The Guardian 2015 Issue 1 - Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service

Volume 38, Issue 1
The 2015 Training Camp Issue
June 2015
Volume 38, Issue 1, June 2015
Published by:
The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service
14 Purcells Cove Rd. B3N 1R4
Telephone: 902-477-6155
Fax: 902-477-6216
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.nsls.ns.ca
Concept/Layout: Ryan Nearing/Chris
Hanlon
Copy Editor: Paul D’Eon
Contributions: NSLS Senior Staff
Copyright, 2015 Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service.
Reproduction by any means of materials contained in this
magazine is prohibited unless authorized by the publisher.
Direct inquiries to the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service at the
address mentioned to the left. The Nova Scotia Lifeguard
Service is a contracted service of the Nova Scotia
Department of Health and Wellness, and is a part of the
Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia Branch. The Nova Scotia
Lifeguard Service has been supervising provincial beaches
in Nova Scotia since 1973.
Lifesaving Society Registered Charity
No.03584575605
Table of Contents
Welcome to the NSLS …………………………………………………………….…...4
Greetings…………………………………………………………………………….…...5
Summer Schedule 2015…………………………………………………………….….7
Training Week 101……………………………………………………………………....8
First Training Camp Experience - Hannah Reid……………………………….....14
Top 10 Staff Stats……………………………………………………………………...15
Senior Staff 2015……………………………………………………………………....16
Lifesaving Sport Series 2015…………………………………………………….….21
Beach Project Experience - Melissa Holley …………………………...…….…...22
Wollongong Exchange - Sarah Bernier……………………………………..….....23
Payroll Info……………………………………………………………………….……..25
Blue Nose Marathon…………………………………………………………………. 26
YouTube Contest……………………………………………………………….……...27
Social Media………………………………………………………….…………………28
Welcome to the NSLS
The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service (NSLS) has
been keeping Nova Scotia’s provincial beaches
safe since 1973. The provincial and municipal
governments fund and promote the program
while the Lifesaving Society manages the
day-to-day operations.
The NSLS is divided into 5 regional areas. Each
area has a Regional Area Supervisor who helps
train staff, maintains equipment and ensures
quality control on each beach. Beach Captains
(senior lifeguards) are in charge of the daily
operations of the beach, ensure operational
policies and procedures are followed, set up work
and break schedules and ensure staff in service
training is complete.
The NSLS prides itself on its record of “no
drownings” during supervised hours.
Since the program was initiated in 1973, there hasn’t been a single
drowning casualty in an NSLS supervised area during supervised hours.
Greetings
Welcome To NSLS Season #43
Welcome to NSLS 2015!! To all returning staff, please accept my thanks for
your great work over the past season(s)!! I know that you all take PRIDE in
your work!! For all the new staff, see below to see what PRIDE stands for!! To
the first time NSLS Staff, you are joining an organization that, since 1973, has
made 4133 rescues, supervised over 18.1 million people and has performed
1497 community service projects. We have employed over 1167 different
people.
We have not had a death via drowning during
supervised hours. We take PRIDE in that
accomplishment and trust that you will do your
best to maintain that record.
“Dedication means spending whatever
time or energy is necessary to accomplish
the task at hand.”
-Dr. Anil Kr Sinha
Paul D’Eon
Director, Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service
Robin Norrie
Manager of Recreation, Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness
I am pleased to welcome you to the 2015 season of the
Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service.
The Department of Health & Wellness is very proud of our
partnership with the NSLS and the record of no drownings on
our guarded beaches during the times of supervision. This is a
testament to the quality and service of the NSLS staff that
have served over the last 43 years.
I would also like to acknowledge the 41 years of leadership of
Director Paul D’Eon. His ongoing guidance and dedication to
this program is a significant reason why the Nova Scotia
Lifeguard Service has been so effective.
For those of you who are returning, thank you for your
continued commitment to the NSLS and for helping beach
goers to be safer and healthier. For those of you joining us for
the first time, welcome to the Service.
Enjoy your summer, be proud and stay safe.
