired from the Fire and Lifeguard Departments, having overseen the life - guards and junior lifeguards since their inception, with 28 years of service.
The Pismo Beach Junior Lifeguard program began in 1995
The Pismo Beach Junior Lifeguard Nestled between Los Angeles and San By 2001, program enrollment had over Program is also very proud to be a Francisco, the City of Pismo Beach is 230 junior lifeguards. This made pro - part of the USLA Junior Lifeguard coastal town of 8,000 people. There is a viding instructors very challenging as membership. Every year the program 1½ mile stretch of city beach with a the Pismo Beach Lifeguard Department provides membership to 100% of the pier. The Lifeguard Department is only hires between 20-25 seasonal life - participants. In 2010 Junior Lifeguard administered by the Pismo Beach Fire guards, with many of those lifeguards Josh Burke was fortunate enough Department, providing beach safety uti - working as part time reserve firefight - to win the “Bobby” award as the lizing five lifeguard towers and a com - ers. By 2006 the decision was made to Most Outstanding California Junior mand vehicle. Pismo Beach has been a cap the enrollment to 120. This Lifeguard of the Year. USLA certified agency since 1995. The Pismo Beach Junior Lifeguard pro - gram began in 1995 under the direc - tion of the Parks and Recreation Department. Lifeguards Karl Blum and Tiffany Seale instructed a 4-week pro - gram for 16 kids. In 1996 the Pismo Beach Fire Department took over the reins. I was assigned to oversee both the Lifeguard Department and the Junior Lifeguard Program. The goal of the program shifted from a recreational program to a beach safety program focused on developing young junior lifeguards with lifesaving skills. This was the first junior lifeguard program in the County of San Luis Obispo.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (27) continued from page 14 used in U.S. competitions sanctioned deck for rescue. It appears to have orig - Several years after the Americans by the United States Lifesaving inated in the U.S., for rescue, although introduced Malibu surfboards to Association. To this day, California law it is unclear if U.S. lifesavers ever used Australia a similar impact was made on declares: ‘No person shall own or con - it for that purpose. As was the case for surfing in Great Britain by surf life - duct a resort unless it is equipped with surf skis, it was eventually replaced by savers from Australia. John Fuller, Ian at least one lifeboat [and 200 feet of rescue boards. Tiley, John Campbell, and Warren line].’ (Health and Safety Code Mitchell headed to the UK in 1961, 115980) No California beach resort is bringing along two fiberglass Malibu presently known to be in compliance. surfboards and attaining jobs as beach In Australia, rowed boats developed lifeguards. Surfing in the UK was then differently. Beginning in 1907, various what Tom Zahn thought of it in types of rowed surfboats were Australia when he visited, but the employed. A standardized design was Australians changed it entirely. They approved in 1920 that was 18–20 feet were asked to give surfing demonstra - long, double ended, with buoyancy tions, and people were fascinated. The tanks to keep the vessel afloat if it cap - boards began to be copied and surfing A Los Angeles County Baywatch boat sized. (2) It was rowed by four lifesavers crew delivers a patient to a U.S. Coast in Great Britain was changed, as it had and guided by a fifth on a sweep oar. Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. There been in Australia, by lifesavers. (3) Similarly designed boats had been used are 13, 32 foot Baywatch boats which Rescue Boats patrol the coastline of Los Angeles in whaling and by the U.S. Life-Saving County. Photo credit: Joel Gitelson Surfboats Service since the 1700s. (15) The Australian surfboats evolved over the The First Motorized Boats Boats launched from the beach and years. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Motorized rescue boats were the next rowed to people in distress were in use design became narrower and a square advance. Long Beach, California life - by the U.S. Life-Saving Service and by transom appeared at the stern (a ‘tuck guards put their first one in service July Constables of the Surf long before the stern’ in Australian parlance). Why a 1, 1924. (8) Based in Long Beach har - first beach lifeguards. (6) The standard crew of five for the SLSA boats, versus bor lifeguards navigated it offshore New Jersey lifeguard surfboat has the one or two for the American life - where they could pick up victims (and changed little from the early days. saver’s boats? Smaller vessels initially lifeguards) at the heads of rips. Los They are about 16 feet long, four