Lifeguards live up to their name

International Lifeguard Appreciation Day on July 31 is celebrated annually to honor the vital role lifeguards play in keeping people safe in and around water. 

This includes everything from monitoring aquatic area conditions and setting up warning flags to spotting dangers before they happen and offering safety advice both on the beach and in classrooms.

Globally, lifeguards prevent an estimated 100,000 drownings annually. In 2022, USLA lifeguards on supervised beaches made 106,599 rescues from drowning. Pool lifeguards prevent about 500 drownings yearly in U.S. public pools. In addition, for every rescue, an effective lifeguard makes scores of preventive actions.

“In 30-plus years of training hundreds of lifeguards, both on waterfront beaches and pools, I’ve only had a couple dozen critical incidents where rescues were required," said Jeanette Laster, lifeguard trainer and Camp Easton Aquatics director.

She said a good season is one where there are no significant incidents and guards spend most of their time patrolling the beach or in a tower. 

"It's all about observation, education and prevention," Laster said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, there were 126,420 lifeguards employed in the U.S. as of 2022.   

Fifty-five percent of U.S. lifeguards are aged 16-20 years old. Women make up 42% of certified lifeguards in the U.S. Lifeguarding generates $2.5 billion in U.S. economic activity yearly.   

At Scouting America, Inland Northwest Council, lifeguards are required to swim a distance daily and have four to six hours of weekly in-service training during the summer season.

Many lifeguards cross-train and are employed seasonally with ski patrol, EMT/paramedic, search and rescue, Coast Guard and other recreational protective service workers.  

In North Idaho, lifeguards are an essential part of the open water swim racing safety teams, and regulations require certified personnel to be in the water to manage emergency response. This year, Camp Easton lifeguards attended the Hayden Sprint Triathlon as an aquatics team service project.

“Everybody who assists in putting on an event is crucial for its success; however, lifeguards play a unique role,” said Lowell Smith, Hayden triathlon organizer. “Theirs is the only function which specifically requires advanced training and certification. Without sufficient lifeguards to guarantee the safety of participants, events like our local triathlon simply could not happen.” 

Lifeguards worked alongside marine deputy units and medical first responders during Ironman 70.3 Coeur d'Alene in June.

“Lifeguards are critical to the success and safety on the water during an Ironman,” said Ivanka Kuran, Ironman CDA swim start captain. “They provide the support for athletes of all abilities in changeable conditions so they can succeed on their first step toward reaching that Ironman finish line."

Camp Easton lifeguards and aquatic staff have specialized training and certifications in several boating and water activities. Camp Easton averages 1,500 waterfront classes per season and 1,200 participant campers.  

In six years, Camp Easton has only had to respond to two critical incidents (one for participant health reasons) with 100% success.  

"For the past 16 years, I have been privileged to experience, observe and support one of the most beautiful and core components of our summer camp experience, our waterfront,” said Sean Weiler, Camp Easton ranger. “The waterfront and its staff are truly one of the biggest driving factors in bringing scouting troops to Camp Easton."

A few profiles of Camp Easton team members:

• Cole Jacob Thomas, assistant aquatics director; Troop 855, Cascade Pacific Council. Rank: Eagle Scout.

"My favorite part of camp is getting to help Scouts build confidence and learn life skills that they’ll carry with them long after camp is over. I chose to be a part of the aquatics team because I love being around the water, teaching others and helping create a fun and safe environment for everyone."

• Kurtis Johnston, Camp Grizzly Aquatics director; Troop 460, Inland Northwest Council Rank: Eagle Scout. 

"My favorite part of camp is seeing the growth and being a hand in the growth of camper’s abilities and values. I’m basically a very big fan of youth development. If you combine this with my love for the water and personal pursuit of aquatic recreation, I find the perfect home at scout camp."

• Emme Prok. Camp Easton head lifeguard; Troop 373 and Ship 2, Pacific Harbors Council; Rank: Eagle Scout.

"This is my second year at Easton and my seventh year in scouting. My favorite part of camp is teaching scouts and meeting new people."

    Johnston
  

    Thomas
  

    Prok