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.”