Today I interview Steve Long. Steve was a California State Parks lifeguard, and maybe the only lifeguard who never passed lifeguard training yet was chosen by leadership to Excel and fast track into leadership roles throughout his career.

Steve worked in the golden age of lifeguarding in California and ended up as a supervising peace officer for California State Parks in the San Clemente area. Steve and I discuss, not just lifeguarding, but some of his personal philosophy on life and much, much more as always.

00:00 Introduction to Steve Long's Lifeguard Journey

01:18 Early Life and Passion for Swimming

04:09 College Years and Military Aspirations

08:31 The Decision to Pursue Lifeguarding

12:55 First Encounters with State Lifeguard Training

17:51 Becoming a Permanent Lifeguard

23:16 Fast-Tracking Through Lifeguard Roles

27:01 Memorable Experiences and Challenges

36:08 A Lifeguard's First Experience with Death

37:07 Rapid Career Advancement

40:04 Challenges and Tensions on the Beach

41:43 Becoming a Lifeguard Supervisor

46:23 Navigating Interjurisdictional Operations

51:35 Raising a Family in the Park

55:32 Returning to Lifeguarding

59:44 The Unique Role of Lifeguards

01:04:47 Balancing Work and Family

01:10:39 Encouraging the Next Generation

01:14:54 Rusty's Journey in Surfing and Career

01:15:34 Impact of Lifeguarding on Family and Career

01:16:34 Lifeguarding as a Metaphor for Life

01:18:34 The High Calling of Lifeguarding

01:21:30 Greg's Big Wave Incident

01:27:48 The Evolution of Lifeguarding Profession

01:28:46 The LA County Lifeguard Walkout

01:36:22 Advice for Future Lifeguards

01:42:29 Preserving San Onofre and Environmental Stewardship

01:48:32 Final Thoughts

Link To The San Onofre Parks Foundation:

https://sanoparks.org

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/

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Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/

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