Weather tests lifeguard candidates
Amy R. Spurgeon
Newport Beach -- Severe weather conditions on Sunday forced last minute
course changes to be made at Newport Beach Fire and Marine Department’s
annual lifeguard tryouts.”The winds and strong currents definitely tested
their ability for the job,” said Reenie Boyer, marine training
coordinator. “But we turned it into a very positive event.”
According to John Blauer, community relations officer of the Newport
Beach Fire and Marine Department, wind gusts of up to 45 knots, heavy
rain, 56-degree water and 55-degree air temperatures greeted 61 male and
female candidates at 9 a.m. in the ocean.
But safety concerns persuaded officials to move tryouts inland to the
bay.”We had notification that there might be foul weather, but we were
hoping to get to do an ocean swim,” Boyer said. “But the primary concern
was for the candidates safety.”Fifty-seven candidates finished the first
event, an 800 meter competitive run/swim/run in about 7 minutes. A few
athletes changed their minds about competing once they approached the
starting line, Boyer said.
After a short rest, candidates wishing to continue competed in a
700-meter swim. Forty-seven people completed this event in about 10
mintues.
The top forty finishers overall qualified to attend the lifeguard academy
presented by the city in March. The rigorousclass will prepare attendants
physically and mentally for daily ocean lifeguard operations. The day’s
eight female candidates all qualified for the academy.
“They come to us with basic swimming ability and within 109 hours we turn
them into ocean lifeguards,” Boyer said. “They have a lot of
responsibility.”Boyer said 9 million people visited the shores of Newport
Beach in 1998. Lifeguards performed 4,547 rescues, 126,000 preventative
actions and served 764 lost people. The job pays $11.83 an hour.”We have
a lot of contact with people,” Boyer said. “People who come to the beach
don’t always know how hazardous it can be.”
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