Senior Andrew Burdiak follows in brother’s steps in becoming lifeguard

By Casey Sublette
Copy Editor

With summer quickly approaching, students find themselves looking for a job. Senior Andrew Burdiak is taking a unique approach by becoming a lifeguard just in time for the break.
It seems as though lifeguarding runs in the Burdiak family, as Andrew’s brother, Tim, is also one.
“I wanted to do it because I noticed all the opportunities that Tim had,” Burdiak said. “It just seems like a great opportunity for me now.”
The process to become a Los Angeles County lifeguard is very time-consuming. It starts with an application in the summer, and it takes 10 to 12 hours to attempt to get in. There are multiple steps that must be completed in order to become a certified lifeguard, starting with a swim test where around 200 people show up to compete for only 65 spots. Burdiak placed 17th in the swim race in October and had an interview with the lifeguard association later on.
“The process is really long and time consuming but super important for the job because you have to be well trained and ready to save someone,” Burdiak said. “There are a lot of life-saving techniques and time put in on the beach.”
After passing the swim test, Burdiak had to give the association a background packet in order to prove his qualifications for certification were true. He then had to pass a physical in late February.
“The process wasn’t unorganized or anything,” Burdiak said. “It was just a very quick process where I had to really be on top of everything.”
Finally, the Lifeguard Academy admitted Burdiak on April 26. During Burdiak’s time at the academy, he will be going through intense physical training, going over various life-saving techniques and learning what is demanded of a lifeguard.
“The academy is competitive because you want to be at the top of your class at the end to get the best jobs,” Burdiak said.
Senior Austin Norris participated in qualifiers with Burdiak but found out during the background check that he was too young to attend the academy at the date it started. Both he and Burdiak went through a majority of the training together and both look to become future lifeguards.
“Andrew had been on the ball the entire time, reminding me of upcoming dates and events,” Norris said. “He placed high in the swim, which is quite an accomplishment.”
After graduating from the academy on May 26, Burdiak plans to lifeguard locally in the summer. He will take a hiatus from the job while he attends Purdue University, but will continue during his summer vacations. Burdiak is looking to possibly become a full-time lifeguard and compete in competitions after college.
“When I return in the summer, lifeguarding will be that much more special,” Burdiak said.