Teens train for rigors of lifeguarding

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. - Lifeguards on the Jersey Shore, where a calm day can whip into a frenzy of rip currents and strong winds in a blink, need the athleticism of an Ironman competitor coupled with the natural instincts of an old salt, say experienced beach patrol members.

That means ocean lifeguards must be much more than just good swimmers.

Eleven years ago, Sea Isle City was having a difficult time finding enough qualified lifeguards to work its five miles of beachfront for the summer. That prompted Beach Patrol Lt. Dave Stearne, a professor of biomechanics at West Chester University, to develop a midsummer Junior Lifeguard Program. The three-week session, for 14-to-17- year-olds, combines the endurance of a triathlete with the opportunity to learn the basics of lifeguarding, and a bit more.

"It's not about building sand castles out here. What it's about is learning the basics of lifeguarding, along with the most important rule of all: The sea always wins," Stearne said. "And they have to learn to work within that parameter to save lives."

The 40 participants meet twice a week in five-hour sessions to learn proven lifesaving skills and rescue techniques. They also glean knowledge from the experience of Stearne and other instructors: the fickle currents, the wily weather patterns, and avoiding overexposure to the sun while sitting beneath the baking rays for eight-hour shifts.

"They didn't have this kind of program when I was 19 and wanted to be a lifeguard," said veteran lifeguard C.J. Mills, a video arts teacher at Bensalem High School. He also helps Stearne teach the junior lifeguard recruits. "I wish they had this then, because there is so much to learn that goes beyond the basics."

The goal is to introduce participants to the rigors of lifeguarding while grooming future recruits for the squad, Stearne said. Other Shore towns, such as Longport and Cape May, offer similar junior lifeguard programs each summer.

Upon successful completion of the $25 program, those 16 or older may be considered for summer employment with the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, Stearne said. Job recruits then must complete a weeklong intensive training program.

Participants get a T-shirt that identifies them as members of the junior lifeguards and they get a big beach barbecue when the program ends Thursday.

"It really helps kids come out here and see what lifeguarding is all about, whether it's something they've always dreamed of or have never before thought about doing it," Stearne said. "It develops a baseline skill set that they never had before. It also increases the chances of us getting a great lifeguard when these kids are old enough."

That means the sessions are rigorous. The youths, who may be area residents or vacationers in Sea Isle for the summer, begin their days with Stearne and his crew at 10:30 a.m. and go until 3:30 p.m., with an hour for lunch.

With near-military precision, a range of activities takse place. Participants go through a full-on workout that includes running along the beach, swimming in the ocean, and paddling lifeboats. Then it's on to a technique called surf-bashing, where the junior lifeguards are taught how to allow furious waves to crash into them while maintaining stability in the water.

Torpedo-shape rescue "cans" are brought out, and, through role-playing in small groups, participants are taught to use the device to aid distressed swimmers.

After lunch, the lifeguards-in-the-making are taught how to properly row a lifeboat in the ocean.

Participants run the gamut from youths who were previously only Internet surfers to those who always planned to join the beach patrol. That range makes for numerous learning opportunities during the three weeks, Mills said.

"I think a program like this can really change a life," Mills said. "It can take a kid who's a couch potato and motivate him to lose 40 or 50 pounds over the winter so they can become a good lifeguard. I've seen it happen."

For others, becoming a lifeguard is something they've wanted since they were little kids.

Maeve Sears, 15, of Holland, Bucks County, is in her second year as a junior lifeguard.

"I think the most important thing we learn is how to put ourselves in the victim's place, to figure out how they are going to react and what they are going to do next so we can give them the help they need," Sears said.

For Kaitlyn Njoroge, 14, of Union, N.J., the idea of joining a beach patrol is completely new.

"My mom and I were walking on the boardwalk and saw the sign for the program, and I decided it was something I wanted to try," Njoroge said. "I think I'm going to stick with it until I'm old enough to be one."

Quentin Murphy, 15, of Doylestown, comes from a long line of rescue swimmers, but he isn't convinced the lifeguard life is for him.

"It's a lot of work," Murphy said. "I'm not really sure about it."