USLA Board of Directors Approve the Proposed Meeting Guidelines?” Motion Passed Unanimously

USLA Fall Meeting – Lake Tahoe, Nevada – November 2-4, 2006 Page 1 of 13

UNITED STATES LIFESAVING ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

Ridge Resort Lake Tahoe, Nevada November 2 - 4, 2006

Thursday, November 2, 2006

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: 9:00 a.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Mr. Brewster

A. Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Gavin

B. Welcome –Mr. Brewster’s opening comments are attached in full. [2006_02_USLABOD_PresidentNWPresentation.PDF]

C. Roll Call of Delegates and Introductions – Mr. Brewster, Ms. Bowie

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DELEGATE VOTES BASED ON MEMBERSHIP (11/02/2006) Member/Director Ratio 2- 25 1 Director 26-100 2 Directors 101-200 3 Directors 201-400 4 Directors 401-600 5 Directors 601-800 6 Directors 801-and over 7 Directors MEMBERS VOTES PRESENT PROXY TOTAL JUNIORS NEW ENGLAND 23 1 0 0 0 0 MID ATLANTIC BUZZ MOGCK ED ZEBROWSKI CHARLES HARTL 1053 7 7 0 7 985 TIM GALLAGHER DENISE BLAIR DAVE FOXWELL BART MATTALIANO SOUTH MICKEY HUTTO ATLANTIC DUKE BROWN KEVIN SWEAT MIKE HENSLER 924 7 7 0 7 381 TOM GILL PAUL PIVEC ADRIENNE GROH SOUTH EAST Joe McManus JIM MCCRADY Jo Wagenhals 280 4 4 0 4 534 GERRY FALCONER GREAT LAKES ANDY BRAUDY 45 2 2 0 2 1 JOE PECORARO JERRY GAVIN GULF COAST 107 3 3 0 3 112 VIC MACEO PETER DAVIS NORTHWEST Bert Whitaker 113 3 3 0 3 12 CATHY VONWALD Jim McCray SOUTHWEST ROB WILLIAMS ROB MCGOWAN ROBERT MOORE 1248 7 7 0 7 7848 CHARLOTTE GRAHAM CHRIS GRAHAM MIKE BEUERLEIN DON ROHRER PACIFIC RALPH GOTO 44 2 2 0 2 ISLANDS JIMMY BARROS SUB TOTALS 3837 36 35 0 35 9873 NATIONAL (AT LARGE) 7 1 TOTALS 3844 9874

II. Heroic Acts Presentations – (Ms. Groh)

A. Mr. Joel Gitelson – Los Angeles County (California) Fire Department Lifeguard Division – Medal of Valor. B. Mr. Willy Alvarez – Volusia County (Florida) Beach Patrol – Medal of Valor.

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III. Approval of Agenda – Motion by Mr. Zebrowski; seconded by Mr. Mogck to approve distributed agenda. Motion passed unanimously.

IV. Approval of Minutes – (Spring Meeting 2006 – Annapolis) A motion by Mr. Pecoraro, seconded by Mr. McManus to approve the minutes of the Spring 2006 Board of Directors meeting held in Annapolis, Maryland as distributed by the Secretary with minor spelling changes corrected was passed unanimously.

V. Memorilization - of Executive Committee Actions since previous meeting: A. “Shall the USLA President and the USLA Secretary be empowered to sign an agreement, to be pre-approved for purposes of legal protection of the USLA by the USLA Legal Advisor, with Fearless Entertainment Livestar (hereafter “Producers”) to allow them exclusive right to produce the USLA National Lifeguard Championships for broadcast and other media (as defined)?” Approved 12 Yes, 3 No

VI. Officers Activity Reports A. President - (Mr. B. Chris Brewster) – The Nationals Host agreement for the 2007 National Lifeguard Championships will be approved with the City of Myrtle Beach instead of with the local chapter as has been done in the past. World Water Safety Conference 2007 information is included in the President’s report. Congratulations to Mr. Brewster who was conferred the honor of Knight in the Order of Lifesaving by the International Life Saving Federation. [2006_02_04_USLABOD_PresidentActivityReport.PDF]

B. Vice President - (Mr. Jerry Gavin) – Thanked the Northwest Region for hosting the meeting. Mr. Gavin also thanked Mr. Goto for his continued efforts in working with Scott Hubbell Productions and urged the Executive Committee not to use evotes on issues that come up near the Board of Directors meetings since the purpose of these meetings is to include input from the Board. [2006_02_05_USLABOD_VicePresidentActivityReport.PDF]

C. Secretary - (Ms. Nikki Bowie) – Ms. Bowie reported that in an effort to be able to provide accurate and up to date information she has been working on a complete directory to include all Board of Director information as well as complete region and chapter contacts. In order to ensure that all information is correct, a CD and hard copy of an existing Excel directory as well as a Word directory were distributed to each region with the direction to make any changes or additions and send back to the secretary. [2006_02_06_USLABOD_SecretaryActivityReport.PDF]

D. Treasurer - (Mr. Greg Farry) – Mr. Farry highlighted his interim report which is included in his report. [2006_02_07_USLABOD_TreasurerActivityReport.PDF]

E. Executive Delegate - (Mr. Chris Graham) - Mr. Graham has been working on the USLA employment page with Mr. Hartl and the starting salaries page is now functional on the USLA website. Certified agencies

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may post and currently approximately 50% of those have posted information. [2006_02_08_USLABOD_RecurrentRepActivity.PDF]

F. Advisor - (Mr. Tim Gallagher) – Mr. Gallagher explained the distribution of the 9/11 Fund which was approved in the spring. Since that time, Mr. Gallagher donated $198 of his own money to be able to make a contribution to the Ken Tietjen Memorial Fund in the amount of $250 in addition to the original donation to the Tylerann Zadroga fund of $3000. [2006_02_09_USLABOD_AdvisorActivityReport.PDF]

G. Liaison Officer - (Mr. Peter Davis) – Mr. Davis reported on his work with NOAA concerning the rip current awareness campaign and hopes to send out a completed DVD presentation before the end of the year. [2006_02_10_USLABOD_LiaisonActivityReport.PDF]

H. Medical Advisor - (Dr. Peter Wernicki) – Dr. Wernicki discussed the US Lifeguard Coalition comprised of the USLA, American Red Cross and YMCA. The focus is on research concerning many lifeguard related topics including scanning, breaks and training standards. There was discussion that this may affect certification in the future. Mr. Brewster, Mr. Davis, Dr. Wernicki and Dr. Peter Chambers will represent the USLA. See www.lifeguardstandards.org for more information. [2006_02_11_USLABOD_MedicalAdvisorActivity.PDF]

I. Legal Advisor – (Mr. Chip More) – Mr. More has been working with contracts with several entities including Patagonia, Zubrella and DaFin. He has also been involved with extensive review of acquired documentation and prior contacts with regards to Ingram. [2006_02_12_USLABOD_LegalAdvisorActivityReport.PDF]

VII. REGIONAL COUNCIL ACTIVITY REPORTS A. New England – No report received.

B. Mid-Atlantic - (Mr. Ed Zebrowski) – Recent discussion in the region focused on three main areas: membership, Nationals and sponsorship. [2006_02_22_USLABOD_MidAtlanticActivityReport.PDF]

C. South Atlantic - (Mr. Kevin Sweat) - Mr. Sweat asked that his report be accepted as submitted. [2006_02_23_USLABOD_SouthAtlanticActivityReport.PDF]

D. Southeast - (Mr. James McCrady) – There are currently no vacant positions on the regional board and this is the strongest group ever. There continue to be great strides made in the Florida/Alabama Panhandle. Mr. Falconer had an update on several injured lifeguards from the region. Contact information is included in the reports. Mr. Brewster recognized Gary Wise for all his contributions in getting lifeguard services established in the Panhandle. [2006_02_24_USLABOD_SouthEastActivityReport.PDF]

