County Recurrent Summer 2012 Bike Helmet Campaign

LACo OLS Jaro Snopek's Bike Helmet. Courtesy of Jaro.

LACo OL, Nick Sullivan, uses a bike helmet.  Way to go, Nick!  10-4.

  *** County Recurrent Summer 2012 Bike Helmet Campaign *** starts today! 

After noticing at least five (5) LACo Guards (both OL's and OLS') riding their bikes to and from their work locations on the bike path and not wearing helmets, the editorial staff at County Recurrent has decided to lay into these brothers and sisters of ours who we love and respect very much and to encourage them to ALWAYS wear their bike helmets, esp. on the beach bike path. We have all seen or responded to accidents with head injuries on the bike path in Central Section. The same holds true for So. Section. PLEASE wear a bike helmet! One head injury and you are off the beach and not doing what you love. If you wear a helmet (as you should) when snowboarding or skiing, you should be wearing a bicycle helmet. Heck, we will sticker it for you if necessary. 

 X-Ref: Joel Gitelson is going to be lobbied to secure a bicycle helmet deal, perhaps even with the LACo lifeguard logo on it. Heck, we will create the stencil and spray paint it on your helmet! "JUST WEAR IT!" 10-4.

  Also, just in from LACo Chief Lifeguard, Bob Burnside (Ret.) on what he thinks about lifeguards who do not wear bicycle helmets when riding their bikes:

"Well..let me put it this way
1) First.... They are dumb shits if they do not wear helmets, for sure.
2) They set a very bad example for young kids and others by not following accepted safety recommendations.
3) Any bike racer or serious cyclist... ALWAYS wears a helmet.
4) Lifeguards have an image to portray... riding without a helmet sends a clear incorrect message.
5) I will not ski with anyone... if they refuse to wear a ski helmet.
6) I will not bike with anyone... without them wearing a helmet.

....and no  bullshit about..."I need to be able to make a rescue possibly... and the helmet restricts my doing so with a delay."

Finally, you are always on duty as a county lifeguard... and should always set a good a safety profile for the youth and all others... at all times... under all circumstances...  ALL CIRCUMSTANCES!!

In conclusion... I can name many lifeguards... who have seriously injured themselves without bike and ski helmets on....
Speaking from one who has crashed all too many times ...until finally I got the point, years ago."

Bob

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10-4, Chief!  Thanks for telling it like it is! 

 ***   ***   ***

 And just in from L.A. City/LACo Veteran Recurrent/OLS (Ret.), John Thomas, on this same topic:

"WILL:  GREAT COMMENTS AND SOUND ADVICE FROM CHIEF BURNSIDE ON THE HELMET ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO LOB IN MY TWO CENTS FROM THE CHEAP SEATS. MY WIFE, MARIANN, IS A PHYSICAL THERAPIST AT COTTAGE HOSPITAL IN SANTA BARBARA AND OVER THE YEARS HAS TREATED A VERY LONG LIST OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED TBI'S, (TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES) FROM FALLS TAKEN WHILE RIDING BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, AND SKIING WITHOUT HELMETS. EVEN A MINOR FALL OF A FEW FEET FROM A BICYCLE CAN RESULT IN A BRAIN INJURY THAT CAN LEAVE A PERSON WITH LIFE LONG PERMANENT DISABILITIES AFFECTING SPEECH AND NEUROLOGICAL MOTOR FUNCTION (WALKING).  ONE SPIN OUT ON THE BIKE PATH AND AN IMPACT WITH THE PAVEMENT,CURB OR OTHER HARD OBJECT CAN SPELL A LIFE OF TRYING TO OVERCOME A CRIPPLING DISABILITY. LIFE IS FULL OF HARD EDGES AND PHYSICS DON'T LIE. ALWAYS TRY TO STACK THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR. DOING LESS IS SIMPLY IDIOTIC.

THIS IS NO JOKE. OUR ERRANT LIFEGUARDS SHOULD WISE UP BEFORE THEY GET HURT, POSSIBLY FOREVER.

THANKS WILL

JOHN THOMAS"

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**** Thanks JT!  We really appreciate you stressing the importance of our lifeguards wearing their helmets, aka, "brain buckets"!

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 And here are some additional bike helmets on display and for sale at Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica on Broadway:

 

Until next time.....