Mike Melenchuk
President, Nova Scotia Lifesaving Society
Welcome to the 2015 season of the
Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service.
Through your work with NSLS, each of you are directly
contributing to the mission of the Lifesaving Society, which
is the prevention of drowning and water-related incidents
through prevention, education and leadership training. Our
mission is to make Nova Scotia a water smart and water
active province. Each of you is part of the public face of the
Society. NSLS provides an invaluable contribution to the
citizens of Nova Scotia for which each and everyone one of
you should be proud.
Since the inception of NSLS in 1973, there has not been a
single drowning casualty in an NSLS supervised area during
supervised hours. This record is commendable and we
appreciate your efforts in extending this record for another
year.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Summer Schedule 2015
June 20 - Opening Day, Aylesford Lake Beach
June 24 - Beach Captain Training
June 25 to 28 - NSLS Training
June 30 - Beach Set-Up Day
July 1 - Open Day, NSLS Beaches
July 25 - Lifesaving Sport Competition Round 1, Point Michaud Beach
July 26 - Aylesford Lake Triathlon
August 2 - Briga Swim, Halifax Harbour
August 5 - New Brunswick Lifesaving Competition, Parlee Beach
August 8 - Junior Lifeguard Games, Rissers Beach
- Lifesaving Sport Competition Round 2, Rissers Beach
August 16 - Sandcastle Day, Clam Harbour Beach
August 22 - Lifesaving Sport Competition Round 3, Martinique Beach
August 28 to 30 - Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships,
Martinique & Rainbow Haven Beach
August 30 - Last Day, all NSLS beaches except Lawrencetown Beach
September 13 - Last Day, Lawrencetown Beach
As of June 1, 2015
Please note this schedule may be updated throughout the summer.
Find up-to-date information at www.nsls.ns.ca
Training Week 101
Prior to opening day, NSLS guards attend an intensive four-day training camp.
The camp focuses on fitness, team building and technical skill development. It
is here where guards complete the National Lifeguard Waterfront Exam, which
ensures the lifeguards are prepared for their role on the beaches.
It is also here where guards meet each other, develop leadership skills, and are
given the opportunity to have their questions answered by experienced guards.
Training camp will take
place at Brigadoon Camp
at Aylesford Lake,
Kings County.
Following training camp during the eight-week season, lifeguards are required
to complete daily in-service tasks. These include practice rescue situations and
physical training.
As well, staff members are required to participate in beach community
service projects which help to educate the public and promote the NSLS.
Pre-Training Camp Tasks

Swim and Run!

Send Mike your payroll information

Completed TD1’s, Emergency Profile, and
Direct Deposit Information (i.e. void cheque)

Send Chris your equipment order
([email protected])

Read the NSLS Policy and Procedures Manual
at: www.nsls.ns.ca/?q=publications

Complete the NSLS Policy and Procedures
Test online at: http://goo.gl/forms/RYrpTUVakJ
What should I bring?
Swimming gear – goggles, bathing cap, swim suits and towels
Wetsuit (trust us – you will want one)
Sleeping gear – sleeping bag and pillow
Running gear – sneakers, shorts, T-shirt, etc.
Rain gear
Warm clothes
Clothes that you can get VERY dirty
Extra EVERYTHING – 2 pairs of shoes, tons of socks – we’re basically living in the mud if it
rains
Sunglasses and Sunscreen (we’ll give you some too!)
Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
Writing gear – clipboard, pens, paper
Canadian First Aid Manual, Alert Manual, or other relevant guides
Payroll stuff if you didn’t submit to Mike on time
Snacks and a Water bottle
Camp Rules
1. BE ON TIME
Prior to camp you will receive a schedule. As there is a lot to fit into a few short
days, the schedule is tight. Being late affects everyone.
2. QUIET TIME MEANS JUST THAT – BE QUIET
You aren’t children, and we aren’t going to tell you when to go to bed. Please be
respectful of others and when quiet time comes, please keep the noise levels to
a minimum.
