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WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Palm Beach County News - Despite budget cuts, Lake Worth keeps junior lifeguard program afloat

Despite budget cuts, Lake Worth keeps junior lifeguard program afloat

LAKE WORTH, Fla. -- Across the state budget shortfalls are forcing lifeguards out of the huts. 'Swim at your own risk' is becoming a more abundant phrase, and here in Palm Beach County tens of millions of dollars in cuts are coming, and lifeguards could be at the top of the chopping block.

Rip-tides, rough water. It seems more and more ocean rescues come from good Samaratins instead of lifeguards patrolling the surf.

"Not going to watch someone die you're going to help."

That's the reason these future lifeguards are training so hard in Lake Worth with 20 year veteran Rich Tammany.

Kodi Cabral/Junior Lifeguard: I really want to help them because it looks like they're really hurting.

While Palm Beach County faces a $29 million budget shortfall, consultants recommend cutting lifeguard positions. But since 1997 Lake Worth, has found a way to keep it's junior lifeguard program floating.

Rich Tammany/Director, Lake Worth Jr. Lifeguards: The attitude has always been--let's keep it going for the kids.

With every sprint from the sand to seawater, the passion to save lives starts young.

Lillie Zounis: Just more help in the ocean because you can never have too many lifeguards on duty.

Kodi Cabral/ Junior Lifeguard: In case there's someone out there and you really need to save them.

While the training is real, this group not saving lives yet. They're practicing for a competition against other junior lifeguards across the state. But with each stroke, our waters become safer.

Lillie Zounis: We could go save someone because we have the training.

Rich Tammany/ Director, Lake Worth Jr. Lifeguards: Learn a little bit about lifeguarding and compete at a high level they try very hard and compete very well.

The statewide competition for the junior lifeguards takes place later this month in Destin. They'll represent Lake Worth alongside 12 Florida cities.
Despite budget cuts, Lake Worth keeps junior lifeguard program afloat

Friday, July 6 2012, 09:01 PM EDT

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