If you think being a lifeguard is all about sun, sand, and surf, you might be surprised to know that there's more to it than that. In fact, one of the duties of Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Gevorg Akopyan is checking the fluids, tire pressure and removing sand from the engine of his Toyota Tacoma lifeguard truck at Santa Monica Beach.
It's not uncommon for people to associate lifeguards with sitting on a tower and watching over swimmers in the water. However, the Los Angeles County Lifeguards division is responsible for protecting 31 miles of beach and 72 miles of coastline, stretching from San Pedro to Malibu. They are considered the largest professional lifeguard service in the world and employ over 800 lifeguards, including 177 year-round lifeguards, chiefs, captains, and ocean lifeguard specialists.
The Lifeguards operate out of four sectional headquarters based in Hermosa, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and Zuma Beach. Each of these headquarters staffs a 24-hour response unit and is part of the 911 system. In addition to their primary responsibilities of ensuring beachgoer safety and performing water rescues, LA County Lifeguards also have specialized training in fire boat operations and are capable of providing marine firefighting services.
It's interesting to note that Gevorg Akopyan's truck maintenance is just one example of the many behind-the-scenes duties that lifeguards have to perform. From conducting ocean water tests and maintaining equipment to conducting community outreach programs and performing first aid, the job of a lifeguard is far more complex and multi-faceted than most people realize.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles County Lifeguards division is a critical component of the county's public safety infrastructure. Their dedicated team of professionals work tirelessly to ensure the safety of millions of beachgoers each year. The next time you're at the beach and see a lifeguard on duty, take a moment to appreciate the important work that they do.