SOUNDING OFF:The rigors of lifeguard training

It started just after completion of a CPR and pool lifeguard training program at our local community and high school pool — training recommended to everyone, particularly if you have children.

A fellow swimmer mentioned the lifeguards were holding a “tryout” the following weekend.

This is open to all comers, and involves a swim from opposite the Main Beach lifeguard tower out round a buoy to Bird Rock and back, a distance of some 1,000 yards.

If you can do it in less than 20 minutes, presto — you could find yourself qualifying to try out for lifeguard training.

Sounds easy? Well, not quite.

Prior to this little endeavor, I was fortunate enough to meet with our chief of lifeguards, the very helpful and understanding Marine Safety Chief Mark Klosterman. He cautioned me on the challenges that lay ahead for the tryouts; I was soon to realize why.

It was 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning in mid-March. The sky was overcast with a cool breeze, and someone announced the ocean temperature — 56F. Have you ever tried taking a shower or bath at that temperature, well don’t — really!

It was Speedos only, no wetsuits, goggles or any other heat-retaining paraphernalia, except a green bathing cap. (It was St. Patrick’s Day.)

Lt. Scott Diederich said “Go” and some 50 of us hit the water. “Hit” is an apt word because it felt like a straight right hook from Mike Tyson.

My breath was suddenly gone, my lungs felt like they had collapsed, I could hardly draw breath, everything hurt, I thought I was going into paralysis.

Somehow though, something way deep down would not give in, and on I plowed. The rock came and went, the shore slowly returned; I remember stumbling up the beach, it was over, and I shook for some 15 minutes afterward.

Unfortunately, I had not made the minimum 20-minute cutoff time, and you may think that a pity, given the effort, but in my case it turned out something of a blessing, given what was to follow.

First, though, we were invited to City Hall for introductions, where the chief mentioned I would be an observer with the training program.

We were all invited to give some personal information: names, age, pets and wheels. I forgot the pet bit, but the age, well that is 57, and yes, I know, I should really only be trying out for AARP.

We are now several weeks into the training program, which starts at 7-8 a.m. until 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday for the entire month of April.

Since that first and only effort on my part, the trainees make the equivalent of that dreadful swim to the rock and back twice a day each day, sometimes in and out of the surf, up and down the beach.

By the way, have you noticed the size of the surf this April — it has been huge.

I have stood at the turning marker up the beach as the trainees go in and out, I have seen faces blue with cold, lined with pain, but oh, what determination — it is the main reason for sharing this with you.

It has been a privilege to be in the company of such individuals as those in this program, and whether they complete the training or not, the fact that they rose to this challenge demands respect.

Whether you are a parent, sibling or friend of any of these individuals, you can be proud of being associated with them, for they have acquitted themselves with courage, commitment and determination in adversity.

As a result of the standards set during training, parents, children and visitors can enjoy our beaches safely, and we can be proud Laguna Beach maintains lifeguard traditions to the very highest of standards.

It is with gratitude and appreciation we should thank a special man, Chief Klosterman, for his encouragement and inspiration to the next generation of lifeguards, and as for myself, for allowing me to share a small part of a unique and character-building experience.

I volunteer at a children’s crisis shelter here in town and the youngsters, who come from all over south Orange County, are often unfamiliar with ocean hazards, such as rip currents.

Should any of these young men and women training as lifeguards have additional time, their enthusiasm and qualities could be very empowering to those youngsters at the shelter.