feet developed in Australia proved inade - Angeles County lifeguards first wide, with a pointed bow and a gun - quate to deal with the surf. (2) acquired motorized rescue vessels in wale at the stern, with two seats for two the 1930s. (17) The current fleet of 13, rowers and two sets of oarlocks. (8) Surf Skis 32 foot ‘Baywatch’ vessels patrol Santa They are iconic, although rarely used In the realm of rowed vessels used by Monica Bay and Catalina Island, some in rescue today. On the U.S. west coast lifesavers, the surf ski bears mention - with firefighting capability and para - the lifeguards used somewhat different ing. It was invented around 1913 in medic lifeguards aboard. (18) (The surf dories. A modified, double-ended Australia and was made an official Baywatch television show borrowed version of some of the original boats is piece of ‘lifesaving equipment’ by the name of the Los Angeles County SLSA in 1937. (2) Modern versions are rescue boat fleet, although it featured used exclusively in competition, hav - boats of a decidedly different design.) ing evolved to a highly streamlined Several other U.S. lifeguard agencies design lacking any apparent utility for have long had boats of similar size and rescue. Early versions, which were capabilities, as well as smaller hard- broader and more stable, were also used hull rescue boats, both inboard and for recreation and competition, outboard. although the SLSA manual included Jet Rescue Boats instructions for their use in rescue until 2002. (16) Beginning in the 1970s, Surf Life Saving Australia began exper - Atlantic City Beach Patrol South Africa and Great Britain began imenting with motorized rescue boats in members with their boat. using a modified design with a broader the 1950s and 1960s, with some limited
ALM SUMMER 2016 (28) success. (2) A unique advance was the The IRB took some time to be accept - stored and launched directly from the 1960s creation of jet-powered surfboats. ed by SLSA. It was competing with the beach like a rowed surfboat; but it was These originally five-meter, fiberglass, jet rescue boat and perhaps seen as one faster than any rowed boat, more nim - inboard motor vessels used a Jacuzzi jet more challenge to the traditional ble in the surf, and able to handle the unit. (2) They were later built at 17 methods of lifesaving so prized by largest waves. Moreover it was relative - feet. (3) Still in use today with some SLSA. By 1976 though, SLSA had ly inexpensive and easy to repair. The modifications, their very shallow draft drawn up their own specifications for IRB made the motorized rescue boat and wave-deflecting forward superstruc - manufacturers to follow. (3) Use of the affordable and practical for beach life - ture allows the jet rescue boat (JRB) to IRB was not without incident. A swim - saving. Its use was adopted not only the be used very near shore and to navigate mer’s foot was severed by an IRB pro - in the U.S., but in New Zealand, Great through the surfline, even punching peller at Bondi Beach in 1977, under - Britain, South Africa, and many other through breaking surf if need be. The lining the need for effective propeller countries. Specialized designs for rescue San Diego Lifeguard Service later suc - guards. (3) and in-surf use greatly added to their cessfully copied parts of the design of utility. (3) this boat, albeit with a stock hull and Personal Watercraft outboard engine. The IRB made the Personal watercraft (often referred to Inflatable Rescue Boats motorized rescue boat by the trade name Jet Ski®) have been affordable and practical used in beach lifeguarding since the 1990s. The original model required the for beach lifesaving. operator to stand and balance on the device, but subsequent sit-astride, jet- By the 1981-82 season, 22% of SLSA drive variations by several manufactur - rescues were attributed to the IRB. ers facilitated their use in rescue. As a Moreover, the idea had been exported. result, several organizations now refer Sergeant Bill Owen of the San Diego to them as ‘Rescue Water Craft.’ Lifeguard Service (who trained this Moreover, the addition of specially chapter’s author as an IRB operator) designed sleds towed behind allowed The San Diego Lifeguard Service copied had toured Australia and convinced his for an operator and crewmember to some of the attributes of the Australian superiors to acquire one in 1980. After rapidly rescue those in distress without jetboat, but without the jet drive. a critical rescue using the IRB, he the need to bring them aboard the ves - sel. Many lifeguard organizations that With the inflatable rescue boat (IRB), wrote SLSA Executive Director Gus once used IRBs have moved to these jet Surf Life Saving Australia offered Staunton, ‘And so, Gus, a man here in drive vessels, whilst others that never another unique solution to motorizing America is alive today because of the had IRBs have acquired them. In 2004, lifesaving boats. Warren Mitchell, who work, dedication and humanitarian the USLA issued, Training and had helped introduce Malibu surf - ideals of the Australian Surf Lifesaving Association.’ (3) Equipment Guidelines for Rescuers Using boards to Great Britain and while there Personal Watercraft as a Rescue Tool , but observed initial deployment of inflat - The IRB solved many problems. they are by no means alone in promot - able boats by the Royal National Unlike other motorized boats, a nearby ing operations standards. Lifeboat Institution, proposed in 1969 harbor was not needed. It could be the use of small inflatables that could The attractiveness of PWC (aka RWC) be launched from the beach. His first in comparison to the IRB includes demonstration of the concept came in ready commercial availability, the safe - eight-foot surf off Avalon Beach using a ty of jet drives versus propellers, their retired army inflatable with a 25 horse - speed, their ability to sustain a rollover, power engine and his brother as crew. and their ability to be used by a single It was dramatic and successful, operator. They lack the deck, albeit although a nasty cut to his brother’s small, of an IRB, the ability for opera - tor and crewmember to remain out of chin from the fuel tank bouncing in his By 1982, 22% of SLSA rescues were face may have inspired the use of fuel attributed to the IRB. the water, and the simple hull repairs of bladders, rather than cans. (3) Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia continued on page 31
ALM SUMMER 2016 (29) ALM SUMMER 2016 (30) continued from page 29 Coast, 1979 in Victoria, and 1983 in an inflatable. Whether both of these Western Australia. The program has rescue boats will continue to be used or not been without challenge. Victoria’s one will win out remains to be seen, service had to be terminated in 1987 for financial reasons and was not fund - but the fact that IRBs are used in com - ed again until 2002. (2) petition by several national lifesaving organizations may ensure a substantial In New Zealand, the Auckland Surf longevity for them. Life Saving Association launched a hel - icopter ocean rescue service in 1970. It Motor Vehicles Jeeps were once a mainstay of many beach lifeguard agencies. was used primarily for rescues from the Trucks and Automobiles Photo credit: B. Chris Brewster surf on Auckland’s west coast beaches. This oversight continued until 1990, The use of motorized lifesaving vehi - The vehicle has been repeatedly when a charitable trust was formed to cles appears to have begun in the 1920s replaced, most recently in 2015, with a oversee the service, with trustees select - in Southern California. One photo mechanical crane and winch system. ed from the community and business depicts a Ford Model T lifeguard vehi - Los Angeles County has long main - sectors of the greater Auckland region. cle in San Diego. (19) The need was no tained ‘call cars’ which can be used for It offers emergency air ambulance and doubt partly attributable to the paramedic lifeguard response. Today, some U.S. lifeguard agencies have search and rescue. (20) expanse of beaches covered in some fleets of more than 25 emergency areas and the distance between beach - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil initiated a heli - response vehicles. es. Vehicles could rapidly respond with copter service in 1974. This involves personnel and equipment to reports of The benefits of lifeguard vehicles also utilizing existing government helicop - emergencies and requests for backup. brings with it a hazard. Unnoticed ters and assigning them to water rescue when needed. In water rescue cases the The California Vehicle Code was beach visitors have been run over and helicopters typically include a lifeguard amended in 1959 in part to make clear injured, or even killed. This has on board who exits the helicopter into that lifeguard vehicles were authorized prompted extensive policies and train - the water to come to the aid of a victim to respond on highways as emergency ing at many lifesaving organizations in and both are then retrieved using a ‘fish vehicles: ‘An authorized emergency an effort to ensure that accidents of this basket’ type device that is hung from vehicle is: (a) Any publicly owned and nature are avoided. the helicopter on a static line. (21) operated ambulance, lifeguard, or life - All-Terrain Vehicles saving equipment …’ (Section 165) The introduction of all-terrain vehicles In the early years, lifeguards deflated (ATVs), especially as they expanded to the tires to allow them to drive on the have four wheels and substantial carry - beach. Later, as four wheel drive Jeeps ing capacity, offered an option to small - became available, they were used, and er lifesaving organizations with more ultimately with the wide commercial limited budgets. They offer another availability of four-wheel drive vehicles benefit in that there are less serious the options broadened significantly. In consequences in accidents involving Wildwood, New Jersey the lifeguards at beach visitors. ATVs, however, do not Australia pioneered the use of helicopters one time used motorcycles with side - allow for high speed emergency for lifesaving beginning in 1966. