TULSA, Okla. -- A United States Marine Corps poolee recently saved multiple lives while working as a lifeguard at a local water park.
Elijah Buzzard, a poolee with Recruiting Sub-Station Tulsa North, spent his summer working as a lifeguard at Paradise Beach Waterpark. The water park, only open on weekends, draws large crowds throughout the summer season. So far this year, Elijah has responded to several emergencies, personally saving five lives while on lifeguard duty.
“It makes me proud to know the training works. We trust him to do the job, and he keeps people safe,” said Adina Meilner, the lifeguard supervisor for Paradise Beach Waterpark.
To qualify as a lifeguard, Elijah underwent extensive training that required hours of swimming, treading water, diving, and responding to simulated emergencies. He also learned how to administer high quality CPR at the same level as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and practiced a variety of rescue scenarios before earning his certification.
“I think that being a lifeguard teaches you the responsibility of making sure other people are safe… they have to be aware of what is happening in the water. Taking that into the Marines is a great quality because he already knows how to be disciplined in his actions,” said Meilner.
Buzzard explained that the responsibility of being a lifeguard goes beyond watching from the guard stand. Each moment on duty requires focus, quick decision making, and the courage to act without hesitation when danger arises.
“As a lifeguard, he was trained to always be alert and ready, similar to the Marine Corps. Marines remain ready for any challenge, at any time,” said Sgt. Brandon Deere, Buzzard’s recruiter.
Buzzard ships to Marine Corps Recruit Training this September and plans to challenge himself in the future by becoming a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival.
“In this job, you can’t be afraid to save somebody, and I know it will be the same in the Marine Corps,” said Buzzard.