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E. Great Lakes - (Mr. Joe Pecoraro) – Politics are still affecting lifeguarding in Chicago. An award has been developed for Chicago guards for a job well done since the Chicago Park District is not recognizing their efforts. The Great Lakes Region is looking forward to hosting the Spring Board of Directors meeting and information will be posted as soon as it is available. [2006_02_25_USLABOD_GreatLakesActivityReport.PDF]

F. Gulf Coast - (Mr. Vic Maceo) - In addition to his written report, South Padre Island and Corpus Christie have contacted the Gulf Coast Region for chapter information. [2006_02_26_USLABOD_GulfCoastActivityReport.PDF]

G. Northwest - (Ms Cathy VonWald) – Mr. Dan McCormick reported for Ms. VonWald thanking all the sponsors for the meeting as well as the attendees and the people from the Northwest region who helped make the meeting a success. All other information is contained in the submitted report. [2006_02_27_USLABOD_NorthWestActivityReport.PDF]

H. Southwest - (Mr. Rob McGowan) – Mr. McGowan reported record setting weather in the region with the hottest July in history which led to possibly one of the busiest summers in the region. Special thanks to Dick Douglas for the sound system he provided and set up for regionals. The bylaws for the Southwest Region are now in line with the USLA Bylaws including the title change of “Recurrent Representative” to “Executive Delegate”. [2006_02_28_USLABOD_SouthWestActivityReport.PDF]

I. Pacific Islands – (Mr. Goto) - The Patagonia contract should help increase membership numbers. There is discussion about transferring the Hawaii County Lifeguard Service from Parks and Recreation to the Hawaii County Fire Department. Important inter-agency communication lessons were learned with the recent earthquake. [2006_02_29_USLABOD_PacificIslandsActivityReport.PDF]

VIII. Contracted Staff Liaison Report – (Mr. Goto) – A marketing plan with Mr. Scott Hubbell has been drafted with the hopes of getting the plan approved at this meeting. Other topics that need to be addressed are timely responses, who is doing what and grandfathering of existing sponsors and agreements. [2006_02_14_USLABOD_ContractedStaffLiaisonActivity.PDF]

IX. COMMITTEE CHAIR ACTIVITY REPORTS

A. Regular Committees i. Public Education - (Mr. Rob Williams) - Highlighted the collaboration with NOAA on the video project. NOAA is developing a “huge” banner that will be available to display at functions. All materials are now on the website available for download. Please go through Rob or Charlie Hartl for use of the PSA. [2006_02_32_USLABOD_PublicEdActivityReport.PDF]

ii. Membership - (Mr. Charlie Hartl) – Report stands as submitted. [2006_02_33_USLABOD_MembershipActivity.PDF]

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iii. Competition - (Mr. Ed Zebrowski) – The committee will have a review of rules changes to mirror ILS rules whenever possible. Mr. Zebrowski provided a recap of the 2006 National Lifeguard Championships in Huntington Beach, CA. There needs to be a way to attend international events whenever possible. Mr. Jay Butke provided a recap on the Sanyo Busson Challenge team that he captained. A large amount of expenses for the trip were paid by the host, Japan. [2006_02_34_USLABOD_CompetitionActivityReport.PDF]

iv. Heroic Acts - (Ms. Adrienne Groh) – Medal of Valor winners are up to date on the USLA website. Policies and Procedures need to be updated to reflect recent category additions and name changes. There are three submissions that were received prior to the meeting. [2006_02_35_USLABOD_HeroicActsActivityReport.PDF]

v. Junior Guards - (Ms. Reenie Boyer) – In addition to her written report, Ms. Boyer recognized the following individuals: Tom Daly as the head junior guard competition official; Charlotte Graham for her large membership numbers; Jim McCrady for adding a Junior Guard Liaison to the SE Regional Board; Ralph Goto for his work with sponsorship; Greg Farry for counting all the cash and also Duke Brown and Charlie Hartl. [2006_02_36_USLABOD_JuniorGuardActivity.PDF]

vi. Certification - (Mr. Eric Bauer) – There are 91 agencies certified or under review. The committee will discuss the need to develop a record retention policy for certification. The list of certification officers is being review and updated. [2006_02_37_USLABOD_CertificationActivityReport.PDF]

vii. Textbook – (Mr. Chris Brewster) – No update at this time.

viii. Ways and Means - (Mr. Greg Farry) – Will be reviewing the audit report in committee.

B. Working Group Committees

i. National Curriculum - (Mr. Carl Martinez) – Mr. Martinez apologized for delays and stated that the project will be complete by Christmas. [2006_02_42_USLABOD_CurriculumDevelopmentActivity.PDF]

ii. Grant Writing (Mr. James McCrady) – Mr. McCrady is soliciting any help from the regions. There is a grant by the Bank of America – “Duke’s Grant” – that he has information on for the Heroic Acts Committee. Mr. McCrady would like to discuss the possibility of hiring a professional grant writer for the USLA. [2006_02_43_USLABOD_GrantActivityReport.PDF]

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iii. Equipment Research and Assessment (Mr. Dave Foxwell) – Thanks to Kim Tyson for all his hard work. Mr. McCrady suggested that the committee research a product called “aquaquad”, which is a jet ski with wheels. [2006_02_44_USLABOD_EquipmentResearchActivity.PDF]

iv. Bylaws/Policy and Procedures (Mr. Chip More) – The approved bylaws have been formatted and are available on the USLA website.

v. Public Information/Publicity (Mr. Tom Gill) – There has been excellent coverage on the success of new lifeguard agencies in the Panhandle in the Southeast Region. Mr. Gill worked with the Court TV crews at the National Lifeguard Championships in Huntington and we should see some of this coverage in the new episodes of “Beach Patrol”. [2006_02_46_USLABOD_PublicInfoActivityReport.PDF]

vi. Magazine Publication - (Mr. Mike Bartlett) – Advertising continues to be strong. The summer issue was sixty days late – intentionally for several reasons: two advertisers were trying to make the deadline for the issue and waiting for an updated membership list so all new members could receive the issue. Special thanks to Charlie Hartl and Mike Beuerlein for their help. November 15th was the deadline for the Winter issue with the goal of distribution being February 1st, 2007. [2006_02_47_USLABOD_ALMActivityReport.PDF]

vii. Website - (Mr. Charles Hartl) - Report as previously submitted. [2006_02_48_USLABOD_WebsiteActivityReport.PDF]

viii. Development (Ms. Cathy VonWald) – No report at this time. The committee will meet.

ix. Statistics (Mr. Rick Gould) – Report as submitted. [2006_02_50_USLABOD_NationalStatisticsReport.PDF]

x. Sign Standards (Mr. Ralph Goto) – Report as submitted [2006_02_51_USLABOD_SignStandardsActivityReport.PDF]

X. Meeting adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2006

Friday, November 3, 2006 –

EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. “The Making of a Beach Patrol Episode” Evolution Film and Tape

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. “Everything You Wanted to Know About Trauma Assessment”

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Dr. Peter Chambers

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Douglas County Nevada Search & Rescue – “The locals get to tell what they do best.”

