About a hundred people drown each year in Michigan ? fortunately, none at Deer Lake.
It’s the lifeguards? job to keep it that way.
‘Over the past five years Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Company has had zero drown,? said Kevin Breen, 25, Independence Township Parks and Recreation aquatics director .
Breen holds his staff to high expectations to maintain the safest environment for those visiting the beach.
‘We train double to quadruple the amount required,? he noted.
What does it take to be a lifeguard?
Requirements include being at least 16 years of age, and able to swim a distance of 200 yards and back. Breen has his crew swim 400 yards. Lifeguards, whose job starts at $8 an hour, are also trained in CPR.
‘We are trained to handle any situation from first aid to spinal injuries, and boating accidents,? he said.
He recalled a rescue he made four years ago when a jet ski exploded. Instincts take over in rescue situations, he said.
‘We practice so much that when we have to jump into a scenario, it’s second nature,? he said.
Each rescue is still an ‘adrenaline rush,? he said.
‘It’s nerve racking sometimes. It’s scary every time you hear an air horn go off, it makes your heart skip a beat,? said Breen. ‘Even when you hear it at a sporting event, you are trained to go into response mode.?
Lifeguard Adam Koziarski agreed that it was ‘nerve racking? but is confident that all the lifeguards are well prepared for stressful situations.
‘Everyday that I come to work, I feel that nothing will happen because our guards are so prepared,? he said.
The best part of the job is the beach, said Sagel Tremblay, 17.
‘It’s fun and it’s great to be on the beach in the summer. I’d much rather be active instead of sitting in an office all day,? she said. ‘I have also learned skills that I can use outside of work.?
Parks and Recs also offers a Jr. Lifeguard training class, for anyone considering becoming a lifeguard. They go through all the same training, and at the end receive a certificate.
‘It gives them a chance to learn what we do here and a better chance when they fill out an application,? Breen said.
Not only does Breen hold his staff to high expectations, but Ellis & Associates does as well.
‘They are the first lifeguard company to audit their jobs,? said Breen. ‘They come here unannounced to videotape the lifeguards to make sure we are doing our jobs properly.?
The audit breaks down into three sections. First is the ‘individual lifeguard evaluation.?
Each lifeguard must provide 10/20 surveillance of swimmers, 10 seconds to recognize a swimmer in distress or dangerous situation, and 20 to make it to that situation; attentiveness to the zone of protection; address environmental concerns; professional behavior and demeanor; and rescue ready.
Lifeguards must also proactively scan the water and beach, and place watch stands in the best locations, allowing for surveillance of the entire zone and immediate access to rescue equipment.
The second stage has two parts. The first is the ‘Airway/Circulation Management Simulation Report,? using proper CPR techniques. Second is ‘Unconscious Guest in Distress Simulation,? based on team effort, individual performance, and proper use of water rescue equipment.
The third section was a facility, supervisory and administration evaluation. The facility must have a safe environment with proper water clarity, fencing, signs posted, water depth markers, and special equipment.
They also made sure enough lifeguards were on duty, wearing proper attire for the sun, including hat, shirt, and sunglasses, and paper work was well organized and easily available.
Deer Lake has received the highest score, known as an ‘Exceed,? for the past two audits. Last year, they won the silver award. If they receive one more Exceed, they will be up for the ‘Platinum award.?
‘Only nine percent get the award,? Breen said.
Breen also takes great pride in his staff members, who range from 16-25 years old. Many are college students who are studying education, so they work well with people and kids.
‘We strive to be playful and friendly with the community,? said Breen. ‘We say ‘hi? to all that come in and ‘bye? to all that leave.?
Not only are they engaged with the community during work hours, but off as well.
‘We raised $3,000 for Relay for Life,? said Breen.
The best part about being a lifeguard is being outside and working with his team.
‘We are very personal and close knit. We do a lot of things stuff together like Pistons and Red Wings games,? he said. ‘We really know that we can count on the person next to you to back you up in any situation.?
Lifeguard Andrea Nichols said that she loves teaching swim lessons.
‘I really like swim lessons, the kids make it entertaining? she said. ‘A lot of the same kids come year after year, some of the little boys sing to us in the lifeguard shack. We get the chance to establish relationships with the parents and watch the kids grow up.?
The third session of swim lessons begins July 23-Aug 2. Mon-Fri, 30-minute lessons are $38 for Independence Township residents and $48 for non residents; 45-minute lessons are $48 for residents and $58 for non residents.
On Aug. 8, the lifeguard staff will hold a ‘family fun night? for children in swim lessons. This year’s theme is ‘Super Hero Bash.? Kids can dress up in their favorite superhero costume.
Beach hours are Mon- Fri. 12-6:30 p.m., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. during swim lessons, and Sat-Sun 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.