Over 40 complete junior lifeguard training

BY Dawn Rankins

In July, 41 Canyon Lake kids boarded a bus and headed to Lake Perris to begin the second part of their journey to becoming a lifeguard.

Back in the spring, Phase One started for these youngsters with two tryouts being held in Canyon Lake, hosted by the The Canyon Lake Enrichment Activities and Recreation Foundation (C.L.E.A.R.) at Sunset Beach.

The Canyon Lake kids met their fears of the unknown head on and joined other neighborhood youths on a trip to Lake Perris on buses provided by the city.

At the Lake Perris training, the Canyon Lake youths were pushed to their full potential by instructors, who were employed by the California State Parks Department. The trainees, who were once strangers, rapidly became friends.

Photo provided by Bradley Morton

“It was hard work for sure and my sister and I were a little scared at the beginning of the week, but now we are glad we went,” Tanner Schwarzman, 8, said. “I especially enjoyed riding the jet ski and practicing water rescues.”

Tanner’s perspective seemed to be shared by many of the kids. His new friend, Zach Torrente, 12, said the training was an exhausting, but fun, two-week workout of running, swimming and paddling.

“At first I was nervous,” Zach said. “However, by the end, it was no big deal.”

The Canyon Lake lifeguards-in-training got to know each other as they rode buses each day provided free of charge by the City of Canyon Lake.

Photo provided by Bradley Morton

“We were so excited about this new junior lifeguard program that we were happy to help by funding the transportation,” Mayor Jeremy Smith said. “What the C.L.E.A.R. Foundation has done for the kids of Canyon Lake is truly beneficial. I recall when my predecessor Kasey Castillo and foundation president Bradley Morton first came up with the idea. Now, it’s gone from an idea to a reality and it happened within a few short months. Although my daughters were too young this summer, I can’t wait for them to become Junior Lifeguards when they are older.”

On the final day of the two-week lifeguard program, the kids were joined by their parents for a graduation celebration. Bolstered by their new confidence, these young Canyon Lake citizens completed another step towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Photo provided by Bradley Morton

The kids are now armed by both new skills and new neighborhood friendships, and it appears joining the program was time well spent for the participants.

They now truly know the definition of what it is to be a lifeguard. They know it means as a lifeguard, the highest priority is the wellbeing of others and who is capable, aware and vigilant. A lifeguard is a person who walks tall with confidence knowing they are well-trained.

Photo provided by Bradley Morton