California Lifeguards Freezin’ For A Reason
Throughout Southern California, lifeguard qualification swims are now taking place in the unseasonably cool 53-54°F (12°C) water. No wetsuits for these thousands of able-bodied young men and women who help make the over 162 km of white sand beaches safe along the California coast.
“I went for it,” said former swimming standout Matt Mitchell of Long Beach.
“But once I got past the waves, my hands were frozen and I had to settle down into my stroke.”
With over an estimated 110 million visits by residents and visitors to Southern California beaches from June through September every year, it is people like Matt who prevent mishaps and disasters in the ocean and shorelines.
For photos of these California lifeguards, visit Prossor Photos here.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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