Laguna Beach Lifeguard: Daniella Spina
Welcome to the Watermen Lifeguard Ambassador Series. This weeks featured Ambassador is Laguna Beach Lifeguard, Daniella Spina. We had a chance to interview Daniella about her training routine, heroic rescues, and favorite equipment. Read her interview below:
Hobbies?
Freediving, paddling, surfing, snowboarding, fishing, and much more...
Any Highlights from the past years?
This past year, I have completed my first Quest, a 27 mile run-swim-rock crawl from San Clemente Pier to Balboa Pier in memory of fallen lifeguards. This event was an incredible experience that put endurance to the test to commemorate those before us. I also completed my third BenDidGo memorial paddle, with my fourth coming up in September of 2024. The BenDidGo paddle holds a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to continue doing these Channel Crossings with the Foundation. I visited Nicaragua with NicaHeartbeat twice as well! I was recently offered a position in the NicaHeartbeat board, working to bring more international lifeguards down to Nicaragua. Finally, I have gotten involved with ISLA, and organization to train local personnel to become professional lifesavers in their communities.
Any big rescues or emergencies?
"My lifeguarding career was kickstarted at age 16 with the biggest call of my life thus far, as a Junior Lifeguard cadet. I was present for a drowning off the Seal Beach pier in 2017, in which a sailboat from an international race capsized, with the operator held under. CPR was performed, and I was able to assist on this call. The patient made a full recovery, and although I was young, that call made me realize what I wanted to do - help others and teach whoever I can about the big blue.
This past summer, I have been involved in various ALS calls, although the call that was the largest happened quite recently. My partner and I were called to a cervical spine injury on a pediatric patient. We arrived on scene, and with the help of paramedics and AOs, we were able to obtain vitals and perform prehospital care. The patient was released to his family on scene, but was one of my most impactful calls of the summer.
And, during my most recent trip to Nicaragua in April of 2024, my partner and I at the time were stationed at the main tower of Playa Colorado. At closing time, with the tower supplies entirely put away, a strong rip current began to pull approximately 70 yards south of our location, right in front of the local beach club/bar. My partner and I, while beginning to walk back to HQ for out-of-service, noticed a swimmer in distress at the head of the rip current. The sun was quickly setting, and we sprung into action. A mother was caught in the rip current, and was unable to swim in on her own. My partner and I were able to bring her in safely while battling large surf, and reunited her with her family back on the beach."
What is your training routine?
Most of my training consists of prone paddle boarding. I fell in love with the sport when I was a child, while competing in Junior Lifeguard regional surf-rescue paddling. I was able to purchase my own prone board in 2021, and put miles and miles on that thing. Other training consists of swimming, surfing, and additional body-weight workouts that do not require much equipment. I love using the beach as my gym!
What is your favorite equipment?
I love my prone board, the beach as a gym, the ocean, and my TRX band. Battle ropes are another favorite, if I can find them! When I'm swimming, I love wearing my Watermen two-pieces in blue and black. These suits are amazing for freediving too!
What does Watermen mean to you?
Watermen is an organization comprised of like-minded people who love the sea. A waterman knows their ocean, and hears her calling. A waterman protects the big blue, and respects her deeply. Watermen brand encompasses this ideology, bringing together a group of people on this Earth who want to see her prosper for the next generation. After all, we only borrow this Earth and the sea from those who come after us, so we must do all we can to ensure she is there for our children.