“Vamos a Nadar (Let’s Go Swimming) – Drowning Prevention in Sonoma County, California” Rosiris Guerra, American Red Cross of Sonoma County Bert Whitaker, Sonoma County Regional Parks

12:00 p.m. “The Membership Myth” B. Chris Brewster [MythofMembership.PDF]

Saturday, April 29, 2006

XI. Call to Order - Mr. B. Chris Brewster

XII. Committee Action Reports

A. Regular Committees

i. Executive Committee: (Mr. Brewster) – In addition to the following topics, a number of other items were covered that cannot be included below. Readers are encouraged to read the complete Executive Committee notes. [2006_02_13_USLABOD_ExecutiveCommitteeAction]

a. Carac Funds: “Shall the $5000 donation received as a result of the President’s participation in the Carac event be deposited to the benefit of the United States Lifesaving Foundation?” Motion passed unanimously.

b. Meeting Guidelines: The proposed meeting guidelines were presented as approved in Executive Committee. There was clarification that any guideline could be changed with a request for waiver from the Executive Committee. Change in 4.1.2. that the host will provide lunch on Thursday and Saturday of the Board of Directors meeting and Friday of the Educational Conference. If this is not financially feasible for the host then they can request a waiver. “Shall the USLA Board of Directors approve the proposed meeting guidelines?” Motion passed unanimously. [BODMeetingGuidlinesFinal.PDF]

c. Nationals Host Agreement: Changes to go back to the City of Myrtle Beach – with respect to officials’ uniforms and an addendum of logistical requirements. All officials’ uniforms must

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meet any requirements of existing sponsors. “Shall the USLA Board of Directors approve the proposed host agreement with the City of Myrtle Beach?” Motion passed unanimously.

d. Virginia Beach Shortfall: “Shall the USLA Board of Directors forgive the debt owed to USLA by the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Association from 2005 National Lifeguard Championships?” Motion passed.

e. Proposal by the Executive Committee that a contract be formed with Scott Hubbell Productions. “Shall the USLA Board of Directors approve the move to proceed in a contract with SHP?” Motion passed unanimously.

f. As a test, at the spring Board of Directors meeting officer and committee activity reports will be requested to not exceed two minutes in length if the corresponding report was submitted and available for the Board of Directors prior to the meeting. Also, there is no need for motions to receive individual activity reports.

g. Patagonia sponsorship update. Mr. Brewster discussed Mr. Andy Marker’s presentation representing Patagonia’s proposed guidelines for the different tiers of discount as part of the signed contract. There was a general feeling that committee chairs and perhaps Life Members should be included in the highest level of discount with the Board of Directors, if this is acceptable to Patagonia. A group consisting of Ralph Goto, Scott Hubbell and Andy Marker will meet to finalize the guidelines on discounts.

h. United States Lifesaving Foundation: As previously reported, the USLF is now incorporated and considered a non-profit agency. A bank account will be opened by the secretary/treasurer and the president. [2006_02_USLF_ActionReport.PDF]

ii. Public Education - (Mr. Rob Williams) – The committee was updated on the video project and relationship with NOAA. A rough draft of the rip current segment of the video was shown and useful feedback gathered. The committee decided to use remaining funds to complete the video and to make copies for regions. Mr. Chip More will add to the website a “use” disclaimer for anyone who wishes to utilize the public service announcements. A video that is used on Hawaiian Airlines inbound Hawaii flights to make passengers aware of dangerous on the beaches was shown to the committee. [2006_02_32_USLABOD_PublicEdAction.PDF]

iii. Membership - (Mr. Charles Hartl) - Updated member numbers as of November 4, 2006 were 3847 for Lifeguard members and 9875 for Junior members for a total of 13722. All region presidents and treasurers were emailed an update for downloading the latest region database and for review. The committee discussed the importance of the growth of membership. Research will be ongoing as to whether a

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modification of the certification program can help increase membership. The committee would like to know if the USLA can get recognition with the Beach Patrol TV program by providing a credit line that the agency featured is a USLA certified patrol or lifeguard service. The committee recommended that each region look to their chapters to ensure that they are getting help to survive. [2006_02_33_USLABOD_MembershipAction.PDF]

iv. Competition - (Mr. Ed Zebrowski) - An update on the 2007 National Championships was given by Mr. George Lack during the committee meeting. The championships will be held August 9, 10, and 11 in Myrtle Beach. Information concerning lodging is now posted on the USLA web site. Mr. Zebrowski reported that the proposed rule changes to move to using ILS rules where comparable were accepted in committee and that it is imperative to disseminate the new rules. The American Ironman finals will follow directly after the preliminaries. Mr. Bob Moore added that officials will be updated on the new rules at the Spring meeting in Chicago. The report was approved unanimously. The motion to adopt ILS rules in competition in events that are similar to current USLA events with the exception that we will use flags instead of buoys and continue to use 10 lanes for scoring purposes passed unanimously. Motion to add the Ocean-man (Taplin) Relay as an open only for points event as the last event of the competition – Motion passed; 1 opposed. [2006_02_34_USLABOD_CompetitionAction.PDF]

v. Heroic Acts - (Ms. Adrienne Groh) - The committee continues to make the application process a smooth one and to include regional presidents prior to the meeting by email. Class A ribbons will be presented to Medal of Valor recipients (also retroactive). The bars will be the red/white/blue bars similar to other services. The proposed “Drowning Prevention Achievement Award” will continue to undergo further restructuring. The committee heard a proposal from Mr. McCrady concerning the Duke’s Award and possibility of combing the award with our Medal of Valor. This would provide exposure for the award and the USLA. The committee feels that we need to keep the Medal of Valor a distinct USLA award. Five award proposals were submitted for approval. Details are included in the attached report.

a. Todd Staszak – Non-lifeguard, South Atlantic Region, Mine Hill, North Carolina. Approved for Meritorious Act.

b. Jamison Ware and Salvatore Falzone - Lifeguards, Southeast Region, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Approved for Meritorious Act.

c. Kyle Donald and Scott Ming - Non-lifeguards, Southeast Region, Pensacola, Florida. Approved for Award of Merit.

d. Kyle Delapp, Steven Gartner, Hoomer Nourparvar – Non-lifeguards, Southeast Region, San Destin Beach, Florida. Approved for Heroic Act.

e. Yeoman 2nd Class Jeffrey Jackson, Non-lifeguard, Gulf Coast Region, New Orleans, Louisiana. Approved for Heroic Act.

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Controlman 3rd Class David Ybarra and Fireman Nishimoto, Non- lifeguards, Gulf Coast Region, New Orleans, Louisiana. Approved for National Lifesaving Award. All awards were approved unanimously. [2006_02_35_USLABOD_HeroicActsAction.PDF]

vi. Junior Guards - (Ms. Reenie Boyer) – The committee judged posters contest winners. Each winner will receive a $100 award. Each region will have a Junior Guard contact listed on the USLA website. The committee recommends keeping the registration fee for Juniors at the National Games optional. There are two proposed JG rule changes for the Spring meeting: No temporary body art permitted on JG participants at the National Championships and for every increment of 500 JG members registered and paid per agency, that agency can enter the equivalent of one team entry on restricted relay and individual events. [2006_02_36_USLABOD_JuniorGuardAction.PDF]

vii. Executive Delegate - (Mr. Chris Graham) – With respect to the starting salaries page on the USLA website, a hyper-link will also be added for agencies. The title of “tower guard” will change to “lifeguard” on the current form. The committee requested $500 to be allocated to make the proposed changes to the website. MPU. [2006_02_08_USLABOD_ExecutiveDelegateAction.PDF]

viii. Certification - (Mr. Eric Bauer) – Mr. Bauer reported that the list of certification officers has been updated. The committee is researching stickers to put on vehicles of certified agencies. He will pursue the idea of using credit cards for certification payment with Mr. Hartl and Mr. Farry. Mr. Bauer listed the agencies that were approved for certification (included in attached report). [2006_02_37_USLABOD_CertificationAction.PDF]

ix. Textbook - (Mr. Brewster) – No Committee meeting was held.

x. Ways and Means - (Mr. Greg Farry) – Mr. Farry distributed the financial statements ending June 30th and September 3oth. [2006_02_38.1_USLABOD_WaysandMeansAction.PDF]

B. Working Group Committees

i. National Curriculum - (Mr. Carl Martinez) - No report.

ii. Grant Writing (Mr. James McCrady) – No report.

iii. Equipment Research and Assessment (Mr. Dave Foxwell) - No report due to illness.

iv. Bylaws/Policy and Procedures (Mr. John More) – According to the Bylaws, the title of Recurrent Representative is now officially “Executive Delegate”. Mr. More will work on the Policies and Procedures to bring them in line with the Bylaws for review at the Spring meeting.

