For Immediate Release on Entertainment Drive Released by The Baywatch Production Company. BAYWATCH REFERENCE A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIFEGUARDING EARLY 1900'S Original rescues were executed from attached-line life rings and rowing dories by the United States Lifeboat Society. The Society eventually evolved into the United States Coast Guard. As "red cars" (trolleys) began to bring more people to the beach and beach towns began to develop, the need for better lifeguarding techniques increased. A bell was placed next to each dory to enable a fisherman to signal an emergency. Buoyed swim lines soon replaced the bells for more efficient surf rescues. Surfing had once been viewed as a pagan rite in which the Hawaiians worshipped the Kahunas, the gods of surf. The first lifeguard was George Freeth. He attempted to reintroduce and legitimize surfing as a sport. Freeth also introduced the rescue paddleboard and the rescue can. 1920'S Prohibition, nightclubs and the entertainment industry grew, creating a new glamorous image of Southern California and lifeguards (the "bronze savage" image) 1930'S Reorganization of lifeguards. Formal training increased and motorized vehicles were adapted by the organization to improve lifesaving efficiency. Lifeguard competitions developed to showcase lifeguard knowledge and skill. Lifeguard relays called "The Taplin" began. Lifeguards competed to become the "King of Surf." 1940'S Lifeguards were of a great service to the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were an integral part of the U.D.T. (Underwater Demolition Team), helping to advise and instruct recruits in underwater survival. Beaches were restricted and used for military purposes Lifesaving devices were improved 1950'S In 1956, the L.A. County Lifeguards sent a team to compete in the first International Surf Life Saving Competition in Australia. This provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge about new information, equipment and skills. CPR was first introduced into the L.A. County Lifeguard Program. 1960'S Junior Lifeguard programs increased Improved facilities at the beach (i.e., bike paths are constructed) 1970'S Paramedic services were initiated Police beach patrols increased 1980'S Lifeguard administration is reorganized New ethic and motto: "Once a lifeguard, always a lifeguard." Copyright (c) 1995 The Baywatch Production Company. All Rights Reserved. Scanned on a Hewlett Packard ScanJet IIp. Copy scanned by Expervision TypeReader Professional.