"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

"County Recurrent" Bike Helmet

 

 

 

 

   

 

Service • Training • Commitment

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"ZEROS, A History", by Cal Porter

ZEROS, A HISTORY

We called it Zero Point after the one mile, legendary ride of Duke Kahanamoku from the far outside lineup called Zero Break all the way through connecting peaks to the sand at Waikiki Beach near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  The Duke did it in 1930 and it was thought to be the longest ride ever, so it seemed an apt title for the well-shaped, unsurfed waves at the point that is now called Nicholas Canyon County Beach.  It was all privately owned beach when I first surfed and dived there in the 1940’s while living and working at Zuma Beach as a Lifeguard.  I was renting one of the original houses on the beach at Zuma for $25 dollars a month but I loved Zero, and eventually in the mid-1950’s I bought a one-half acre beach and bluff piece of property there for $4,000 dollars and built a house. Many zeroes would have to be added to that amount for a beach property in Malibu today (the owner actually wanted $4,500 but I talked him down).  Comedian Bob Hope had a small beach house near ours. My family and I lived there for many enjoyable years where a locked gate discouraged the few beachgoers and surfers who knew about the spot since it was unseen from the highway.  We welcomed to Zero the small number of Zuma Lifeguard surfers there were in those days, and unlocked the gate for Zuma Guard and world champ Mike Doyle and the rest of the guys.  Miki Dora would call occasionally and ask if I would mind letting him in for some of the best left breaking waves anywhere.  For years my young son and I surfed the place mostly alone.     
 

  Zero, late 1940’s, early 1950’s (me)

The place was just too good for the few of us to have all to ourselves.  The lobster and abalone diving and spear fishing were almost as good as the surfing.  So it was natural that the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches started to think about what a nice public beach that would be.  The purchase went ahead in the 1960’s and our house and the few others that were there then were paid for and demolished.  A lifeguard would be needed on this new public beach and I asked if I could be the first since for sure I knew the area well.  I was a school principal by then as well as a county guard and working that early summer at Leo Carrillo when the County, not the State, still operated that beach.  My first location on the new beach was on the sand midway between Zero and Leo sitting on a beach chair under an umbrella not far from the off shore rocks that were still loaded with abalone.  I kind of liked that assignment.  Some time passed and a tower arrived and was placed a hundred yards or so toward the point.  But since most of the activity was at the surfing point itself the tower much later was relocated on the sand adjacent to the point.  It wasn’t until I was long gone that the tower ended up on top of the point where it is today.

Zero, 1976

I retired from the lifeguards and the Zero tower in 1976, one of my favorite assignments, and I had worked most of the beaches from San Pedro to Leo Carrillo.  The morning workouts there were, needless to say, fabulous.  The surfers now call the place Zeros, not far off from when we named it Zero Point some sixty-five years ago.  The waves look pretty much the same today but unlike then, when I surfed alone, each wave seems to be crowded with a half a dozen surfers scrambling for position much like all the other spots these days.  So I just go up and take a look now and then and spend a little time thinking back about those gone forever days.  And then there’s just one more thing to say; I’d like to be working that tower today.

 

Cal

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("Zeros, A History", by & Copyright Cal Porter 2012.  Photos courtesy of Cal.)

*** Many Thanks to Cal for another great story from "back in the day".

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 Until next time.....

"County Recurrent" News

http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

*** PLEASE forward to other Recurrents, past and present, so that we can add them to our mailing list. ***

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The 2012 International Surf Festival

Heads up, Recurrents!

It's that time again when we honor the year's Medal of Valor recipients and celebrate the awarding of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the latter of which will recognize LACo Lifeguard Section Chief (Ret.), Dave Story.  Congratulations, Dave!  


This multi-day event begins for us lifeguards with the Medal of Valor Dinner on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012.  Included below is the invitation to said MOV Dinner, as well as a copy of the 2012 ISF Schedule of Events.

Recurrents are encouraged to attend, esp. those wanting to promote to the OLS ranks as your LACOLA Board Members will surely be in attendance, as well as many of our Department's Brass.
This is also an opportunity to mingle with your colleagues, and above all to recognize the honorees of the evening's awards.

 

 

RSVP is a MUST!  So do not delay!

For more information, please see the ISF website at:

http://www.surffestival.org/

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10-4


Until next time.....



"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD or the Intl. Surf Festival.

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Happy Fourth of July!

 

Independence Day 2012!

To our entire lifeguard family, Happy Fourth of July!

(All photos by & Copyright Will Maguire 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

10-4

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Until next time.....



"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

"County Recurrent Fourth of July Shillelagh". Copyright Will Maguire 2012.

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

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***   ***   ***

"Nicholas Canyon Beach", by Adam Sandler

I recently had some training at the Ventura County Fire Dept. Academy, and on the way home down PCH into Northern Section, I dropped by Nicholas Canyon Beach (NCB). Some "County Recurrent" readers may be unfamiliar with Nicholas Canyon as Surfrider, Point Dume and Zuma usually get all the attention. But north of Zuma is this jewel of a beach, and it is the northern most beach under LACo Lifeguard Division supervision.

