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Commodore Wilbert E. Longfellow founded the American Red Cross Life Saving Corps in 1914 to reduce the number of lives lost as a result of drowning. Today, on the tall wooden stands that dot Compo Beach like so many stacks of white highchairs, that mission remains robust.
Not just anyone who's a strong swimmer can pass muster as a Compo lifeguard. According to Waterfront Director, Laura Jane Fournier, Compo Beach's lifeguards are "well trained, extremely responsible and capable teens and college students -- and sometimes moms -- who take their commitment to serve their community very seriously."
Before they're even hired, every lifeguard at Westport's Compo beach, as well those working at its sister facility just up the road at the Longshore pool, must pass American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training, a rigorous course taught on both water and land. Included in its curriculum are mock rescues, accident prevention and preparedness, as well as fitness training (laps and then more laps in the pool) and diving. Students must be fit and able enough to dive to the bottom of a pool's deep end (typically 14 feet) and retrieve a cinderblock -- or an instructor pretending to be a unconscious victim. Additionally, each student must pass supplemental courses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and standard first aid before becoming lifeguard certified.
Once hired, these lifeguards continue with fitness and on-site training. "All lifeguards workout five times a week," says Laura Jane. "We'll swim, run, do relays, or we'll do rescue board drills," she says, referring to a long surf-board-like, non-motorized rescue vehicle, which is considerably less easy to maneuver than "Baywatch" would make it appear. During their eight-hour shift, each guard works one hour and rests the following one, a schedule that ensures they regroup and are ready.
Fortunately this season, while busy because of the hot dry weather, has been relatively quiet when it comes to administering aid: "We've had a bunch of jellyfish stings and razor clam cuts," says Laura Jane. "But fortunately, no rescues."
But if that time ever comes, the Compo Beach lifeguards will be ready for it, which will make your day at the beach just, well, a day at the beach.
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