Watermen Lifeguard Ambassador Series: Torey Hurst (22), Lifeguard and EMT for Barrier Island Ocean Rescue & Crew Chief at Ocean City Beach Patrol
Welcome to the Watermen Lifeguard Ambassador Series. This weeks featured Ambassador is Ocean City Beach Patrol Crew Chief, Torey Hurst. We had a chance to interview Torey about her saving lives, training routine, and favorite equipment. Read her interview below:
Hobbies?
Triathlon, Scuba, Paddling, Traveling, and Skiing
Any Highlights From the Past Year?
Last year I won a road bike that was donated to Ocean City Beach Patrol for working the most hours that summer. I went on to use the bike during my first Half Ironman. I qualified and went on to compete at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, New Zealand in December. A large group of my closest also qualified and we competed together on a world stage in New Zealand. I frequently reflect on the incredible like-minded people I am surrounded with on the beach that have pushed me to become the athlete I am and share the immense passion for being a waterman.
Any Big Rescues or Emergencies?
Summer of 2023 was my biggest summer as a lifeguard. One afternoon after a busy morning, I had just gotten back into my stand after assisting a neighboring guard on a rescue, when I saw two swimmers getting sucked into my rip. After whistling at them and attempting to get their attention, they seemingly make no effort to swim in any direction.
I pull out my binoculars to see that the woman with the boogie board is panicking. I immediately jump down and swim out to the group where I find the woman choking. The thin leash of the boogie board is wrapped tightly around her neck. She and the man are treading water in the choppy rip, clawing at her neck trying to untangle the leash. Without hesitation, I begin untangling the leash. The moment I detach the leash from her wrist and free it from her neck we get hit by a wave ripping away the board. After allowing the woman a moment to catch herbreath we head back to shore.
The moment I step up into my stand after this rescue I see that my neighboring guard is down on a rescue, so I jump right back down and start to run south to assist. That is until I see a man walk off the sandbar into deep water and he immediately begins to actively drown. I swim out to him as fast as I can to find him and his friend using each other to keep their heads above water. When I got close enough they tried to use me as a buoy.
Using my training I gained control of the first victim and guided the second victim to hold on to the buoy as I cross-chested the exhausted swimmer back towards the sandbar. Whilst towing these two victims I unsuccessfully yelled for the attention of the rest of this party walking right off the sandbar into this rip. I whistle to shore indicating I need help as this two person rescue just became six and none of them can swim. This turned into the biggest rescue of the day for my crew, with all five stands down, pulling people out of the water. This day sticks with me because no matter how busy we got or how many intense rescues we made, my crew had my back, I had theirs, and we made sure everyone went home.
What Is Your Training Routine?
Whilst training for an Ironman, my weekly training usually consists of about 2-3 rides varying in distance (20-60 miles) depending on the workout. 2-3 swim workouts, and 3-4 runs varying in intensity and distance. My training routine works in short yoga sessions and some body weight exercises as well. In the summer, we have Fitness Fridays where anyone on the patrol is welcome to come workout and get familiar with the competition team and the lifesaving sport. I like to spend most of those workouts paddling with the competition boards.
What Is Your Favorite Equipment?
My favorite lifeguarding equipment is my NOCS binoculars. I purchased mine 2 years ago now, and have made the world of difference on the beach. They allow me to see and manage my entire crew and both the busy water and beach. In the fall when we lose about a third of our staff, I can confidently scan the long stretch of beach with my binos. They are compact, waterproof, and don’t fog up, plus they come in fun colors. Having them in my daily guarding kit is extremely comforting when managing a busy beach.
What Does Watermen Mean to You?
We all have a shared passion for the water. A waterman is someone who finds their purpose within the ocean whether that be a job, a home, a sport, etc. They are a blue-minded person that respects the mystery and strength of the ocean and finds beauty in all that it provides. They constantly learning from the ocean and is indubitably devoted to its protection and preservation. I am proud to wear the Watermen logo. I know the brand upholds these same values and is committed to enhancing the performance of watermen in the lifeguarding profession
Check out Torey Hurst on Instagram: toreyhurst
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