THE CROWD:

It was arguably the largest social gathering of the summer season in Newport Beach. More than 3,000 guests converged upon the Newport sand to partake in the 25th anniversary celebration dinner for the much-loved and admired Junior Lifeguards program. The cuisine of choice: hot dogs, nearly 5,000 of them grilled by staff instructors and volunteers with assistance from Capt. John Carpenter’s cadets.

The dogs were served with all the trimmings, including homemade chili. The crowd helped themselves and took spots on both the oceanfront sandy beach and adjacent lawn.

Perfect balmy sunset climate made for an evening of volleyball, body surfing and the infamous pillow fights with competitors straddling a large elevated wooden beam perched above the beach.

Guard instructors placed themselves precariously atop the classic dunk-tank shelf, awaiting the proper throw from a very ambitious line-up of would-be water assassins.

The junior guards program is nothing less than a significant rite of passage for Newport-Mesa youth and their families.

For 25 years the program has been run with great care by one woman with an enormous smile, a big heart and that all important “attitude of gratitude.” Reenie Boyer founded the junior guards program with the help of two instructors, Wes Armand and Matt McCormick. Boyer, referred to as “Chief Boyer” has been at the helm for 25 years, joined presently by Capt. John Mitchell serving as second in command in charge of safety and operations.

Both areas are of primary concern when a program involves up to 1,500 youth participating in eight weeks of instruction including numerous special events in the ocean and at the beach. This season 1,265 kids are in the classes divided by age and ability. Do the math, and over 25 years Boyer and crew have played an influential role in the lives of some 30,000 to 40,000 youth. That’s what would be called “making a difference.”

Boyer commented, “Newport Beach is one of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world. I’ve had the unique opportunity to not only enjoy it, but also to teach the children and community how to be safe and respect the ocean.”

Boyer was joined by her husband Greg Boyer at the hot dog barbecue. Greg was a member of the U.S. National Water Polo Team earning a silver medal in the 1988 Olympics Games. Today he is both an Olympic water polo referee and a highly sought-after coach. Congratulating the Boyers on their silver anniversary of junior guards were Gary and Sandy Hill, owners of the Hill Gas Dock at the Balboa Pavilion and parents of junior guards instructor Carson Hill as well as former junior guards Casey and Morgan. Don and Lynne Hayes were enjoying the festivities with their children Trent, Dustin and junior guards instructor Riley Hayes. Newport Fire Chief Steve Lewis was front and center with his wife, Tracy. Lewis has attended every junior guards tryout and is present for all of the events, showing support for the program, the participants and the beach environment.

Spotted in the crowd were Carrie and Rob Young of Dover Shores and their daughters Christina and Robin, and son, Ryan. Former Costa Mesa Mayor Joe Erickson and his wife, Alisia, were sharing a “dog” with daughter Katie who is in charge of competition for the Newport Beach junior guards department. Also on hand was Marjorie Jacobson, mother of Robin, Brent and Bradley, all former Newport Beach lifeguards. Jacobson has never missed a hot dog dinner in all 25 years. Brent, a USC grad and respected attorney, is a lifeguard captain in charge of the Sea Watch Division.

Boyer shared that many of her former students have gone on to continue their service to the community.

“Some have become firemen, city officials, and permanent lifeguards,” she offered with pride adding, “Matt Brisbois was an instructor and a group leader and is now the community education coordinator for Newport Beach. Jen Shultz was a junior guard instructor and is now the public information officer for the Newport Beach Fire Department.”

Other dedicated local officials who began as junior guards include Skeeter Leaper, Gary Conwell, Fire Capt. Ty Lundi, Bret McAllister and Richard Ruffini to name only a few.

The program is open to youth both local and from out of the area as space permits. The cost per student is $645 including eight weeks of instruction and special clothing they will cherish for years to come. Almost everyone who applies makes the cut. For the 5% or so who do not meet the swim standards, many return the next season after some practice, and are included.

Surveying the massive party I turned to my wife and whispered, “Do all of these kids know just how lucky they are?” She responded firmly, “Of course they do.”

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.