Lifeguards Margaret Cook, Ann Finley and Christine Linkletter Profiled in Torrance Memorial Hospital's "Pulse" Newsletter

Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Margaret Cook, Ocean Lifeguard Ann Finley and Lifeguard Services Captain Christine Linkletter have been featured in the Winter 2012 issue of Torrance Memorial Hospital's Pulse newsletter. In an article from the publication's series "Healthiest Person I Know," these outstanding "Guardians of the Coast" discuss the importance of physical fitness in carrying out the strenuous duties of their jobs. The following is a reprint of the article:

At the peak of summer, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is staffed with nearly 600 full- and part-time lifeguards. Some of these guards work year-round and hold titles such as captain and specialist. Others have full-time jobs outside of saving lives on the coast and dedicate themselves part-time during the summer to help us stay safe. But all must maintain certification in order to be rehired or keep their positions. The job of a lifeguard demands that everyone on staff is in great shape physically. Battling waves, rip currents and other elements to save lives isn't for the weak or faint of heart.

In this issue, the "healthiest people I know" are Ann Finley, Mar­garet Cook and Chris Linkletter. All three hold positions within the lifeguarding ranks of LA County, and they join together as teammates for the National Lifeguard Competition each year.

"As lifeguards, we pride ourselves on staying in shape for our job," says Linkletter. Pride, combined with working together every day, naturally lends itself to a spirit of camaraderie and team competition. Events at the national competition replicate the work done by guards on the job, and LA County lifeguards have placed first for the last 25 years at the national championships. The Masters division, for which all three of these women compete, is composed of men and women over the age of 40 and helps keep LA County on top year after year.

Read the full article at Torrance Memorial Website