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v. Public Information/Publicity (Mr. Tom Gill) – Discussed the promotion of National Beach Safety Week. Mr. Gill to disseminate information from Mr. Maceo on this topic through the secretary. If possible, have certified agencies display the USLA logo. Mr. Gill once again stated the need to have a Public Information Officer on the Executive Committee. [2006_02_46_USLABOD_PublicInformationAction.PDF]

vi. Magazine Publication - (Mr. Mike Bartlett) - There is a recommendation from the Junior Guard Committee to have better JG related content in the magazine. Recommendation for volume and issue numbers to be put on the cover of ALM. Recommendation from Membership Committee to add a USLA membership renewal form in the Spring ALM issue. It was recommended from the floor that the ALM Editor check with regional presidents in case there may be sensitivity issues to negative articles submitted concerning their particular region. [2006_02_47_USLABOD_ALMAction.PDF]

vii. Website (Mr. Charles Hartl) - Mr. Hartl is willing to support every committee as needed with website issues. [2006_02_48_USLABOD_WebsiteAction.PDF]

viii. Development (Ms. Cathy VonWald) - No report.

ix. Sign Standards (Mr. Ralph Goto) – No report.

XII. OLD BUSINESS – No Old Business.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Patagonia Agreement – Committee chairs would like to be included in the upper tier plan.

XIV. PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Tom Gill has a training video used by Virginia Beach EMS if anyone would like a copy. Jim McCrady reminded everyone that the Air and Sea Show held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida will pay $13.50 an hour. Please contact Jim for more information if interested. Anyone who was an original official in 1988 needs to contact Tim Gallagher.

XV. FUTURE MEETINGS

A. 2007 Spring: Great Lakes, April 26-28 – Disseminated information on the host hotel (Best Western Inn of Chicago) and the city of Chicago.

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B. 2007 Fall: South Atlantic - Charleston, Nov 1-3

C. 2008 Spring: Pacific Islands – April 24-26

XVI. PRIVILEGE OF THE CHAIR – President Brewster reminded the delegates about the dress code that is required for the first day of the meeting as well as the Educational conference. Mr. Brewster thanked everyone for their hard work at the meeting. A. Special Announcement: Mr. Brewster congratulated Mr. Vic Maceo as the newest USLA Life Member.

XVII. ADJOURNEMENT

13 Board of Directors Opening Presentation B. Chris Brewster November 2, 2006

Fortune favors the brave. It is not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who sometimes errs and comes up short … because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.

So said Virgil in the Aeneid. So said Teddy Roosevelt.

For each of us here, there are dozens, hundreds, thousands who enjoy the fruits of our labors. Who take great pride in being lifesavers. Who today benefit by the prescient and dedicated actions of Boards of Directors who have come before us. Who benefit by the work this Board of Directors has done together and will continue to do as lifesaving’s leaders.

They know not, many of them, what we do for them. They may be frustrated at what they do not have. They may take for granted what they do have.

There are those among us though, in lifesaving, who struggle every day to make our profession better. Who seek to elevate our image and burnish it ever brighter. Who seek to ensure that the victim struggling in the water is always saved. Who seek to ensure that every lifesaver is trained and equipped to safely and effectively carry on. Who seek to ensure that the profession of lifesaving achieves a place in the pantheon of history that is no less than that of any other profession in which the members endeavor to place the safety of others ahead of their own.

We are the leaders of this bold and noble profession. We take little from it that others do not glean. We seek always to give more than we receive, so that those who come after us have it better, are better respected, are better equipped, are better prepared, are better rewarded for their sacrifice.

It is hard sometimes, very hard. For every few steps forward, there are one or two back, but we have persevered. And we will continue to persevere.

Wherever we can find a strategy to prevent tragedy in the waters of this country, we will identify it. We will implement it.

We work unselfishly, for the good of humanity, for the good of our fellow lifesavers, for the good of our profession. And thereby, we are enriched, not in financial means, for our sacrifices ensure that we will likely be left with less treasure than we would have were we to sit on the sidelines. We are enriched however, by knowing we repay a debt which no creditor hounds us over. It is a debt accumulated by the enrichment of being a part of this incredible profession of lifesaving. We are the ones who have taken up the cudgel to repay that by which we have so greatly benefited.

It is frustrating at times that we cannot proceed faster than we are able. It is upsetting at times that our own circumstances can act as an obstacle. It is confusing at times that we do not have an easier time of it considering the import of our mission. But we proceed apace, nevertheless, to persevere.

For better or for worse, we are the ones chosen to represent the profession, the very spirit of lifesaving. We are the ones upon whom all of our fellow lifesavers depend, whether they know it or not. We are the ones in whose hands rest the future of lifesaving.

We are truly in this together. We must hearken to the coxswain and row as one toward the ever advancing finish line. We must support each other in triumph and in failure, knowing that through trust and interdependence, we strengthen lifesaving evermore. We must celebrate success and, even in success, find greater goals to achieve on behalf of ourselves, our profession, our fellow lifesavers.

And we will succeed. Because the hopes and dreams, not only of ourselves, but of all lifesavers, and of people unknown who will come into harms way, and of those lifesavers who come after us, rest in our hands. We owe it to them all to succeed. For we were chosen, by some twist of fate, to be the vanguard of lifesaving.

Fortune favors the brave. And we are indeed fortunate and we are indeed brave. President’s Activity Report United States Lifesaving Association April – November 2006

1. Overview – As I noted in my most recent column in American Lifeguard Magazine, I am extremely pleased with the excellent collaboration we have achieved among all of the regions and their representatives. That is a testament to our respective dedication to avoiding conflict, promoting trust and making comity the norm. One of the issues I am increasingly seeing as holding us back is that as we move into more and more important projects, our ability to get the work done with speed and agility is suffering. The problem is that we all lead very busy lives and we are all volunteers. This inevitably limits our ability to execute. There are a variety of ways this issue can be addressed. One is to prioritize the work such that we limit new initiatives to ones where we have a high chance of success and, ideally, a limited workload. Another, of course, is bringing on professional staff, but that goal remains constrained by fundraising. In the meantime, it is my view that we need to cast our net widely for opportunities and be prepared to act quickly, though not rashly, when those opportunities arise. So long as we protect ourselves contractually and administratively, we have little to fear. In the meantime, I am doing all I can on your behalf to get the job done. 2. Activities Since Last Meeting 2.1. Boeing of California Campaign: Last year, I applied on our behalf to Boeing of California to be included in their employee giving program, at the recommendation of former lifeguard Daniel Lineback, who works for Boeing. We unexpectedly received a check for $5,000 as a result. I reapplied this year, asking for $50,000. We again received $5,000. 2.2. Red Cross – YMCA – USLA Collaboration: The ongoing collaboration with the Red Cross and YMCA of the USA continues to yield benefits. Medical Advisor Dr. Peter Wernicki and I met with representatives of both groups in St. Louis in May. An agreement was reached on a critical project upon which we are collaborating. I will leave the details to Dr. Wernicki, but I direct your attention in the meantime to www.lifeguardstandards.org. 2.3. Endowment: In Annapolis the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors accepted my recommendation to create a separate nonprofit organization to serve as an endowment for USLA. Incorporating documents were prepared and signed in Annapolis. Since that time, I incorporated the United States Lifesaving Foundation in California and applied for nonprofit status to the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board. Approvals have been received from both organizations, so the United States Lifesaving Foundation is now a recognized charity to which people may donate. Interest from the donations benefits USLA. 2.4. Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Typing: Former lifeguard and Member of Congress Brian Bilbray requested that I draft some federal legislative language to ensure that lifeguards are included in flood response plans nationally. I drafted the language, with the input of USLA Legal Advisor Chip More and submitted it for review. The language includes a role for USLA in flood rescue planning. Like all federal legislation, its fate is uncertain.