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia cars, in addition to regular vehicles. (5) responses via regular roads. The typical lifesaving response and Helicopters The U.S. has used a variety of patrol vehicle is now four-wheel drive, approaches, depending on the lifeguard Australia pioneered the use of helicop - with a rack above for a rescue board agency. This has included police, ters for lifesaving beginning in 1966. and stretcher. sheriff, fire department, and U.S. (2) They were viewed as a tool both for Coast Guard helicopters, using static In some areas lifeguard vehicles are of rescue and shark spotting. Cost was, of lines and winches to retrieve victims. unusual size and capability. The San course, an issue. Thus a sponsorship No U.S. lifeguard organization has its Diego Lifeguard Service added a crane with a prominent bank was key to own helicopter, although as lifeguard to one of its vehicles to help facilitate funding the service on an ongoing basis coastal cliff rescues in the 1930s. in 1973 in Sydney, 1976 at the Gold continued on next page
ALM SUMMER 2016 (31) organizations have merged into fire The most sophisticated towers, com - 9. Kahanamoku Helps Save 13 in Launch. departments with helicopters, the heli - monly found in California, involve per - The New York Times. 1925 June. copter services are more directly inte - manently constructed, multi-story 10. National Film and Sound Archive. grated with lifeguard operations. buildings with an upper glass-enclosed australianscreen. [Online].; 1957 [cited 2015 March 30. Available from: Lifeguard Towers viewing deck, and in some cases addi - tional facilities such as offices, changing http://aso.gov.au/titles/sponsored-films/ser - vice-in-the-sun/notes/ Lifesavers primarily respond based rooms, training areas, and garages. upon their own observations of people Budgets for construction of some of 11. Ampol Petroleum. Service in the Sun in distress. This differentiates them these buildings can exceed $8 million. (film) [Film].: T3Media; 1957. Available from: http://bit.ly/1BYW0z6 . from other public safety providers, who Some lifeguard agencies have also built more typically respond to reports of observation towers on piers, allowing for 12. Booth D. Australian Beach Cultures: emergencies conveyed by others. It has unique visibility within the surf zone. The History of Sun, Sand and Surf long been recognized that water obser - London: Frank Cass; 2001. To be continued. vation is enhanced by a raised point of 13. Jaggard E. From Beach to Boardroom; observation, which has brought about BIBLIOGRAPHY Governing Surf Lifesaving. In Jaggard E, the creation of various types of elevat - editor. Between the Flags; One Hundred 1. Brawley S. Surf Bathing and Surf ed viewing platforms. Years of Surf Lifesaving. Sydney: Lifesaving; Origins and Beginnings. In University of New South Wales Press The simplest solution to providing an Jaggard E, editor. Between the Flags: One Ltd.; 2007. elevated viewpoint was a raised life - Hundred Summers of Australian Surf Lifesaving. Sydney: University of New 14. Surf Life Saving New Zealand. [Online]. guard chair. These are quite common South Wales Press Ltd.; 2007. [cited 2015 March 29. Available from: in some areas of the world. They have http://www.surflifesaving.org.nz . the benefit of low cost and portability, 2. Best A. Saving Lives, Changing Methods; Surf Lifesaving Technology. In Jaggard E, 15. United States Coast Guard. Lifeboat and can easily be moved to remain editor. Between the Flags; One hundred History. [cited 2015 April 1. Available close to the water’s edge at beaches summers of Australian surf lifesaving. from: with large tidal fluctuations. Other Sydney: University of New South Wales; http://www.uscg.mil/d1/stachatham/Lifebo areas created raised platforms or ‘perch - 2007. at%20History.asp . es’ made of cement or other materials. 