Lifeguard Ken Tells All: Enjoy the Surf. Safely.

by Ken Cassie

Overview

Have you ever struggled in the ocean? Things can quickly get scary in the surf, even under ideal conditions. Rip currents can emerge without warning and sweep unsuspecting bathers into deeper water. Lifeguard Ken Tells All brings simple, effective strategies to readers from the witty perspective of a seasoned ocean lifeguard.

Lifeguard Ken Tells All looks at three components of safer bathing: first, understanding how the ocean works; second, effectively responding to danger; and third, coping with a reflex as dangerous as the ocean—our own panic.

For twenty-six summers author Ken Cassie worked as a lifeguard on Atlantic Coast beaches, taking part in one thousand rescues. In recent years, danger in the surf has increased. Larger numbers of people now bathe before and after lifeguard hours, as well as before and after the traditional beach season. Such changes have increased the chances of drowning. The need to understand surf dynamics is greater than ever.

Using anecdotes and drawing upon personal experiences, Ken takes you through the tumbling surf with wry humor. But you’ll need your wits to survive “The Great Deceiver” when the calm, inviting water becomes a churning washtub—and you are the laundry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780998738000
Publisher:	Shore Thing Press
Publication date:	04/10/2017
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Ken Cassie worked twenty-six summers as a lifeguard on beaches in Belmar, New Jersey. He studied at Cooper Union, Montclair University, Indiana University, Columbia University, and New York University, where he received a Ph.D. in Russian studies.

During the off-season he taught Russian, art, photography, and humanities. Ken served two tours with the United States Information Agency in the former Soviet Union, where he promoted American arts and culture in gallery and arena settings.

After retiring from both lifeguarding and teaching, Ken and his wife, Shelley, opened a pottery studio, Studio 103. An avid water person, Ken enjoys swimming, riding waves, and paddling. Although retired as a lifeguard, he cannot change one deeply ingrained habit: On the beach he feels at ease only when facing the ocean, where he can observe water conditions and bathers.

Table of Contents

Foreword: The Ocean and Me and You

Introduction: Seduction and Survival

Chapter One: A Lifeguard Drowns

Chapter Two: Exposing Those Demons

Chapter Three: In a Rip?

Chapter Four: The Devil in the Not-So-Deep Blue Sea

Chapter Five: The Tough Call—Do Not Go In

Chapter Six: Semper Paratus

Afterword: Lifeguard or Swineherd? Thoughts on Beach Access and Use

Glossary

Resources

About the Author

Editorial Reviews

“Simple, breezy, and entertaining … explains basics of ocean safety.” — B. Chris Brewster, Editor, Open Water Lifesaving: The United States Lifesaving Manual

“Ken addresses two of the major issues in the surfing world: access and safety.” — Cecil Lear, Co-founder, Eastern Surfing Association

“Read this book to understand the ocean better, and swim with a greater margin of safety.” — Mike Crosbie

“Every family that is preparing for a trip to the ocean should read this book.” — Nancy Burkhardt

From the Publisher