This year's Stud Ironman was longer by one tower and buoy. So we did seven tower-buoys in all. Guards who finished this event in less than 70 minutes get a T-shirt that a junior guard designed earlier in the program. I like the program because it gets me in shape when I go back to school in September, and I like swimming competitions. I also like it because I get to make new friends every year and talk with my peers from different schools.
Most junior guards like to ocean swim and like to run.
If you're interested in being a junior lifeguard, sign up with the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department at the end of the school year. All new recruits must take a swim test a few weeks before the program begins. During the new-recruit week before the program begins, newcomers get oriented to the equipment and meet the instructors. Hope to see you there next summer.