From AP exams to mock rescues, some Carlsbad High School students are diving into action as lifeguards for beaches along the coastline. These devoted teenagers are proving that age is no barrier to saving lives and keeping the shoreline safe to all beachgoers.
Students at Carlsbad High School are taking the next step in their careers as lifeguards, patrolling and ensuring the safety of Socal residents. Junior Fisher Rosete is one of many who is passionate about water and beach safety as an Oceanside Lifeguard.
“The first thing that people think when they hear ‘lifeguard’ is Baywatch, but the job is way more than just running, swimming, and being in the sun,” Rosete said. “Throughout the day I am constantly watching the sand and water, and especially during the summer time, having to keep my eyes on sometimes over 1000 people in multiple locations at once.”
Rosete has been passionate about the water since he was young. Participating in Junior Lifeguards and attending the beach regularly on weekends and after school helps bring motivation to exceed into his job.
“Being a guard has specifically changed my maturity the most,” Rosete said. “This job takes a lot of dedication, you are responsible for the lives of each and every beach patron.”
After completing his first summer as a lifeguard last year, Rosete reflects on a new season of responsibility and authority coming up for the summer of 2026. New conditions, new tourists and new staff members make each summer different from the previous.
“I have worked so hard to get this job and I want to continue to excel and grow as a lifeguard each summer,” Rosete said. “The camaraderie that comes along with this job is like no other, and I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Newer CA State lifeguard, junior Duncan Reilly, is excited to start his career in the tower. But before he can officially begin to keep the beaches safe, he must go through the extensive training all lifeguards must go through.
“I am really eager to start this job and make sure everyone has a good and safe experience during their time at the beach,” Reilly said. “For training, I am most nervous about the medical side, such as the CPR training and other safety measures we learn.”
Reilly explains that the new hires have a choice of going to the lifeguard training up in Huntington Beach for 4 weekends in a row, or 8 consecutive days during the beginning of summer. Reilly decided to do the 8-day training during early June.
“I’ve been working out really hard to prepare for training, lifting at the gym, going for runs and swims, and trying to get really good sleep,” Reilly said. “The older guards have a saying that goes, ‘It’s the most fun eight days you are never going to want to do again.”
Each lifeguard has a different story for wanting to become a lifeguard. Reilly’s consists of wanting to give back to the place and community that shaped who he is today.
“My childhood has been shaped by the ocean and these beaches I will soon be on duty at, but also the community that fills the water and shore,” said Reilly. “I want to make this into a career not only because I am passionate about it, but to help others around me have a positive experience in the water.”
Sophomore Kody Valenzuela recently completed his CA State Lifeguard training over the course of 4 weekends. He is excited to start his journey as a young lifeguard.
“The toughest part of training was the academics, you basically have to get EMT certified in only 3 days,” Valenzuela said. “The whole time there, you are trying to also impress all the instructors and show them what you can do.”
Being 16 years old and completing training took a toll on Valenzuela’s physical and mental health. However, he knows this is all a part of the job and needs to begin to train his body with stamina.
“After waking up at 4:30 am each morning, we have to get to the beach for a water check and uniform inspection by 6 a.m,” Valenzuela said. “Then, we do an hour and a half of workouts in the water and on land, followed by the classroom for about four hours. After that, another vitamin and then hands-on training.”
Valenzuela pushed himself as hard as he could during these 8 days to prove to himself and others what he was capable of. Having many family members and friends who are lifeguards as well helped him have lots of support during the process.
“I am just super stoked to be in the tower and on the beach this summer,” Valenzuela said. “I am proud to represent Carlsbad and be someone others can look up to.”