3. DRESS TO EAT
As comfortable as you may become with your fellow lifeguards on day two or
three of camp, please show respect for the cooking staff. AKA wear shoes/
shirts/etc…. you know, clothes in the dining hall.
4. NO ALCOHOL OR ILLICIT DRUGS
Remember that you are being EMPLOYED (i.e. paid) while at training camp. The
NSLS policy considers intoxication during working hour’s to be grounds for
suspension and/or dismissal. This is a non-negotiable rule – stay clean, stay
sober, and you will stay employed. Not to mention the early morning training
will be much more pleasant if you do!
5. ACT RESPONSIBLY
At camp we are at all times representing the NSLS and the Lifesaving Society.
Destruction of property, vandalism and inappropriate behaviour will not be
tolerated. During sessions it is possible that the public will be on hand to see
the training- this is an excellent opportunity to promote the beach as a safe
place for people to frequent.
6. NO DEPARTURE FROM CAMP WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION
NSLS staff may NOT leave camp unless in cases of activities directly related to
Training Camp or for other extenuating reasons (Grad, Exams etc.,) that have
been pre-approved by a Senior Staff member.
7. BE POSITIVE
Camp can be difficult but it is also fun, and it is a lot more fun if you participate
willingly!
Be happy and enjoy your time!
Everyone’s favourite part of Training Camp returns yet again this year!
BEACH SKITS
Beach Skit Rules:
-Each shore will be responsible for preparing and performing a skit during training camp.
-All members of the shore must participate in the skit.
-All skits must be related to lifeguarding or the goals of the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service.
-All skits must be in good taste. Feeding ice cream to the judges may improve your score.
-Skits should be fun and enjoyable.
-Skits should be approx. 5 minutes in length. But if it’s good, we’re not going to stop you!
Judging will be done by an illustrious panel of judges based on adherence to the rules above
and the overall impact of the skit.
In case there are any props needed, be sure to bring them to training
camp as staff are not permitted to leave the camp.
While several of our
illustrious judges endeavour
to be impartial, Ben continue
will accept non-monetary
bribes throughout camp.
Directions to Brigadoon Village
Brigadoon (South Alton)
1650 North River Rd
Aylesford, NS, B0P 1C0
Telephone: 902.681.8100
GPS Coordinates
N 440 57’ 32. 12”
W 640 39’ 2. 05”
Directions from Sydney
-Follow NS-4 for 182 km to the TransCanada Highway in Antigonish.
-Follow the Trans-Canada for 293
km. Then take Highway 101.
-Take Exit 13 and turn left off the exit
onto Highway 12.
-Drive approximately 4 km.
-Turn right onto English Mountain
Road (past the Irving station, road is
unmarked). Drive 500 m.
-Turn left onto North River Road.
Road isn’t in best condition, so
please prepare accordingly.
-Drive approximately 10.8 km.
Brigadoon Village is located on your
left.
-Drive down driveway approx.1.6 km
If you’ve reached
Aylesford Lake Beach,
you’ve gone too far!
Directions from Halifax
-Take Highway 101 to the Annapolis
Valley
-Take Exit 13 and turn left off the exit
onto Highway 12
-Drive approximately 4 km
-Turn right onto English Mountain
Road (past the Irving station, road is
unmarked). Drive 500 m.
-Turn left onto North River Road.
-Road isn’t in best condition, so
please prepare accordingly.
-Drive approximately 10.8 km
Brigadoon Village is located on your
left.
Directions from Yarmouth
-Take NS-101 E 220 km.
-Take Exit 13 and turn left off the exit onto Highway 12
-Drive approximately 4 km.
-Turn right onto English Mountain Road (past the Irving station, road is
unmarked). Drive 500 m.
-Turn left onto North River Road.
Road isn’t in best condition, so please prepare accordingly.
-Drive approximately 10.8 km Brigadoon Village is located on your left.
-Drive down driveway approx. 1.6 km.
About Brigadoon:
Brigadoon Village is a non-profit organization, open year round
including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. 100% of proceeds from
all rentals go toward supporting Brigadoon Village, allowing them to
provide an exceptional camp experience to children and youth living
with a chronic illness, chronic condition or special need.
