On this episode of the Beach Shack podcast, Tyler Buckingham revisits one of his key early coastal influences, the Junior Lifeguard program of Ventura, California. Tyler is joined by the program's longtime leader, Carrie Johnson, a legend in the California State Parks Service for her work on the Junior Lifeguard program, earning her the Olmsted Award for Leadership and Vision in 2003, the department's highest honor. The Junior Lifeguard Program emphasizes Teamwork, Leadership, and Aquatic Safety while introducing young people to safe marine and aquatic recreation opportunities. The program is designed to provide quality water safety education while improving young people's physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their parents, and their peers.