Page 1 of 4 USLA President’s Activity Report – November 2006 2.5. NOAA - Sea Grant Meetings: In an effort to reinvigorate our collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Sea Grant, I wrote both organizations and we organized a meeting in Washington, D.C. in June. As this is primarily a public education issue, I invited Rob Williams to participate, but this was not possible for scheduling reasons. Peter Davis was kind enough to fill in and some excellent meetings were conducted. Peter will report further on the outcomes. 2.6. Ingram: At the Annapolis meeting, substantial concerns arose regarding our working relationship with Ingram, which has sponsored USLA competitions for some years. I contacted the company directly and corresponded with its representatives. Ingram gave USLA $5,000 for the 2006 Nationals. Since that time, I have met with Ingram representatives twice and our relationship appears to be very strong. Further financial support from Ingram depends upon their success at marketing some lifeguard related clothing lines in Japan. They have advised that they will get back to us later in the fall. 2.7. Combined Federal Campaign: Last year, USLA was approved for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign of payroll donations to nonprofit causes by federal employees. This involves a rather extensive annual application process, which I handled personally in January 2005 and 2006. We have been approved again for another year and can expect donations to increase over the prior year. 2.8. Sanyo – Bussan Challenge: After the Annapolis meeting USLA, as part of our liaison with ILS, was invited by the Japanese Lifesaving Federation to send a team to participate in the Sanyo Bussan Challenge in Japan on 17 July. This was obviously very short notice. They offered 1,100,000 yen as a subsidy, which is approximately $900 for each of 10 team members and 1 coach/manager. They also offered to cover ground transportation, meals, etc. I checked with Kevin Sweat, asking him to coordinate with Ed Zebrowski and Mitch Kahn. All three were of the view that we should send a team, but neither Kevin nor Mitch was prepared to handle the manager/coach duties, due to other commitments. They suggested Jay Butki, whom I asked to lead this effort. He agreed and organized a team at the last minute. I will leave it to Mr. Butki to report on the details, but suffice it to say that this was an excellent opportunity for the participants and had no cost to USLA. I thank Mr. Butki for his work on this project. 2.9. Proposed Meeting Guidelines: Based on input received from a number of people, I drafted proposed guidelines for hosting a national meeting to help the organizers ensure minimum standards, to ensure that Board needs are met, and to encourage reasonable costs. Peter Wernicki and Nikki Bowie provided critical collaboration. That document is ready for review by the Executive Committee. 2.10. Nationals Host Agreement: With input of Ed Zebrowski, Peter Wernicki, Tim Gallagher and Charlie Hartl, I drafted an appendix to the USLA Host Agreement to ensure that a wide variety of logistical needs at the Nationals are included in the agreement. This is intended to ensure that the Host knows what the expectations are and to help ensure that those expectations are met. The Host Agreement is a working document that is improved each year. We will certainly learn from this iteration. I have been in direct communication with city officials in Myrtle Beach who are eager to host the 2007 Nationals. They have reviewed the Host Agreement and returned it with minor adjustments. The document has been reviewed by the Legal Advisor and is ready for

Page 2 of 4 USLA President’s Activity Report – November 2006 review by the Executive Committee. It is hoped that it can be consummated by the end of November. 2.11. Beach Patrol Television Series: Several years ago I was contacted by Evolution Film and Tape, which was exploring the possibility of a reality series on lifeguards. That idea has evolved to the Beach Patrol series, which has so far featured San Diego and Miami Beach. I have continued to provide input and assistance gratis to Evolution in the interest of helping promote lifesaving professionalism and to have our profession depicted in a positive light. The show has had a number of benefits for the hosting agencies, one of which to San Diego will result in the filming of some training videos to USLA standards. Lt. Nick Lerma has assisted greatly with this. Evolution also made a donation to USLA recently for my assistance and provided sponsorship at the Nationals. At this meeting, Evolution is covering the entire cost of the closing banquet and will make a presentation on their methods. For agencies interested, this will offer an opportunity to meet with the producers to decide if they may have an interest. 2.12. Filming Opportunity: A production company approached me with an offer to work to arrange televising of the National Lifeguard Championships. I involved Legal Advisor Chip More in the discussions and forwarded information on the offer to Ralph Goto, as liaison to SHP. Subsequently, this was put to a vote of the Executive Committee. After some discussion and adjustments to the terms, based on direct involvement of SHP, the Executive Board approved the concept. In brief, the production company has been extended a six (6) month exclusive right to secure funding for production and broadcast of the USLA National Lifeguard Championships. If they are successful, specifics of the contract, including any income to USLA, will be negotiated further. 2.13. Carac Event: As noted and approved at the Annapolis meeting, I traveled to New York in June to speak at a satellite media tour that was a promotional event for a pharmaceutical to treat certain types of skin cancer. This involved a day of preparation and a day of on-camera interviews with the president of the Skin Cancer Foundation. As a result of my donation of time and expertise, the company has made a donation of $5,000 to USLA. I am proposing that this be the first deposit for the US Lifesaving Foundation. 2.14. “Dr. Beach”: Consistent with past decisions of the Board of Directors, I wrote the attached letter to Dr. Stephen Leatherman, who bills himself as Dr. Beach. My thanks to Jim McCrady, Don May and Peter Hartsock for validating certain representations. I have not received a reply. 2.15. National Lifeguard Championships: I had the pleasure of serving as a referee at the National Lifeguard Championships. I’d like to thank Head Official Tim Gallagher and Gus Avila of the Huntington State Beach Lifesaving Association, but also everyone who was a part of the organizing. 2.16. International Life Saving Federation: As Lifesaving Commissioner for the International Life Saving Federation, I attended Board of Directors meetings in September 2006 in Leuven, Belgium. As a result of work by Peter Davis, new member federations of ILS were approved from Chile and Peru. At the meeting, I was flattered to be commissioned as a Knight in the Order of Lifesaving.

Page 3 of 4 USLA President’s Activity Report – November 2006 2.17. World Water Safety 2007: The ILS Lifesaving Commission, which I oversee, has announced that the next global lifesaving congress, World Water Safety 2007, will take place in Porto, Portugal September 27 – 29, 2007. I conducted an on-site visit to this city in October and found it a very pleasant, historic and surprisingly inexpensive place. Mark your calendars and make plans for this congress, that takes place only once every five years or so. Details will be posted shortly at www.worldwatersafety.org. 2.18. World Drowning Report: The International Life Saving Federation is endeavoring to create a World Drowning Report and a committee of the ILS Lifesaving Commission is overseeing this. To facilitate the effort, I arranged for a meeting between the committee and the World Health Organization in Geneva in October. This was a very productive meeting and it is hoped that the first report can be issued in 2007. 3. Conclusion: Working together on the many projects proposed by our officers, committee chairs, and members, there is great promise for significant progress to achieve some of our long held goals for USLA. Please email me, call me, or take me aside to discuss any issues you think we ought to be addressing. Together, we can make a real difference for USLA, the lifesaving profession, and drowning prevention.

Lifesaving Aye,

B. Chris Brewster, President

Attach: Letter to Dr. Stephen Leatherman

Tel: (858) 581-1221 – Fax: (720) 535-3274 – Email: [email protected] – Web: www.lifesaver1.com

Page 4 of 4 USLA President’s Activity Report – November 2006 United States Lifesaving Association

PO Box 366 Huntington Beach, California 92648 Tel: 866-FOR-USLA

www.usla.org

August 1, 2006 B. Chris Brewster President

Jerry Gavin Vice-President Dr. Stephen Leatherman, PhD Nikki Bowie Laboratory for Coastal Research Secretary Florida International University

Greg Farry University Park Treasurer Miami, FL 33199

Chris Graham Recurrent Representative Dear Dr. Leatherman,

Peter Davis Liaison Officer As you know, the United States Lifesaving Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the Tim Gallagher aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, Advisor training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other Dr. Peter We rnicki means. In that context, we have previously communicated to you with respect Medical Advisor to your past promotion of the use of beaches lacking adequate public safety John “Chip” More plans, equipment and personnel. This letter is an effort to continue that Legal Advisor dialogue and to promote a positive relationship.

As previously explained, we have no position on the methods by which you determine which beaches are America’s best, as this ultimately comes down to issues of aesthetics and personal preference. Our concern is completely focused on the safety of beaches you may select for recognition (and inevitable promotion). As previously explained (see attached letter), your evaluation system devotes very limited attention to beach safety and, even if it did, as you have readily acknowledged, this is not your area of expertise.