For more information about Brigadoon Village visit:
http://www.brigadoonvillage.org/
“Being able to take part in a
training camp, where you form
friendships with your coworkers,
is nothing short of rewarding.”
As a pool lifeguard and competitive swimmer, there
were certainly daunting aspects of my first training camp.
Having no beach experience, I thought I would be left behind
by the experienced and knowledgeable returning staff.
However, within our very first activity I was proven
completely wrong. No matter how much experience some
lifeguards had, it was one of the most welcoming workplace environments I have ever
experienced. Being able to take part in a training camp, where you form friendships with
your coworkers, is nothing short of rewarding. Be it bonding over the “dreaded”
run-swim-run or simply chatting over dinner and asking questions, I never felt any
pressure by the fact that I was a first year guard.
We got split off into different groups based on our beaches, and from there on it
was pretty non-stop all morning. There was always a fitness or technical aspect, and
getting to work with your beach team was a great way to develop communication skills
and teamwork. Later, we had first aid lectures with opportunities to practice, wave
identification and equipment care.
There were always a learning opportunity, and everyone was more than willing to
help and motivate each other improve. Training camp is a lot more than just being
certified with Waterfront NLS, O2 Administration and First Aid; it’s a great way to make
some new friends while spending the day at the beach.
At the end of every day we had more team bonding activities. Some other
memorable moments include sitting around the camp fire on free time or chatting with
your bunk-mates. Sadly I missed the last day of camp, due to my high school graduation.
The fact that I wasn’t really looking forward to prom or graduation in place of camp really
speaks to how enjoyable it was! I am very excited to be back for a second year with the
NSLS and I look forward to seeing everyone at camp.
Hannah Reid
Lifeguard, Lawrencetown Beach
Top Ten 2015 NSLS Staff Screening Times
1.
Sarah Bernier
6:38
1.
Colm Somers
5:27
2.
Kathleen Belliveau
6:50
2.
Brett Liem
5:38
3.
Hannah McLean
7:10
3.
Matthew Laustsen
6:16
4.
Emily Hickey
7:12
4.
Nicholas Stacey
6:22
5.
Nicola Hines
7:13
5.
Scott Day
6:30
6.
Megan Smith
7:24
6.
Ryan Allen
6:32
7.
Laura Crocket
7:25
7.
Zach Laustsen
6:37
8.
Sarah Hobbs
7:38
8.
Alexandre Doucet
6:44
9.
Hannah Reid
7:42
9.
Taylor Lawson
6:46
10.
Megan Sweet
7:48
10.
Matthew Curry
6:58
1.
Melissa Holley
51.3
1.
Joshua Bower
46.3
2.
Laura Crocket
52.8
2.
Colm Somers
47.7
3.
Emily Hickey
55.0
3.
Justin Cashin
48.3
4.
Sarah Hobbs
55.4
4.
Matthew Lausten
48.3
5.
Hannah McLean
55.5
5.
Scott Day
49.2
6.
Kathleen Belliveau
55.9
6.
Ryan Allen
50.6
7.
Rita Snow
56.0
7.
Christopher Mercer
52.2
8.
Kali Caulier
102.0
8.
Taylor Lawson
52.3
9.
Emily Burbidge
102.6
9.
Mitch Baker
52.6
10. Allie MacDonald
102.7
10.
Troy Hillier
54.1
1.
Nicola Hines
13:17
1.
Brett Liem
12:33
2.
Kali Caulier
13:50
2.
Mitch Baker
12:49
3.
Sarah Hobbs
14:00
3.
Matthew Curry
12:54
4.
Melissa Holley
14:48
4.
Colm Somers
12:54
5.
Hannah Delaney
15:00
5.
Sam Donaldson
13:02
6.
Allie MacDonald
15:04
6.
Taylor Lawson
14:03
7.
Kathleen Kells
15:50
7.
Matthew Laustsen 14:08
8.
Sarah Bernier
15:53
8.
