This training brief is part of a recurring segment designed to present a potpourri of relevant updates in open water lifesaving. Make no mistake, these IST segments are produced following national curriculum, USLA training standards, and universal procedural guidelines for beach lifeguards, aquatic first responders, and for those rescuers who provide medical aid in the marine environment.
This segment will focus on one of the many duties assigned to senior ocean lifeguards who are tasked to serve as the primary rescue swimmer on an emergency response vehicle, otherwise known as the ‘wet seat.’
Jack Forsman is a USLA qualified open water lifesaving instructor in his 7th year as an ocean/river lifeguard in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He serves on one of four nationally certified USLA ARRT teams in NJ, call sign SRT 43-88. Jack is also a lead RWC operator as a member of one of only six nationally certified USLA rescue watercraft (jetski) teams. He will be discussing the heavily coveted ‘wet seat’ position and the responsibilities that come with that position, as well as the history of that particular duty assignment.