We recently reviewed a news release (attached) in which you were quoted as stating, "Only swim when the lifeguards are on duty, which is true for any oceanic beach." We of course agree with this statement and greatly appreciate your making it. Our own statistics demonstrate that the chance of drowning death in an area patrolled by lifeguards is one in 18 million. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated, “One effective drowning prevention intervention is to provide trained, professional lifeguards to conduct patron surveillance and supervision at aquatic facilities and beach areas.”

I circulated your most recent top ten list to our membership. It would appear that eight of the beaches you selected have lifeguard protection at some or all times of year. This is a tremendous improvement over past lists. Two of the beaches you have recommended however, have no lifeguards at any time.

President’s Address: 3850 Sequoia Street San Diego, CA 92109-6518 Tel: 858-581-1221 Fax: 720-535-3274 Internet: [email protected]

These beaches are Barefoot Beach (Bonita Springs, Florida) and Caladesi Island State Park (Dunedin, Florida). This was confirmed by Chief Don May of Palm Beach County who is personally aware of the situation in Bonita Springs, but who validated the situation at both locations by contacting the Parks and Recreation Department for Collier County and the Florida State Parks System.

It is quite confusing and concerning from our perspective that you would, on the one hand, state that people should only swim at an ocean beach when lifeguards are present, but promote the use of two beaches without lifeguards. While we fully recognize the fact that people will choose to swim in some cases at beaches without lifeguards, we would never promote such activity and we would invite you to take a similar approach. Furthermore, we do not believe communities that fail to provide lifeguards should be offered accolades, such as your list, that have an inevitable tendency to promote attendance (and use), thereby encouraging poor civic behavior.

With specific regard to this issue, I would like to offer you an opportunity. If you would be willing to consider restricting your selections to beaches with lifeguards and continuing to promote use of lifeguard protected beaches, as you did by way of the aforementioned statement, you could have a powerful impact on beach safety nationwide. This year, all but two beaches met that criteria. I would be willing to propose to our Board of Directors that we partner with you to help ensure that all beaches you recommend are lifeguard protected and that you be offered the opportunity to reference us as a validating body (if you wish). Incidentally, USLA certifies lifeguard agencies that meet minimum standards we recommend and it would seem that there would be some value in acknowledging the quality of lifeguard protection as part of your system. Please let me know if this is of interest.

On a separate subject, you and I were recently quoted in a USA Today article (attached). The article stated, in part, “Rip currents are most likely to form when waves are high. High surf always demands respect, says Stephen Leatherman, director of the International Hurricane Center & Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami. Most people should just stay out of the water when waves are more than 4 or 5 feet high, he says. “You are risking life and limb. The worst thing in the world is to go on vacation and have a tragedy.””

It is possible that this statement was taken out of context, so I will respond only to the extent of addressing the narrative itself, rather than your purported attribution. The hazards presented at an ocean beach obviously vary as a result of many factors, including surf, especially in that surf causes rip currents and rip current intensity can increase with surf size, but surf can also cause traumatic injuries. I am unaware however, of any scientific basis for the idea that most people should stay out of the water when waves are more than 4 or 5 feet high. If there is science in this regard, I would be most happy to receive the outcomes. From our perspective, considering that strong rip currents can sometimes form even in the presence of small surf and considering that rip currents are the cause of over 80% of ocean rescues by lifeguards, it would seem most prudent to recommend that regardless of surf size, swimmers

2 should swim only at beaches protected by lifeguards and check with the lifeguards before entering the water. The converse of the statement attributed to you is an implication that most people can safely swim in surf that is 4 feet or less, which I do not think is true. It is also important that people learn to swim, especially in the environment in which they will swim, that they never swim alone, that they watch their children, and so forth. We have a list of top ten tips at: http://www.usla.org/PublicInfo/safety.asp.

Dr. Leatherman, our goal is to reduce the incidence of drowning death and one very effective way to do this is to encourage people to swim at beaches with lifeguards. This is one reason why it is disconcerting to us when use of beaches lacking lifeguards is promoted, but on the other hand inspiring when we see that 80% of the beaches you have recommended do have lifeguard protection at some times of the year. I would value the opportunity to partner with you to the degree that you could continue publicizing your selection of best beaches, but we could help you ensure that the beaches you recognize provide lifeguard protection to maximize the safety of visitors.

Sincerely,

B. Chris Brewster President

attach: Letter to Dr. Stephen Leatherman (September 26, 2002) ``Dr. Beach'' Names Fleming Beach Park America's Best (May 24, 2006) Ocean Dangers Real and Underappreciated (USA Today June 4, 2006)

3 United States Lifesaving Association

National Certification Committee

PO Box 366 Huntington Beach, California 92648 Tel: 866-FOR-USLA

www.usla.org

Chair September 26, 2002

B. Chris Brewster

Members Dr. Stephen Leatherman, PhD Eric Bauer Laboratory for Coastal Research Southwest Region Florida International University Jerry Gavin University Park Great Lakes Region Miami, FL 33199 Mike Hensler South Atlantic Region Dear Dr. Leatherman:

Jim McCrady Southeast Region After our meeting in Tampa in June and your subsequent mailing to me of various materials, I had intended to write much sooner. Regrettably, a variety of Dave Shotwell Mid-Atlantic Region pressing business got in the way. For that I apologize.

Kim Tyson Gulf Coast Region When we met, I questioned the selection and promotion process for your annual America’s Best Beaches list. In particular, I reiterated past concerns with Cathy Wiederhold respect to what I perceive to be your lack of emphasis on public safety and lack Northwest Region of a truly scientific (or objective) basis in selections. Dr. Peter Wernicki Medical Advisor With respect to the public safety issue, you have in the past, and continue to, highly rate beaches with no lifeguards, some of which may have very poor safety records. You have a published list of 50 rating criteria. Though it is not clear to me, it appears that you give beaches a weighting from 1 to 5 for each of the 50 criteria. Thus, it appears that a perfect score would be 250 points. In any case, one of those 50 involves the presence or absence of lifeguards. Apparently, a beach with “some” lifeguards is given a rating of 5, while a beach with “none” is given a rating of 1. It would appear to me then, that a beach could conceivably achieve an almost perfect rating of 246 with no lifeguards on duty, ever.

In addition, with particular respect to lifeguard protection, there appears no effort to rate based on the quality, quantity, or frequency of lifeguard staffing. In theory, it appears that a three mile beach with two poorly trained lifeguards staffed for an indeterminate period would receive the same rating (5) as another three mile beach with 50 lifeguards trained and equipped to USLA standards and on duty year round. This seems lacking in validity.

Perhaps of even greater import, another of the 50 criteria is, “safety record (deaths).” A beach with “some” falls in category 1. A beach with “none” falls in

Committee Chair's Address: 3850 Sequoia Street San Diego, CA 92109-6518 Tel: 858-581-1221 Fax: 443-583-0744 Internet: [email protected] category 5. (There is no in-between.) My impression is that you do very limited actual research. For example, one year you rated a beach in San Diego in the top ten despite the fact that it had been closed for months due to water contamination. You also highly rated St. Andrews Beach (adjacent to Panama City Beach) as the top beach in 1995 and insisted that it had lifeguards, when in fact it had none. Even if you were to conduct extensive research, the term “some” seems a very general classification with respect to deaths. Under this system, a beach with 40 drownings would appear to receive the same rating as one with two drownings.

To use my earlier example with respect to drownings, as I understand your rating system, a one mile beach with two lifeguards on duty for two months of the year and 40 drownings in a year could receive a score of 246. Do you see the problem here? Moreover, do you see how it might seriously conflict with efforts to reduce drownings?