Troy Hillier
14:08
9.
Kathleen Belliveau
15:54
9.
Allan Beaton
14:48
10.
Lauren Dessureault
16:09
Swim
Carry
Run
10. Nicholas Stacey
15:00
Senior Staff 2015
I began working with the NSLS in 1975 when I worked as Beach Captain at Heather Beach. I
worked at Rissers, Lake George and Ingonish beaches and was an Area Supervisor and
Assistant Director for two years. In 1984, I became Director and have been involved at the
senior management level of the NSLS ever since. I guess this makes it year #41 for me!!
I have a B.A. in Physical Education and Recreation
from Acadia University, and lots of NLS, Examiner,
Instructor Trainer certifications!! I have been involved
as a volunteer with many recreation and sports related
organizations, most recently as the President of
Recreation Nova Scotia, and the Lifesaving Society
National Safety Management Commission.
I like to swim, fish, hike, bike and golf, but mostly, I go
to the beach!!
I am out…
Director
Paul D’Eon
Hi folks, I’m Mike, your Assistant Director of Administration. This is my sixth season as
Assistant Director, and I have loved it every year. I work for the Lifesaving Society as
Program Manager; the largest part of my job is managing the Swim to Survive program
throughout Nova Scotia. I have a Master’s Degree in Leisure Studies from Dalhousie, and
Bachelor’s degrees in Recreation and
Management, also from Dalhousie. I like
going over to Dal and seeing all the nice new
buildings that my tuition paid for that I didn’t
get to use. I am a former Varsity Swimmer
with the Dalhousie Tigers, age group with
the Dartmouth Crusaders, Masters with the
Dartmouth Whalers, and I’ve completed five
full marathons; hoping to do #6 in the fall! I
am a Lifesaving Society Provincial Trainer,
and have worked on the National Lifeguard
and National Leadership revisions
committees. When I’m not at work, I am
probably watching football/baseball, or
arguing with my two-year-old daughter
about the color of the spoon she is about to
Assistant Director: Administration
eat breakfast with.
All the best to the NSLS team of 2015!
Mike Maguire
North Shore Area Supervisor
Melissa Hyson
24 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL TRAINING CAAAAMP! :)
Some of you may recognize me from my debut in
the 2005 series of Beach Girls staring Rob Lowe. Others
may know me because you have spent one of the last 12
summers working for the NSLS with me. For those of
you who don’t know me, I spent the first 4 years of my
NSLS career guarding Melmerby Beach and I have spent
the rest of my time as North Shore Area Supervisor.
During the cold winter months I teach Phys. Ed. in the
Annapolis Valley and in my spare time I try to keep warm
by snowshoeing, snowboarding, hiking, running,
gyming, doing yoga or anything physically active. I am
looking forward to spending another summer on the
beach! Can’t wait to see you all at training camp!
Southwest Shore Area Supervisor
Jenn Hood
Hi everyone!
Jenn Hood is my name and I am not telling you what year
this is for me with NSLS....I will tell you at training camp ;)
Let’s just say it's more than ten;) I currently run the pool at
the YMCA in Yarmouth so some of my staff this season are
surely sick of me but that's what you get when you live in a
small town :) I am one of the coaches of our swim-team that
my guards are also on, lol. In my free time (what is that?), I
shovel poop at the cow barn with my daughter, teach
courses, run when not injured and take my daughter to
riding lessons etc… See what I mean about "free time"
haha. I am really looking forward to seeing lots of new faces and training lots of great new guards at training camp.
BE PREPARED!!! Bring your cell phone chargers, your rain
gear, extra clothes etc... It's actually a lot of fun. Long days
but you will learn a lot and hopefully have some fun doing it. Don't
forget you need to prepare a skit so get on it!! Still lots of sleeps left
so get moving and don't be a couch potato. You have to do a run
swim run, a 5 k run and competition during camp and stay awake during sessions. Stay fit, drink lots of caffeine ( and water of course ) and
I will see you at camp;)
Cape Breton Area Supervisor
Kieran Gallivan
Hello and welcome to the 2015 version of the NSLS beach staff!