And while some OL's south of Nicholas get to drive environmentally friendly hybrid Ford Escapes, the lifeguards here drive the vehicle that is best for the environment: A Bicycle!

"Aah, what a privilege and wonderful opportunity to work in such a magnificent environment! I loved taking patrols on the bike!  I've made rescues there on people, boats, preventions, enforced ordinances, etc., etc.," recalls OL Eldin Onsgard, who logged many hours at Nicholas during his 20-plus year stint in Northern Section before transferring to Central. "The bike served a great function for the Lifeguard Services.  I always hoped the bike would make it into a Lifeguard Museum when retired. The bike rust and all, it just kept rolling!  The bike was a classic piece of lifeguard history! The road did not go all the way through but it went pretty damn far, turning into a running trail, then onto the sand. At low tide, it was real easy to ride up to Leo Carillo." For the record, the bike says "Heavy Duty." (It would have to be).

Onsgard adds, "My fondest memories were when we LA County Lifeguards and were also servicing Leo Carrillo State Beach.  I was on schedule at Nicholas.  We had some big surf years that were awesome.  In the old tower, a few hundred yards down the road, we kept an old wood paddle board.  It was a busy weekend and I got a double, a rookie.  When he showed up, I encouraged him to take it for a paddle.  The board was in such bad shape, it sank out at the kelp line.  He cross-chested it to the beach as he didn't want to lose it!  I laughed so hard!"

Of course, anyone who knows Eldin, knows that no anecdote about lifeguarding would be complete without a mention about fishing, as he is quite the accomplished angler.

"The beach was also an incredible fishery," he says. "Often we would stay after hours and BBQ the catch of the day...white sea bass, ling cod, halibut, bass, bugs!  It was cool!"

Yes, it was Eldin!

Other perquisites of working the tower at NCB: A great view, south and north/west - on Santa Ana wind days you can see both Catalina and the Channel Islands - your own parking spot, and close by "restrooms."

I've included some pics of Nicholas Canyon Beach, plus some shots of Eldin, fishing and competing at Regionals 2011 and winning the 2km beach run in the 60-64 group.

-Adam

(Photo Credits:

Eldin running at Nationals: courtesy of Skip Prosser. I spotted it on his web site and asked him to send it to me for use on CR.

Eldin with fish: Jan Onsgard.

All others: Adam Sandler.)

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Thanks Adam!




10-4

p.s.  "Day Glo Eldin", below, present day, July 2, 2012 at Will Rogers Lifeguard HQ.   Photo by Will Maguire.

Until next time.....


"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

*** PLEASE forward to other Recurrents, past and present, so that we can add them to our mailing list. ***

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2012 CSLSA Regionals Competition, Sat., July 28th

(Image Source: CSLSA.org)

From:     Adam Sandler
Subject:     2012 CSLSA Regionals Competition, Sat., July 28th
Date:     July 2, 2012 7:09:26 PM PDT
To:     Will Maguire


Media Contact:
Adam Sandler
(310) 405-4275

For Immediate Release…

Ocean Lifeguards From Across The State to Compete in The 30th Annual 2012 California Surf Lifesaving Championships and California Junior Lifeguard Championships in Newport Beach on July 27 and 28.

The Competition Is One of Eight Held Across The Country Leading Up To The Annual United States Lifesaving Assn. National Championships Set For Cape May, NJ on August 8-11, 2012.

NEWPORT BEACH (July 2, 2012). Nearly 3,000 professional and junior lifeguards will compete in the 2012 California Surf Life Saving Assn. Southwest Regional Lifeguard Championships on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28. The two-day event will be held on the south side of the Newport Beach Pier between 18th and 20th Streets, adjacent to the Newport Beach Lifeguard Headquarters located at 70 Newport Pier. It is the first time the event will be held in Newport Beach.

The California Junior Lifeguard Regional Championship for all CSLSA affiliated Junior Lifeguard programs will be held on Friday, July 27, while the events for California Lifeguards and Lifeguard alumni aged 16-75 years will be held on Saturday, July 28. On both days, competition begins at 8 a.m.

“This two-day California Surf Life Saving Championships event is a terrific way for the public to observe how current and future ocean lifeguards from up and down the state use their lifesaving training and experience in a highly-competitive environment,” said Jay Butki, Competition Chair of the CSLSA. “More than 30 lifeguard agencies will be represented in this unique showcase of athleticism and professionalism.”

From surf swims to beach runs, paddleboard and surf boat races, as well as the grueling multi-discipline Ironman and Ironwoman events, lifeguards from agencies such as LA County, California State Parks, Huntington Beach, San Diego, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Long Beach and Santa Barbara, among others, will vie for bragging rights to be called the state’s fittest lifeguards.