I do not personally have a problem with a beach rating system that is truly objectively based and primarily aimed at aesthetics, so long as the latter is made abundantly clear. The problem I see is that your term “Best Beaches” has broad implications. I think most people would assume that these are not only nice places to visit, but also safe places to visit. Your use of, and reference to, certain safety criteria, furthers this impression. With respect to aesthetics, if you’re wrong, there is something to argue about, but no one is hurt. With respect to safety, if you’re wrong, you may have encouraged someone to visit a beach where they die.

When you publish a list of Best Beaches, the press inevitably picks up on which ones were first, second, third, whatever, and this becomes a major tourism enhancement tool, thus an encouragement for people to visit these beaches over others. In my view, you should either ensure that no beach with a poor safety rating is included, or you should find some way to convey to the press that your rating system does not take safety into account in a meaningful way. Making a half-hearted attempt to evaluate safety and then implying that you have meaningfully considered safety is, I think, an irresponsible use of the fame you have achieved through this annual exercise.

I believe that the “Prevention” portion of your website (www.drbeach.org) has some value, but I think it inadequately emphasizes minor problems over the most serious. Were I to write something of this nature, I’d begin by stating that the most serious threat to safety at any body of water is drowning and then make recommendations as to how people can avoid this. A primary method would be swimming near lifeguards, since USLA figures indicate that the chance of drowning in an area under the protection of lifeguards associated with USLA is 1 in 18 million. Bottom line, I would suggest emphasizing this issue and moving it up, placing information about things like sunglasses, sunburn, etc., lower down, as they are of less import. Nevertheless, I must believe that a tiny percentage of people who read about America’s Best Beaches will visit your website, and thus benefit by this element.

My second concern has to do with the ratings rules you employ. The concept of churning beaches through the top ten, such that different beaches are represented each

2 year, has the potential to invalidate the whole process. That is, it seems like the idea is to give everyone with a nice beach the chance to get on the list at some point. If, on the other hand, this were approached from a truly scientific (or truly objective) rating standard, then the same beaches might be on the list year after year. Boring? You bet. So the media wouldn’t be anywhere near as interested. On the other hand, it would have much more integrity.

In the end, of course, this isn’t really a scientific rating system, which is why I questioned the science that you imply is involved. Rather, it is a system based primarily on some aesthetic criteria, weighted in accordance to your tastes, which tastes may well be quite well received by others. That part though, is of far less concern to me than the issue of public safety that I believe is being compromised.

As I have offered in the past, if you would like to collaborate in some way to more meaningfully take safety into account in future ratings, please let me know. I would be happy to convey that sentiment to the USLA Board of Directors and try to develop some mutually satisfactory process. Absent some meaningful changes though, I must regretfully maintain a view that this is an unscientific process which conflicts with my goals and that of the organizations for which I volunteer – water safety.

Sincerely,

B. Chris Brewster Chair

BCB

attach: Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman's Fifty Criteria

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman’s Fifty Criteria

PHYSICAL FACTORS CATEGORIES (relate to the 1 2 3 4 5 vacation/holiday season) 60- <10 m 30-60 >100 m 1. Beach width at low tide 10-30 m 100 narrow m wide m coarse 2. Beach material cobbles sand/cobbles ----- fine sand sand 3. Beach condition or variation erosional ----- stable ----- depositional 4. Sand softness hard ------soft warm 5. Water temperature cold/hot ------(70°-80° F) < 60° F 6. Air temperature (midday) ------80°-90° F > 100° F 7. Number of sunny days few ------many 8. Amount of rain large ------little 9. Wind speeds high ------low 10.Size of breaking waves high/dangerous ------low/safe 11. Number of waves/width of none 1-2 3-4 5 6+ breaker zone gently sloping 12. Beach slope (underwater) steeply sloping bottom ------bottom 13. Longshore current strong ------weak 14. Rip currents often ------never light 15. Color of sand gray black brown white/pink tan 16. Tidal range large (>4 m) 3-4 m 2-3 m 1-2 m small (<1 m) 17. Beach shape straight ------pocket 18. Bathing area bottom rocky, cobbles, mud ------fine sand conditions 19. Turbidity turbid ------clear 20. Water color gray ------aquablue 21. Floating/suspended human plentiful ------none material (sewage, scum) 22. Algae in water amount infested ------absent 23. Red tide common ------none 24. Smell (eg, seaweed, rotting bad odors ------fresh salty air fish) 25. Wildlife (eg, shore birds) none ------plentiful 26. Pests (biting flies, ticks, common ------no problem mosquitoes) 27. Presence of sewarage/runoff several ------none outfall lines on/across the beach

28. Seaweed/jellyfish on the many ------none beach 29. Trash and litter(paper, common ------rare plastics, nets, ropes, planks) 30. Oil and tar balls common ------none 31. Glass and rubble common ------rare 32. Views and vistas - Local obstructed ------unobstructed scene 33. Views and vistas - Far vista confined ------unconfined 34. Buildings/Urbanism overdeveloped ------pristine/wild 35. Access limited ------good 36. Misfits (nuclear power present ------none station, offshore dumping) 37. Vegetation (nearby). Trees, none ------many sand dunes 38. Well-kept grounds/promenades or natural no ------yes environment 39. Amenities (showers, chairs, none ------some bars, etc) 40. Lifeguards none ------present 41. Safety record (deaths) some ------none 42. Domestic animals (eg, dogs) many ------none 43. Noise (cars, nearby much ------little highways, trains) 44. Noise (eg, crowds, radios) much ------little 45. Presence of seawalls, riprap, large amount ------none concrete/rubble ample open 46. Intensity of beach use overcrowded ------space 47. Off-road vehicles common ------none 48. Floatables in water common ------none (garbage, toilet paper) 49. Public safety (eg, common ------rare pickpockets, crime) 50. Competition for free use of beach (eg, fishermen, boaters, many ------few water-skiers)

``Dr. Beach'' Names Fleming Beach Park America's Best Wednesday May 24, 8:00 am ET

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 24, 2006--D. T. Fleming Beach Park takes the number one spot in the 16th annual Top 10 Beaches rankings produced by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research.

The western shore of Maui is known for its idyllic, year-round beach weather, and Fleming's mile-long crescent, white sand beach offers a range of activities and stunning views of nearby Molokai Island. A favorite area for sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers alike, the beach is backed by a virtual forest of trees on the low sea cliff, providing welcome shade. Amenities include showers, restrooms, grills, bar/snackbar and picnic facilities overlooking the beach plus tablecloth dining on the south end of the park, which is the unofficial beach of the nearby Ritz Carlton.

"Fleming Beach is a wonderful beach, but when the surf is up during the winter months, it is best to stay close to shore unless you are a very strong and experienced swimmer," noted Leatherman, an international expert on beaches and coastal processes. "Only swim when the lifeguards are on duty, which is true for any oceanic beach."

As "Dr. Beach" (http://www.DrBeach.org), Leatherman has selected an annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as facilities and management.

What makes Leatherman's selections unique is his knowledge as a Ph.D. coastal scientist with 30 years of scientific experience studying storm impacts, erosion and ways to improve beach health.

The National Healthy Beaches Campaign (http://www.NHBC.fiu.edu) was founded by Leatherman to acknowledge the many beautiful and "healthy" beaches around the country from seaside and lakeshore destinations for any taste. Nominations are accepted by mail for this program for which there is no fee. USATODAY.com - Ocean dangers real and underappreciated Page 1 of 3

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Health and Behavior Inside News Shopping Bu Ocean dangers real and underappreciated Updated 6/8/2006 8:38 AM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this

Josh Basile was an 18-year-old college kid enjoying a day at the beach, playing in waist-high surf, when it happened: He turned his back on the ocean, and "all of a sudden, a wave came up behind me, picked me up and slammed me headfirst into the sand," Basile says.

Basile broke his neck and injured his spinal cord. His arms and legs were paralyzed. Two years later, thanks to intense therapy, he has regained some movement in his arms, fingers and toes. He also has taken on a mission: warning others about the hazards of swimming and playing in the ocean.

"I know 10 people with spinal cord injuries just in my area because of the beach," Basile says. He lives in Potomac, Md., and was injured at Bethany Beach, Del.

