My dilemma of adolescence. How does a parent of an active child channel that energy and time of summer vacation in a positive way? The answer came from a tip about the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program.
Since my kids have always spent a lot of time at the beach, this program was not only character building but potentially life-saving. Kids would learn to respect the ocean and build skills for survival. And it all started with an ex-Marine named Captain Vila. He was as tough as they came but so very valuable in his teachings. Over the course of two summers, the dedicated lifeguards of San Diego put my son to work.
The Junior Guards not only had to run and swim miles but also had to dive off speeding lifeguard boats, jump directly into rip currents and get themselves out and learn CPR. The program culminated in a jump off the Ocean Beach Pier. I received a photo of this event but was thankful not to be there. How could a mother watch her son stand on the highest point of the pier and jump??!! Apparently, ALL of the kids' knees were knocking--but they did it.
Thank you and kudos to the San Diego Lifeguards.
Photo above of one of the boat dives
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