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LIFEGUARDING 101. By: Shane McGrath. About Me. High School: 3 years cross-country, 4 years swimming, 3 years track College: 2 years swimming Avalon Beach Patrol: 7 years experience, 2 nd year Lieutenant
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LIFEGUARDING 101 By: Shane McGrath
About Me • High School: 3 years cross-country, 4 years swimming, 3 years track • College: 2 years swimming • Avalon Beach Patrol: 7 years experience, 2nd year Lieutenant • Life Guarding Competition: 2 time cape may county run-swim champion, 1 time Cape May Superathalon champion, 2 time Kerr’s doubles rowing champion, 1 time Kerr’s single rowing champion “Life Guarding is not just a job for me, It’s a lifestyle
My Training • Swimming for Rowan University keeps me in great shape, so when I head back down the shore to life guard I’m one step ahead of the game. • Here’s a look at my typical day on the Avalon Beach Patrol 9:30- Roll Call 10:00- Everyone is at their assigned beach 10:30- I go for a 4-mile beach run 12:00- I drive the 4 and ½ mile beach surveying the layout of the beach and the water 2:00- Lunch 2:45- Rescue off of 21st beach( 2 children on boogie boards) minor 3:30- Beach Tagger Knock-off 4:00- I swim 2 (half mile flags) 5:00- Lifeguards are off-duty 5:20- My doubles partner and I row 2 (1 mile flags)
Training • CPR • Swimming • Running • Rowing • Surf-dashing • Controlling your water
CPR • The letters in CPR stand for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a combination of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions.
Swimming • “No matter what anyone says, if your not a strong swimmer, life guarding is not for you” • Ways to improve your swimming 1. 500-1500 yards a day 2. Decrease time 3. Abdominal work 4. Oxygen debt
Running • During the summer I run anywhere from 4 to 5 miles a day; 6 days a week. • For beginners I recommend starting off running 1 to 2 miles a day; 3 to 4 times a week • Incorporate sprints so that you can be quick off your stand for rescue situations!
Rowing and Surf-dashing • Becoming a good rower takes a lot of time and discipline. Lifeguard boats weigh anywhere from 300 to 400 pounds, so you also have to be very careful. • Sometimes it takes over 2 years to really learn how to efficiently get the boat out past the breakers and towards the rescue • Surf-dashing involves running out into chest deep water and running back out to the beach as fast as possible
Controlling your Water • Always survey the scene • Be aware of your surroundings • Always be alert • Watch for rip tides or rip currents • Watch for sand bars
Conclusion • Being a lifeguard on the beach can be very fun and exciting. Becoming a member of a beach patrol is like being part of a team or fraternity. I hope that some of you consider trying out this summer especially if you need a summer job! • Avalon Beach Patrol: Capt. Murray Wolf (609) 967-7587