I'm Kieran Gallivan and I am the Area Supervisor responsible for the
Cape Breton Shore. This will be my 10th year with the NSLS my 4th
year as the AS for CB. I completed my Human Kinetics and Education
degrees at St. FX in 2010 & 2012 respectively. Since then I have been
traveling and working during the winter and returning home for our
beautiful Cape Breton summers. I've done a season lifeguarding on
the Gold Coast, back packed Southeast Asia, and taught high school
in London England in my most recent travel experiences. I am always
happy to share a story or two so don't be shy.
Working on the beach for the NSLS have been responsible for some of the best and most rewarding
experiences in my life. You are all in for a really fun camp and an even more enjoyable summer on
the beach.
As always I'm looking forward to meeting all the new staff and catching up with returners at camp!
East Shore Area Supervisor
Craig Reesor
Craig Ressor comes from a prestigious line of Lifesaving Society alumni, of
which he leads the third generation. Having a Master’s degree in Aquaculture, he brings his expertise and hard work ethic to the role of Eastern Shore
Supervisor. Having guarded beaches from Ingonish to Rainbow Haven to the
Bahamas, he returns home this summer to bring his unique brand of
experience to the job of Area Supervisor. We hope you enjoy working with
him as much as we do!
*Craig’s introduction written by Chris Hanlon.
Hi, my name is Chris Hanlon, and I am the Western Province Area
Supervisor. This puts me in charge of Queensland, Bayswater
and Aylesford Lake. Since I last worked for the NSLS way back in
2012, I have been working as a commercial driver in beautiful
Shelburne Nova Scotia. I also had a daughter last summer, which
is pretty great. I look forward to seeing you all at camp, and
bombarding you with e-mails about competing at lifeguard
competitions.
Western Province Area Supervisor
Chris Hanlon
Public Relations Officer
Ryan Nearing
Hello NSLS lifeguards, from the only non-lifeguard
of the group.
I’m Ryan, and I’ll be the Public Relations Officer this
summer. My tasks include maintaining internal and
external communication - basically, sharing what an
amazing summer you’ll all be having! My goals this
summer include telling the public all of the hard
work you all do to maintain beach safety in our
province.
I’m a Caper now living in Halifax, and going in my
third year of PR at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Outside of work, you'll usually find me doing some
kind of physical activity, nurturing my newfound love of cooking, or listening to
Oprah’s latest audiobook recommendation.
My previous work experience includes promotions in radio, television and print
media, as well as writing and blogging. I’m also involved in residence life and campus
life at the Mount.
Please feel free to contact me for any communications help or advice you may
possibly need! I’m here to help. Email, call, or reach me via Twitter, @nearingtheedge.
Can’t wait to meet you all at training camp!
My name is Abby Clarke Caseley, and I am one of the summer students with the Lifesaving
Society, filling the position of the Summer Program Coordinator for 2015.
I have been lifeguarding for 5 years with various beaches and pools around HRM. This is my first
summer working with the Lifesaving Society, and I am excited to bring my
knowledge and experience to the summer team. My main objectives and
tasks include the coordination of the Swim to Survive Program, and to
help plan events about drowning prevention and water safety for this
summer. I am very excited to be working alongside the Nova Scotia
Lifeguarding Service to help improve water safety awareness in
Nova Scotia!
I hope to meet some of you on the beaches this summer! If not, have a
fantastic, sun-filled summer!
Swim to Survive Summer Program Coordinator
Abby Clarke-Caseley
Assistant Director: Youth Development & Safety
Ben Morash
Hey guys! I’m Ben, Assistant Director: Youth
Development and Safety this year. This sounds like even
crazier corporate-ese than previous years, but I’m
mostly doing the same things I’ve done the last couple
years: planning how to get you guys certified at training
camp, stocking your beaches with cool lifeguard toys
(and forcing you to make endless trips to the bus stop to
them up!), organizing the beach report updates, and harassing you about using plastic bags
when you take your radios for a swim. I also enjoy technical inservice, sneaking up on
guards in the chair, and long walking patrols on the beach!
