By Kate Taliaferro
Social Media Editor
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]amily, a bond that a group of people have because they are related, but also a word often used to describe The Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue squad (KDHOR). The team works together as a family in emergency situations, while also helping each other with little things.
“KDHOR applicants must be 16 years of age, be able to swim 500 meters under 10 minutes and are required to complete two weeks of training that involves 40 hours of United States Lifesaving Association open water training and National DOT first responder classes,” T-Mike Morrison, 14 year KDHOR Director said.
However, Nags Head Ocean Rescue (NHOR) has a few different requirements for lifeguards.
“You must be 18 years of age, because of the Nags Head hiring policy, have a valid drivers license, pass a one mile run test in under eight minutes, pass a 500 meter swim test in under 10 minutes, pass a pre-employment drug screening and and pass all exams (written and practical) during training camp,” Chad Motz, nine year NHOR Director said.
Lifeguards watch the beaches from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Specifically in KDH there are four different zones with four to five stands that a supervisor is in charge of. Check-ups are conducted daily and even after the official lifeguard season is over, KDHOR has a four bike run until Oct. 15, where guards patrol the beaches on bikes, Morrison said.
Being a lifeguard is a large commitment. Prior to the start of the lifeguarding season, guards have physical training (PT) for the first 10 days and work in different stations, however, once the season starts, the PT takes place three days a week, one hour a day, before the lifeguards get in their stands.
“This season will be my third season,” FFHS senior lifeguard Megan Parker said. “I was on the swim team and I had heard of people doing it, and I loved to be outdoors and to people watch and it seems like being part of ocean rescue has furthered my education into really having an impact on people. I can use what I’ve learned during this job for the future.”
Each lifeguard has a different reason why they decided to join an ocean rescue team.
“As a teenager, I’ve always envied beach lifeguards. They looked so “hard-core” and official. I had/have such a high respect for them. So, when I had the opportunity to apply, I went for it,” Stephanie Motz, eight year NHOR lifeguard and FFHS science teacher said.
Lifeguard stands range from Duck to Ocracoke, with different hours of operation, according to Outer-Banks.com. The range of stands is necessary as the population on the Outer Banks increases dramatically during the summer season, raising from 30,000 people to an estimated 200,000 people, according to Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. While the locations may be different, each lifeguard has four things in common, sand, sun, water and the passion to save lives.
“Having the beach as my office to come to work to is my favorite part. It’s beautiful, every day it’s different,” Anna Zappulla, eight year KDHOR lifeguard and 2008 FFHS graduate said. “I get to enjoy all kinds of people from all parts of the world who come here and they look to me for help and advice and I’m here to provide it for them. I think this crew works well together, it becomes a family and we take care of each other, and I look forward to coming to work every day.”
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