Watermen Lifeguard Ambassador Series: Michelle Urkov (18), Huntington Beach
Welcome to the Watermen Lifeguard Ambassador Series. This weeks featured Ambassador is Huntington Beach City Lifeguard, Michelle Urkov. We had a chance to interview Michelle about her finishing 2nd in the world in women’s bodysurfing, training routine, heroic rescues, and favorite equipment. Read her interview below:
Hobbies?
Bodysurfing, Water polo, Baking, Traveling, Diving, Fishing, Weightlifting
Any Highlights From the Past Year?
At the beginning of May, I had the incredible opportunity to compete in the 2025 IBSA World Tour Finals on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. After making it through the trials and advancing heat after heat, I earned a spot in the final—where I proudly finished 2nd in the world in women’s bodysurfing.
Any Big Rescues or Emergencies?
Earlier this summer, I was working at Tower 1 when a small finger rip opened and began pulling a group of five out beyond their depth. Three of them managed to make it back to shore slowly, but the remaining two—both further outside—started to panic. I immediately entered the water and swam out to the girl, who was now very panicked, out of breath, and clinging to the buoy. After calming her down, I secured her and brought her safely back to shore. Then I turned around and headed back out for her friend, who was still struggling but making some forward progress. I guided him in, making sure he also got back safely. It was a good reminder that even on calm days, conditions can change fast—and why staying alert and reading the water constantly is so important.
What Is Your Training Routine?
During water polo season, our training consists of 2-hour practices 6x a week and weightlifting at least 2x a week. My individual training is going to the gym after practices and training beyond our 2 lift days a week. I am excited to continue this type of training at UCI where I will be playing water polo and furthering my education. During the summer, I stay in shape by bodysurfing, surfing, running on the sand, lifting before my shifts, and also playing club/pre-season water polo. In addition to physical training, I always monitor my diet and sleep to help maximize my progress and performance.
What Is Your Favorite Equipment?
My go-to piece of equipment is my Yucca Fins. I’ve tried a lot of different gear, but nothing has matched the performance and comfort of Yuccas. They’ve elevated my bodysurfing, improved my speed and efficiency during rescues, and given me the confidence to navigate heavy surf and strong rip currents. These fins have made me a more capable and confident waterwoman.
What Does Watermen Mean to You?
The term “waterman” is a title earned through years of deep connection with the ocean—through experience, respect, and humility. A true waterman is someone who has immersed themselves in all aspects of the ocean lifestyle: bodysurfing, bodyboarding, surfing, fishing, scuba diving, freediving, and lifeguarding. It’s about ‘unfamiliar’ or challenging conditions and adapting, all while maintaining a profound respect for the power and unpredictability of the sea. Being a waterman means developing a strong intuition for the ocean—its moods, rhythms, and energy. Most importantly, it’s about recognizing the ocean’s beauty and never stopping the process of learning from it.
Check out Michelle Urkov on Instagram: michelleurkov
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