Lifeguard hopefuls hit the sand and surf in Newport Beach
By Orange County on February 7, 2021
It’s a job interview like no other – brave body-numbing ocean water and sprint in the sea, then race across the sand with hopes that you’re faster than the competition.
Lifeguard tryouts, a time-honored tradition for hopefuls looking for a summer seasonal job, were held in Newport Beach on Sunday, Feb. 7. They were the first of several tests happening along the area’s coastline in coming weeks.
It was a different test than previous years, with a timed start that staggered racers so they could space out, an adjustment as coronavirus concerns continue.
Competitors finish one part of lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tess Walshe’s cheering squad from left: Polly Ripke, 14, Georgia Sinacori, 15, and Olivia Knott, 15, urge her on during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Liam Fahrion breezes past spectators while competing during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Ian Hanna powers up as he nears the finish during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Masks are handed out at the finish line during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mask-wearing and social distancing are part of this year’s lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tess Walshe, 15, center, is congratulated by her friends after she finished the first portion of lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Cole Borggreve, splashes out of the water during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Spenser Snow plows towards the finish during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tess Walshe, 15, takes part in lifeguard tryouts, where start times were staggered because of the coronavirus pandemic, in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Noah Becerra, center, is sandwiched between other participants emerging from the ocean during lifeguard tryouts in Newport Beach on Sunday, February 7, 2021. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Lifeguard agencies across the 42 miles of coastline are expecting a healthy turnout from job hopefuls, fueled by a limited number of job options and a desire to work outdoors.
Huntington City Beach tryouts are coming up on Feb. 13, followed by Huntington State Beach’s tryouts Feb. 20.
San Clemente City Beach tryouts will be Feb. 21, while San Clemente State Beach are a week later on Feb. 27. Crystal Cove and Leo Carrillo on Feb. 28. Further out, Laguna City Beach will be March 20, while OC Parks will hold tryouts at Aliso Beach on March 27 and April 3. Seal Beach’s tryouts will be April 11.
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