This conversation represents over 100 years of lifeguarding experience in a single room discussing virtually every aspect of lifeguarding. Mike Silvestri (Mestri) and Mike Brousard (Bruiser) are career lifeguards who began lifeguarding in California in the 1970's. They have been intimately involved in the profession and bring a whole new meaning to what it means to be "Lifeguards for Life".

"The Mikes" discuss everything from the early days of lifeguarding, how the job has changed, rescues, junior lifeguards, the first female lifeguards, and some of their best and worst days at work. This conversation is highly inspirational from two soulful humans who share their incredible perspective doing something that they truly loved. It will be hard to argue anything other than the fact that lifeguarding is the best job in the world once you have listened to this conversation!

Mike Silvestri is a CA State Lifeguard who began his career in 1971 in San Diego, CA. He served as a State Parks Peace Officer Lifeguard from 1981 to 2007 when he "retired" but currently remains involved in the State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy as a retired annuitant. Mike Silvestri has been involved in lifeguard training for over 45 years, training a conservative estimate of 5,000 guards throughout his career.

Mike Brousard began lifeguarding in 1970 and served as a California State Parks Peace Officer from 1977. In 1989 Mike Brousard became a rescue boat operator at Huntington State Beach and finished his career in San Clemente serving as Chief Lifeguard. Mike Brousard was also heavily involved in the CA State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy and taught along with Mike Silvestri for several decades. Mike Brousard has written two books about lifeguarding titled "Warm Winds and Following Seas" and "Neptune Wept" which showcase the profession through incredible storytelling. You can find the books for sale on amazon at the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Brousard/author/B07NKV99PB?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

This podcast was recorded at Chobo Studios!

https://chobo.co/studios

Thank you for listening!

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