The CSLSA Surf Life Saving Championships competition is also a preview to the annual USLA Lifeguard National Championships, which will be held this year in Cape May, NJ on August 8-11, 2012. The event will crown the nation’s top male and female lifeguards, and lifeguard agency.

The California Regional Championships are open to all California Lifeguards and Junior Lifeguards who are members of the USLA (www.USLA.org). Non-members may contact their Lifeguard Agency Coordinator or JG program for USLA membership.

 A complete list of events:

California Junior Lifeguard Regional Championship – Friday, July 27
Competition events for age divisions: C- 9-11 years old; B- 12-13 years old;
A-14-15 years old; AA-16-17 years old include: Five JG Individual Events:
Beach Run, Surf Race, Run- Swim-Run, Paddleboard Race, Beach Flags
And four JG Team Events: Rescue Relay, Swim Relay, Run Relay, Paddleboard Relay

California Surf Lifesaving Championship – Saturday July 28
Lifeguard Individual Events:
2 Km Beach Run- Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups
Surf Swim Race- Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups
Paddleboard Race- Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups
Ironman- Open Men, Masters Age Groups
Ironwoman- Open Women, Masters Age Groups
Surfski Race- Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups
Run-Swim-Run- Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups
American Ironman- Open Men, Men Masters Age Groups
American Ironwoman- Open Women, Women Masters Age Groups
Beach Flags- Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups

Six Lifeguard Team Events:
Surfboat Race- 2 Rowers, Open Men, Open Women, Masters Age Groups
Landline Rescue race- 4 Persons, Open only
Rescue Race- 4 Persons, Open Men,  Open Women
Board Rescue- 2 Persons,  Open Men, Open Women
Taplin Relay- 4 Persons, Open Men, 4 Open Women
Board Relay – 3 persons, Open Men, Open Women


* Open Age Group - Men & Women: 16-29 + any Masters who wish to enter
* Masters Age Group categories - Men & Women: 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-70, 70+

About the CSLSA:  (www.CSLSA.org)
The California Surf Lifesaving Association is a non profit (501-C3 tax exempt) organization chartered to promote beach safety awareness and professional open-water lifesaving standards. The 30 CSLSA Chapters/Agencies share the mission, goals and objectives of the CSLSA. The CSLSA (West Coast region) is one of nine regions of the USLA that in turn is affiliated with the International Lifesaving Association (ILS).
As open-water lifesavers, our mission is to promote Beach Safety awareness and Professional Lifeguard standards through public education, training programs, exchange programs, junior lifeguard programs, competition and other means. The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce aquatic injuries, accidents and death at open-water beaches in the United States and throughout the world.

About the Newport Beach Lifeguards:  (www.newportlifeguard.org)                    
Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguards protect life and property for up to 10 million beach visitors per year on Newport Beach’s 7.2 miles of ocean and 35 miles of bay front with preventative actions and medical assistance.

Every day of the year, lifeguards ensure the safety and provide customer service to the visitors on the beach, boardwalk, piers, and in the ocean. The Marine Division provides the City of Newport Beach with the highest level of lifeguarding services and is recognized as an Advanced Agency by the United States Lifesaving Association.


Newport Beach Marine Safety Headquarters                                                                   
70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Contacts:
Accommodations Questions: George Leeper email:  Gleeper@NBFD.net
Lifesaving Sport / Lifeguard Competition: Jay Butki email: Competition@cslsa.org
Junior Guard Competition: Reenie Boyer & Lori Walton email: jrguards@cslsa.org
Media Inquiries: Adam Sandler email: adam@facetimemedia.com

2012 CSLSA Regional Championships Sponsors & Supporters:
Beachsport.org
Scott Hubbell Productions
City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach Fire Department
Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguard Association
California Surf Life Saving Association
United States Lifesaving Association
Quiksilver
Wahoos
Jack’s Surfboards
C4 Waterman
General Mills
LARABAR
Patrick’s Sunscreen
Bud Light
Wood
Food Should Taste Good

South Bay Dozen - SB12; Sat., July 7, 2012

From:     Adam Sandler
Subject:     South Bay Dozen - SB12;  Sat., July 7, 2012; Registration at 7 a.m.
Date:     July 2, 2012
To:     Will Maguire

Hey Will:

Mike Murphy's South Bay Dozen -- aka SB12 -- benefiting the Jimmy Miller Foundation is Saturday, July 7 at Torrance Beach. Maybe you could send a "Heads-Up" or an "Atten' Hut!" o the troops as a gentle reminder. The event poster is attached.

Thanks

Adam

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Until next time.....


"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

*** PLEASE forward to other Recurrents, past and present, so that we can add them to our mailing list. ***

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