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Mailbag: Don’t outsource Newport’s lifeguards

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Private lifeguard services — are you kidding me? Why would we want to outsource lifeguards?

Our lifeguard services in Newport Beach are among the best in the state [“Newport may turn to private lifeguard services,” Jan. 5]. We are a water-based community, and the city has a multifaceted program to develop its lifeguards.

First of all, youngsters ages 10 to 15 are given the opportunity to enroll in the Junior Lifeguard program. Youths are given information on tides, currents, use of fins, water toys, beaches, formations on the ocean floor (specific to Newport Beach), CPR, first aid and strength training.

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Then the city has a lifeguard training program for those who qualify for seasonal lifeguard positions.

These are youths who know our beaches. They know the area and are looked up to by the locals, and they can become the teachers of the Junior Lifeguard program. It’s a win-win.

Why would we want to change that?

I don’t want someone who is in our city a few days a week and paid off-site to be making decisions about how our ocean areas are run.

Bonnie McClellan

Newport Beach

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