Kai Nuuhiwa, 19, stretches before the annual Huntington Beach lifeguard tryouts. A record 156 applicants signed up to compete this year, although only 87 finished all three tryout events. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Out-of-work professionals such as Steve Bentley, 43, center, mingled with teens and college students for the three tryout events: a roughly 1,000-yard swim around the pier, a 500-yard ocean sprint and a nearly one-mile run/swim/run. Because Im not 155 pounds anymore and skinny ... the extra weight will help” in the cold water, Bentley said. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Competitors’ ranks thinned as the tryouts continued: here, Huntington Beach lifeguards rescue swimmers from the 56-degree ocean water during the race around the pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Bentley splashes ashore after the pier swim. The former purchasing agent was a competitive swimmer at USC. He’s been unemployed since August and says he could really use the $16 an hour to work for Huntington Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Lifeguard Zach Duehring, 20, center, stands guard as swimmers finish the race around the pier. The tryout is one of the region’s earliest. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Swimmers try to stay warm as they prepare for their second swim in the 56-degree water. Huntington Beach will hire 25 summer lifeguards. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Dustin McLarty placed first in all three events. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
