On a cold day in January, I made a trip to the beach to see the King tide when it was high and was amazed to see a group of people getting ready to go for a swim. It turns out that I had happened along a half dozen people who were taking a test to see if they were fit to serve as seasonal lifeguards for the City of Encinitas. I recorded a video:
The City’s webpage that lists the details for seasonal lifeguards describes what these applicants were engaged in:
Before the interview, all candidates must pass the physical abilities test, consisting of a 550-yard ocean swim in under 10 minutes and a 150-yard run, 250-yard swim, and 150-yard run in under 8 minutes, C.P.R. skills test, and a dummy drag of 50 feet in 30 seconds (150 lbs.).
Just stepping up to take the test is impressive to me. Knowing that being hired for the job might lead to running, diving into the cold, rough ocean, swim with someone disabled in your arms, drag them onto shore and administer C.P.R. is very admirable.
Encinitas has always had a tremendous group of people willing to look after public safety, particularly along our shoreline. I’m grateful for all who have performed these duties.