This is my eleventh year with NSLS and third in the office. In past summers, you might have
seen me huddled up with my Big Bird parka in the chair at Rainbow Haven, Clam Harbour,
Dollar Lake, Lawrencetown, Martinique, Queensland, Bayswater…basically anywhere near
Halifax. When I’m not in our dungeon under the Chocolate Lake Rec Center I can usually be
found swimming, running, biking, hiding in a Biochemistry lab at Dalhousie (UBC in the
fall!), or splayed out on the couch watching football or hockey. I managed to sneak out of
the office enough to visit all our beaches last year, so chances are good you’ll be seeing me
plenty during and after training camp!
See you all at training camp!
Hello everyone! My name is Julian Zou and I am the
Special Events Officer for the service this year!
I'm very excited to be back and bugging all of you with
Swim to Survive and Junior Guards (I'll be much more annoying this year...you'll see at training camp).
For those who don't know me, I just finished my first year
of engineering at Dalhousie University, I love making trips
to Willy's for outrageously good poutine, and I'm a spirited Vancouver Canucks fan.
I wish everyone a safe, sun-filled summer, and I'll see you
all at training camp!
Special Events Officer
Julian Zou
Lifesaving Sport Series 2015
For detailed information, go to:
http://www.nsls.ns.ca/?q=lists/
events
In 2000 the Nova Scotia Surf League was established as the first ever ongoing
competition series in Canada, and last year the competition adopted its new
title of the Life Saving Sport Series, LSS. By pitting lifeguards against each
other in competition, it provides the opportunity for guards to test their skills
against the best the province has to offer.
July 25: Lifesaving Series Round 1
August 5: New Brunswick Lifesaving Competition
August 8: Junior Lifeguard Games
August 8: Lifesaving Series Round 2
August 22: Lifesaving Series Round 3
August 28 to 30: Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships
Point Michaud
Parlee Beach
Rissers Beach
Rissers Beach
Martinique Beach
Martinique & Rainbow
Haven Beaches
Melissa Holley
Beach Captain
Melmerby Beach
Hi everyone! I'm BC at Melmerby and this summer will be my 8th season with the NSLS. I work
with awesome lifeguards - Hannah, Laura, and Kali - and we have come up with some fun
beach projects the past few years. Some examples of our beach projects have been a triathlon
swim practice, family sun safety day with sandcastle competitions, beach fact of the day, swim
to survive, beach family fun run to raise money for charities, educational posters, and Jr.
Lifeguards.
Last summer we organized a triathlon swim practice for the first time. It was a really fun beach
project and it helped us build a good relationship with triathlon swimmers, their families, and
the race organizers. I emailed swimmers I knew from the Masters swim team and we talked to
other swimmers who came to the beach. We marked out different distances with buoys: 300m,
750m, and 1500m. We timed swimmers and offered stroke technique and helped with learning
to swim in open water. One guard would take a rescue board and paddle along swimmers. We
offered different times each day to try to accommodate schedules and used a tide chart to let
swimmers know when it was high tide. We also emailed swimmers the NSLS Melmerby Beach
page so they could check weather conditions. The beach project was successful and the
swimmers really appreciated the help and we are going to continue it again this summer.
What are beach projects?
Beach projects are required public relations projects that we all participate in during the
summer. They are really important because it gets us involved with the community and builds
a better connection with patrons at the beach. It is important for us to have good relationships
with patrons and beach projects show that we are knowledgeable, approachable, and easy to
talk to. They help build trust and respect and by educating the public, will result in safer
beaches! Plus beach projects are great for team building at your beach!
Beach projects are really fun and there are lots of different ideas you
can come up with! I hope everyone has a great training camp and
summer and good luck with your beach projects!
What makes a good
beach project:


Be creative
Fill out Worksheets & have them approved



Make a plan
Make it educational and fun
Call local media and let them know
(Ryan will help with this)

Get it done early!
