Photo Essay: Huntington Beach Lifeguard Tryouts
Early Saturday morning, February 18 — in the middle of the worst rainstorm this year — dozens of would-be lifeguards jumped into the prevailing frigid and turbulent water at Huntington Beach pier to swim the first of three physical fitness events.
We spotted swimmers in gear from Edison, Huntington Beach and Wilson High Schools; former junior guard participants; and athletes from various swim and water polo clubs.
The City of Huntington Beach is planning to hire approximately 20 new ocean lifeguards. On Saturday, candidates took part in three physical events:
- 1,000 yard ocean swim
- 500 yard ocean swim
- 1,500 yard run-swim-run
All applicants, who must be at least 17 years old as of July 1, had to complete in the performance exams to be eligible for further consideration. On Sunday, February 19, top candidates participated in oral interviews.
Beginning pay for city lifeguards is $17.93 per hour with a five percent increase for those with EMT certification and also those who pass a bilingual exam.
New hires will be announced in the coming weeks.
===
All Photos by Larry Tenney
===
Here’s a video by the Huntington Beach City Lifeguards
