Junior Mateo Figueroa compresses the chest of a CPR model doll on the warm sands of Hermosa Beach as groups of junior lifeguards watch. Figueroa spent his summer as an LA County Junior Lifeguards cadet, training in first aid and rescue techniques while helping younger junior lifeguards complete their own training.
“Becoming a cadet means that you are over the [required] age of sixteen, have passed the swimming and fitness tests, and have been in the program for at least two years. Once you’ve completed all the training days, you’re sent out in the summer to be with the junior lifeguards. Then, the job is to help them strengthen their swimming abilities and help them through their lectures and preparation,” Mateo Figueroa said.
Chosen over more than 60 candidates, Figueroa was nominated for and won Junior Lifeguard of the Year for LA County and California. Currently, he is being nominated for a similar award at the national level, as a Junior Lifeguard for the United States. Figueroa recognizes the importance of being commended in achieving such awards.
“I never expected to be nominated for or to win the Junior Lifeguard Awards. At a time when life opportunities can be very competitive, it’s a way to distinguish myself. On top of that, it sets me up on a career path where if this is something I want to pursue in the future, it can open doors for me to help me go after my passion,” Mateo Figueroa said.
The accomplishments are given based on the core principles of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, including integrity, teamwork, courage, care, commitment and community. Figueroa advises others who aspire to win the award in the next years to focus on serving the community before anything else and taking the training seriously so that one is able to execute the athletic standards necessary.
“I find it really important to be a good listener, it may be the most important thing,” Mateo Figueroa said. “Listen to instructions and what people tell you and learn how to respectfully communicate with others. At the end of the day, it’s all about working with other people in order to do your duty to help the community be its best.”
Starting his journey as a Junior Lifeguard at just nine years old, Mateo Figueroa joined because of his love for helping the community, working in group environments and of course, the beach.
“Being a junior lifeguard has always been a dream of mine, and when it came time, it felt natural going through the process. I was set on it. As I got more involved and continued with the program, I felt the passion really click for me,” Mateo Figueroa said.
After 8 years in the program, Figueroa has developed abilities that can serve him in the future and on a day-to-day basis.
“There’s practical things like being punctual, showing up on time, taking care of everything that needs to get done, but I’ve also taken in communication skills with public speaking. I’ve learned how to become committed to what I want to do in the future,” Mateo Figueroa said.
For Mateo Figueroa, being a Junior Lifeguard was never some “chore” or responsibility he felt “obligated” to complete. His mom, Diane Figueroa, describes the beginning of his Junior Lifeguard journey as a decision he made entirely on his own.
“He really made the choice himself. We told him it was available, and then he decided that he wanted to get in shape and strengthen his swimming,” Diane Figueroa said. “He made the cut, and he loved it, he’s done it every year that he’s been able to. You can tell it’s a passion, not just something he’s doing for any other reason.”
Having been witness to her son’s progression as Junior Lifeguard, it’s apparent to Diane Figueroa that his true sentiments are clearly reflected in his diligent work.
“I see him as not just a great candidate, but a deserving recipient to these awards after watching him put so much effort and devotion for lifeguarding. When you truly enjoy something the way Mateo has loved lifeguarding, it becomes easier to put in more work, and I’ve seen him genuinely work really hard,” Diane Figueroa said.
With her understanding of her son’s future aspirations and current endeavors, Diane Figueroa regards lifeguarding as a fitting job consideration for her son in years to come.
“Lifeguarding could potentially be a future career for him,” Diane Figueroa said. “If he uses these awards and recognitions to the best of his ability, it could help him get really far. I know it’s what he wants to do as a summer job, but I always think you should do something you love, and he seems to really love it.”
Mateo Figueroa treasures the hands-on training and the real-world experience that working as a junior lifeguard has provided him.
“The sense of community that Junior Lifeguards has brought me has been invaluable,” Figueroa said. “I’ve found a lot of meaning and purpose in my role, and I know the skills and relationships I’ve formed are something that I’ll carry with me for a long time and be able to apply throughout my life.”