one ��ying alongside any other colored ��ag,
means there are stinging creatures about
and one should be cautious. Heeding
these warnings and always swimming with
a buddy will help keep swimmers safe and
avoid accidents. It’s also a good idea to
check in with the lifeguard who can alert
you to other risk factors like rip currents or
approaching weather.
Chief Westerman said he has had
so many rescue experiences that it’s
difficult for him to select a story that
stands out over any other. “We deal
with so many life-threatening situations
and people don’t always seem to realize
the lifeguards are voluntarily throwing
themselves into these deadly situations,
but it’s just what we do, because of our
training, it’s second nature.”
He went on to say: “The most rewarding
saves are the ones involving children.
Usually kids have no idea what is truly
happening. Once a couple of siblings
slipped into a trough of water over their
heads. I managed to scoop them up, one
in each arm, and was able to just stand
up to get them back above water. To see
those kids run happily back to their family,
unaware of how close they actually came
to not going home safely, was the greatest
feeling. It’s the feeling we get every time.
It’s truly the greatest reward.”
11
Let’s Talk
Summer Safety…
Here are Chief Westerman’s tips
for ensuring your family goes home
with nothing worse than perhaps
minor sunburn. Teach your family the
following:
• Always check in with the lifeguard
who is there to protect, but not
babysit; make note of the beach
warning ��ags throughout the day.
• Be aware of how strong a swimmer
anyone in the water is and if skill
level matches the water conditions
— if in doubt, don’t go out.
• ��ever swim alone. Swimming
in pairs is important so that if
one person suddenly needs
assistance, the other can help or
holler for help!
• Don’t panic if you get caught in a
rip current, don’t be afraid to call
or wave for help.
• Don’t dive into unknown water, or
shallow breaking waves.
• Throwing sand causes many
avoidable accidents, don’t do it.
• Small children can easily suffocate
in sand cave-ins, so avoid digging
deep holes; always re��ll any holes
you dig.
• ��ever “fake” actions or call for
help if you aren’t really in trouble.
• Always listen to and follow
directions from your lifeguards
and never interfere with their work.
• Parents should always know
where their children are and who
they are with, whether at the
beach with the family or on their
own. Older children dropped off at
the beach for the day can easily
get caught in bad weather or
move to another location — stay
in contact.
Remember that the lifeguard tower is
also a Safe Place where children can
go when frightened.