Wollongong Exchange
For the past 30 years, a NSLS lifeguard is selected to represent Nova Scotia in
Wollongong, Australia in a guarding position. In return, a guard from
Wollongong joins the NSLS staff for our summer season in Nova Scotia.
Exchange History
1988 - Ed Kaulbach
1989 - Jason Cross
1990 - John Cross
1991 - Angus Lindsay
1992 - John Bessonette
1993 - Rob Bednarik
1994 - Dave Leblanc
1995 - Mike Kellock
1996 - N.W.
1997 - Rob Smith
1998 - Sean Dyer
1999 - Craig Durling
2000 - Adam Teasdale
2001 - Andrew Millar
2002 - Dan Fraser
2003 - James Wildsmith
2004 - Aaron Sellers
2005 - Neal Durling
2006 - Cory Barrington
2007 - Peter Cove
2008 - Patrick Coleman
2012 - Alex Groot-Koerkamp
2013 - Richard MacAulay
2014 - Fletch Selig
2015 - Sarah Bernier
The selected applicant is given the opportunity
of a lifetime as they get to work with some of
the best guards in Eastern Australia. Aside
from experiencing Wollongong during their
peak summer guard season, delegates have
the opportunity to experience new people,
learn new lifesaving techniques, work in new
environments, and face new challenges.
Lifeguards also have the opportunity to see a
new country and experience a new culture.
Interested in applying?
More information in the next NSLS Guardian or ask your supervisor at Training
Camp for more information!
“You should work hard and make it your
goal to represent the NSLS in Wollongong.”
This past winter I had the
opportunity to do the
Wollongong Lifeguard Exchange.
For those of you who may not
know about the Exchange, you
should work hard and make it
your goal to be the NSLS
representative.
public. Being at Thirroul, I was
lucky to have both a jet ski and
an ATV (which we should have at
Martinique!). Leaving the beach,
my most memorable experience
would have been getting the
chance to go out on the jet ski
for shark sightings, and literally
being a meter away from a
Working in Wollongong was
shark. If you know me, you'd
similar to working back on the
know about my obsession of
Eastern Shore, but very different sharks.
at the same time. You get to
meet amazing people, learn
Even though the work was more
from great lifeguards and get to challenging than at home, it was
use equipment and techniques really a great experience. Since
that are unavailable in Nova
finishing at the beach after the
Scotia.
Christmas holidays, I have fallen
in love with the country and am
I was placed at Thirroul Beach
only coming home 3 days before
alongside Nathan and Adam
training camp! I'm looking
(who have both come to work
forward to meeting all the new
for the NSLS) as well as a man
staff and hope everyone is ready
named Luke. Feeling very
to work hard all summer and
welcomed, it was easy to get
work towards coming to do the
used to the warm temperatures, exchange since it is definitely
busy days and helping the
worthwhile!
Sarah Bernier
Beach Captain, Martinique
Payroll Information
The absolute final deadline for
payroll paperwork is June 8
Please have these in to Mike if you have yet to do so!
[email protected]
Thank
You!
NSLS staff volunteered as First Aid responders at the 12th annual
Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon on Sunday, May 17th
A Giant Thank-You to:
Chris Hanlon
Abby Clarke-Caseley
Petra O’Toole
Hannah Reid
Sam Donaldson
Hannah Delaney
Rachel Betuick
Megan Flynn
“Volunteers
don’t get paid. Not because
they’re worthless, but because they’re
priceless.”
-Sherry Anderson
CONTEST!
Open to all staff!
Submit a YouTube video explaining what you are most
excited for Summer 2015. Share using #NSLS and
send it to [email protected]
The best entries will be shown at camp and
shared, and the winner will receive an
autographed photo of their Senior Staff member of
choice to hang in their hut.
You can work in teams or as individuals.
Good luck!
Lights,
Camera,
Action!
Stay connected with the NSLS on
Social Media for daily updates!
Follow us on Twitter
@NSLifeguard
Like us on Facebook
facebook.com/NSLifeguard
#NSLS
#NSSummer
#NSLifeguard
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