3. Wake-Walker E. Break Through; How the 16. Surf Life Saving Australia. Between the Flags; One Hundred Summers of Larger towers, some with enclosed Inflatable Rescue Boat Conquered the Surf Cambridge, UK: Granta Editions; Australian Surf Lifesaving Jaggard E, edi - areas, have been constructed of wood in 2007. tor. Sydney: New South Wales University various parts of the world. They provide Press Ltd.; 2007. varying degrees of shade and protection 4. Ford C, Jaggard E. Between the Flags; One Hundred Summers of Australian Surf 17. County of Los Angeles Fire Department. from the elements to lifesavers, as well Lifesaving. In Jaggard E, editor.. Sydney: Lifeguard History. [cited 2015 March 31. as storage for lifesaving equipment. University of New South Wales Press Available from: In the 1980s, a fiberglass design was Ltd.; 2007. http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/lifeguard/life - guard-history/ . introduced by several manufacturers 5. Fowler M, Olsen BA, Olsen E. Lifeguards and trialed in Southern California. of the Jersey Shore Atglen: Shiffer 18. Los Angeles County Fire Department. This proved popular, especially since it Publishing Ltd.; 2010. Catalina Paramedic Operations. [cited 2015 April 12. Available from: was fully enclosed with windows for 6. United States Lifesaving Association. http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/portfolio/cata Lifesaving and Marine Safety D'Arnall viewing, along with shutters to secure lina-paramedic-operations/ . the towers after hours. The towers were DG, editor. Piscataway, New Jersey: New 19. Martino MT. Lifeguards of San Diego all initially movable via skids, when Century Publications; 1981. County Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia 7. United States Lifesaving Association. The towed by a vehicle. The designs Publishing; 2007. evolved over time to include space for United States Lifesaving Association 20. Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.. [cited multiple lifeguards. They have become Manual of Open Water Lifesaving Brewster BC, editor. Upper Saddle River, 2015 April 12. Available from: http://res - the primary tower solution in many New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.; 2003. cuehelicopter.org.nz/who-we-are . areas of the world, sometimes moveable and sometimes permanently installed. 8. Long Beach Lifeguard Associaiton. 21. Goulart CPRM. Helicopter Sea Rescue in History of the Long Beach Lifeguards. Rio de Janeiro. In Brewster BC, editor. Their design protecting lifeguards from [cited 2015 March 31. Available from: International Medical-Rescue the elements may help maintain the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy7cXJ Conference, International Life Saving alertness of lifesavers. 5dOvE Federation; 1997; San Diego.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (32) MAKING JAamesDHeIllFer FERENCE
Last summer's ALM featured a story about former Bethany Beach lifeguard (and young surgeon) Dr. Garrett Cuppels’ valiant efforts to walk again after a tragic fall, which left him a paraplegic from the waist down. He’s pictured above before his accident. Garrett had identified a leading trainer who could help him in his effort to walk again; but he need - ed significant funds for the therapy, which is not covered by his insurer. Thanks to the ALM article, efforts by Dr. Peter Hartsock, Phil Rogers, Mark Marderwald, Chris Cuppels, Tripp Colonel, Mike Bartlett, Jess Levine, Avon-by-the-Sea Beach Patrol, Stone Harbor Beach Patrol Alumni Assn., Rehoboth Beach Patrol, the community of Bethany Beach and the greater USLA community, Garrett was able to raise enough funds to afford more than one year of therapy. Garrett is cur - rently training five days per week at Port St. Lucie, FL. For those who want to see updates from Garrett, including some of his extraordinary exercise accomplishments, please join the “Friends of Garrett” Facebook group or search for the “Garrett Miracle Monday,” YouTube video. Garrett and his family remain thankful to the greater USLA community for its fellowship.
ALM SUMMER 2016 (33) PARTING SHOT San Diego Lifeguard Captain Nick Lerma recently retired after 36 years of service. His impact was so great on America’s eighth largest city that the Mayor and City Council declared December 15, 2015 to be Nick Lerma Day in San Diego. In addition to his service to San Diego, Captain Lerma contributed to the USLA by organizing the creation of the first college level course for ocean lifeguards taught to USLA standards (the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy), devel - oping the USLA’s educational DVDs, contribut - ing to the USLA’s vehicle safety guidelines, and in many other ways. Pictured, front row left to right are his sister Kathleen, mother Lois, City Council President Sherri Lightner, Captain Lerma, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts, Lieutenant Andy Lerum, and Fire Chief Brian Fennessy.
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