The hazards are real and underappreciated, says B. Chris Brewster, a longtime lifeguard who is president of the U. S. Lifesaving Association. In 2005, at least 71 beachgoers died by drowning, 217,752 needed medical assistance and 50,009 were rescued by lifeguards, according to reports Enlarge By Jim Tiller, The Daytona Beach News-Journal via AP collected by the association. Actual numbers of deaths and injuries probably were higher, Brewster says. Volusia County lifeguards stay busy Memorial Day as tens of thousands of people hit the surf to cool off in the 90 degree temperature in Daytona Beach, Fla. An When people drown or are injured in pools, it's often because they can't afternoon out-going tide, which produced rip-currents, swim well, Brewster says; when people get into trouble in the ocean, it's also produced dozens of rescues. often because they don't understand the power of water.

As Basile learned, even an unexpected strong wave in shallow water can lead to disaster. SAFETY TIPS

"When sand is wet, it's as hard as concrete," he says. Remember that, he Avoid injury in the waves tells other college and high school students, when you plunge into those waves. Never dive headfirst into waves, he warns, or turn your back on • Walk, don't run, into the water. them. And pay attention if your favorite beach, after years of erosion, has been replenished with sand: That can create steeper beaches with • Don't dive toward the bottom into oncoming harder-hitting waves. waves. Always choose beaches with lifeguards and ask whether conditions are • Don't stand with your back to the waves. safe, he says. Brewster says just 10 of last year's 71 documented drowning deaths were at guarded beaches. • Don't jump or dive from a cliff, pier, jetty or bridge. And he says that although waves can be hazards, an even more common danger is a rip current: a narrow, fast-moving channel of water flowing • Use body board with hands out in front.

mhtml:file://C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\B%20C%20Brewster\My%20Documents\T... 8/1/2006 USATODAY.com - Ocean dangers real and underappreciated Page 2 of 3

Source: U.S. Lifeguarding Association away from shore.

A rip current can form in any water with waves, including the Great Clues that a rip current is present Lakes, and can carry even strong swimmers out to sea.

• A channel of churning, choppy water. More than 80% of lifeguard rescues at beaches with surf are the result of rip currents, Brewster says. People caught in a rip current often panic and • A difference in water color. try to swim against the current, back toward shore. "That can be a losing battle. ... If you are not making progress fairly quickly, it's not going to get • A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward. any better."

• A break in the incoming wave pattern. It's a misconception, he says, that a rip current will pull a swimmer under.

Source: National Weather Service But struggle and fatigue can. The best strategy: Swim to the side, parallel to the shoreline, to escape the current.

If you can't break free, tread water until the current weakens, then swim back.

Rip currents are most likely to form when waves are high. High surf always demands respect, says Stephen Leatherman, director of the International Hurricane Center & Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami.

Most people should just stay out of the water when waves are more than 4 or 5 feet high, he says. "You are risking life and limb. The worst thing in the world is to go on vacation and have a tragedy."

Waters that are tranquil one day can be stirred up and stormy the next, even if the storm causing the trouble is hundreds of miles away, he says. That increasingly may be a problem for East Coast and Gulf Coast beachgoers if Atlantic tropical storms are as intense as they have been in recent years.

In any case, he says, "beaches most of the time are really safe. But any beach can have a bad day."

Got a health or medical question? E-mail [email protected]. Please include your name, city and daytime phone number.

Posted 6/4/2006 10:10 PM ET

Updated 6/8/2006 8:38 AM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this

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mhtml:file://C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\B%20C%20Brewster\My%20Documents\T... 8/1/2006

DATE: November 2, 2006

TO: USLA Board of Directors Lake Tahoe, NV

FROM: Jerome Gavin Vice President

SUBJECT: Vice President’s Report Fall 2006

I would like to thank the Huntington State for hosting a fantastic junior and senior games this summer. It was a great venue for renewing friendships and meeting new ones. It was a wonderful time for lifeguards, juniors and officials. Thanks for a job well done.

Thank you to the Northwest Region for hosting this meeting in such a great venue. It is always nice to see “Lake” in lifeguarding.

I would also like to thank Ralph Goto for his continuing efforts in working with Scott Hubbell Productions. Ralph and SHP need to be included at the beginning in all contract negotiations, as well as our Legal Advisor, Chip More. This would help keep circumstance like the LiveStar Entertainment situation from occurring. While it is absolutely necessary to conduct business via eVotes between meetings to further the organization, I believe that items that come up near the Board of Directors meeting should be held over until the Board meets. Input, questions, and direction from the Board are the purpose of the Board.

We in Chicago look forward to hosting the Spring 2007 meeting in April. Information on hotel reservations will be available at the conclusion of this meeting. Secretary’s Activity Report United States Lifesaving Association April 2006 – November 2006

1. The production of my first Board of Directors meeting notes was a learning experience. The notes from Annapolis took me the full month allotted. It is important for committee chairs to send in their action reports as soon as possible after the meeting. Being from an agency that is largely seasonal, I understand how busy certain times of year are, but I want to ensure that the notes are accurate and to do so requires committee notes. Thanks to President Brewster for his assistance in helping to proof.

2. The Final draft of the meeting notes from Annapolis is included as an attachment. Changes from the notes dispersed in the June are as follows: Mike Beuerlein to replace Mr. Bartlett as presenting the Medal of Valor to Mr. Bartlett; Under “Roll Call of Delegates and Introductions” added “Memorilization of Proxies carried: Mid-Atlantic Region - Mr. Ed Zebrowski III for Mr. Dave Foxwell on April 27, 2006; Southeast Region - Mr. James McCrady V for Mr. Don May and Mr. Gerald Falconer for Mr. Patrick McGlamery; Pacific Islands Region – Mr. Ralph Goto for Mr. Jimmy Barros.”

3. I have been trying to reconcile different versions of the national directory. One is an Excel workbook and the other is a Word document. Both contain the same basic addresses, but some regions provided more extensive information. I hope to get this information into one format that will work well for everyone. A suggestion was made that a database would be the best format, so if anyone has experience with Access or other databases and would like to assist with this project please let me know. It is my intent to have both versions of the directory available as attachments prior to the BOD meeting and also plan to provide a CD at the meeting for each region to take back and make any further corrections.

4. The private Board of Directors Library is up and running on the USLA website thanks to the hard work of Charlie Hartle and Tom De Bellis. Currently, activity reports for the Fall Board of Directors meeting and notes from the ILS meeting in September are posted. If you are not receiving notification of postings or are experiencing difficulty in opening any of the files, please contact me.

5. President Brewster, Dr. Wernicki and I worked together on a proposed meeting guidelines document that we will bring to the Executive Committee for consideration.

6. Thank you to the Northwest Region for hosting the meeting and in particular, Bert Whitaker for his help with the agenda.

Nikki Bowie Secretary – United States Lifesaving Association 861 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 [email protected] 843-762-8049

United States Lifesaving Association South Lake Tahoe, Nevada November 2, 2006 Recurrent Representative Report

The Starting Salaries Section for USLA certified agencies is now posted on the USLA Website. We have made great strides in the last six months. We have information from 45 certified agencies posted and additional reports are trickling in. We have had a good number of non-USLA certified agencies attempting to submit their salary information. To ensure that only USLA certified agencies are posted we cross reference our salary template with the most updated certification list. I thank our website Chair, Charlie Hartl, for all his efforts in getting this link up and running. I also thank Tom De Bellis with 906 Interactive for working quickly in setting up this salary page. The map below, which breaks the USLA into our 9 regions, is found on the opening page of the Starting Salaries Section. To find starting lifeguard salary information in your region, you click on it and a list of agencies will follow. To submit or update your agency's salary information, you click on the Click Here link and your information is e-mailed directly to the Recurrent Representative and is cc'd: to the Web Master. This page is a great tool and I strongly suggest that you encourage every agency in your chapters to submit their starting salary information.

Certified Agencies Starting Salaries

Click Here to submit changes to your agency inf.

Starting Salaries: Northwest