Guards Splash at Will Rogers

When the summer Junior Lifeguards Program started up again last week at Will Rogers State Beach, hundreds of aspiring lifeguards ages 9-17 took to the sands and swells to learn the basics of water safety, swimming, body surfing, surfing, physical conditioning, competition skills, first aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques and CPR. Pacific Palisades resident Lee West recalled he and his sister attending the clinics over 37 years ago and he still remembers the skills and confidence they gained that summer. “We had our mom drive us to Will Rogers [Beach] every day from the Hollywood Hills for this same Junior Guard program,” he said. “That was the best summer I had as a kid! I still remember the skills and confidence I gained from that training.” West, who runs on the sand every morning, watches new waves of children go through the program each year and can’t help but get a little nostalgic: “The equipment is better now, but I can see it is still the same fun and experience!” Head Program Director Eldin Onsgard remembers West from the summer of 1973: “He took fifth place in the All City competition back when they used large canvas rafts instead of the new paddleboards today. Back then we never used sunscreen and now we mandate it and rash guards too!” Last summer was one of the most successful ever for the local program. Several Will Rogers members stood out at the National Lifeguard Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in events such as the Individual Paddle Board Race, Individual Run-Swim-Run, Individual Swim Race, Rescue Race (a simulated rescue event which requires a JG “victim” and a JG rescuer), Swim Relay (a team event made up of 5 swimmers) and Iron Guard (an individual event consisting of a Run-Swim-Run-Paddle-Run). There are four age groups: AA (ages 16-17); A (ages 14-15); B (ages 12-13); and C (ages 9-11).