Photo By Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera | Cpl. Yorlin J. Barzola Ronquillo and Lance Cpl. Damien Strait, lifeguards with...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the shores of Onslow Beach were guarded by 30 Marines who provided safety and cleanliness of the area.
Service members from II Marine Expeditionary Force are selected by their unit to temporarily serve with Headquarters and Support Battalion’s Beach Detachment.
"It’s the most rewarding job I have had," said Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Small, Beach Detachment officer in charge. "It’s a great job. The training is physically demanding, but who wouldn’t want to be out here on the beach?"
The Marines trained for weeks prior to the beach’s Memorial Day opening. In addition to American Red Cross Lifeguard courses, they swam hundreds of meters a day and completed open water training.
They participated in scenario-based training where they learned to save swimmers in a number of circumstances, for example beach goers who were unconscious or panic stricken.
"The training that is required means they are in the top physical condition to endure an emergency," said Small, a native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
With Marine lifeguards, families visiting Onslow Beach can rest assured knowing that their lifeguards are physically able to save them in an emergency, said Small.
"The physical conditioning is a huge piece, because being out in that water, especially in rough surf, will wear you out," said Cpl. John Barbatano, a lead lifeguard with the Beach Detachment MCIWS.
Discipline is also an important factor the Marines bring to Onslow Beach, he added.
"You don’t want to have anybody here with the wrong mindset," said Small. "You don’t want somebody who can get distracted easily to do a job like this. It can get tedious sitting out there and watching the ocean but I can count on these Marines to constantly remain vigilant of what’s going on."
During the season the lifeguards have assisted injured swimmers, and rescued those who had difficulty making it back to the shore.
"I had to rescue a guy who got pulled in by the undertow and the current pulled him from the beach," said Cpl. Robert Hulsey, a lifeguard. "He got really exhausted and he couldn’t swim anymore. We got there and pulled him out very quickly."
The rescue was the high point of Hulsey’s summer, the Lake Whales, Florida native said.
It was a quiet, safe season, with no crisis the Marines couldn’t handle, said Barbatano, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
With the season closing the Marines will be returning to their home units and usual jobs.
"It’s bittersweet," said Hulsey, who usually serves as a mortarman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. "I love being here."
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2014 08:45 |
| Story ID: | 149913 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 243 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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