The Next Wave

There’s just something special about the junior lifeguard programs in both East Hampton and Southampton towns. The two towns have lifeguard programs that involve friendly competition but a lot more cooperation, and that’s also true of the junior lifeguard programs, which have had the spotlight in recent weeks.

The two towns come together in the Hampton Lifeguard Association to send a team of both adults and youths to Huntington Beach, California, for the United States Lifesaving Association’s National Lifeguard Championship. That was held last week — and the U19 lifeguards crushed it, despite 10-foot waves at times, and were the top team in the competition.

Obviously, the trophies are wonderful. But there’s more going on here — not only the multigenerational dedication to making sure the local beaches are safe, but also the willingness to introduce a new group of young people to both enjoy and respect the oceanfront. Staying strong and healthy? That’s also a big benefit, even though it’s secondary.

The kids are down for it, too: The local junior lifeguard tournament regularly has 150 participants, starting at age 7. They are patiently led by a group of dedicated adults who conduct drills and teach some of the same lessons they learn as certified ocean lifeguards.

As noted in an article last week, not every child becomes a lifeguard, nor is that the goal for each of them. But every single participant learns a little more about the ever-present waterfront and gains more respect for it, as well as some confidence being in and around it. That’s an invaluable lesson for young people growing up so close to the ocean, and it includes simple lessons, like taking care to be safe in the sun by using sunblock to prevent skin cancer.

Both towns have much to be proud of: Whether or not each year brings an international title, everyone involved can be safely called a winner.