NORFOLK, Va. — Lifeguard teams around the region are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend that includes teams in Norfolk.
Raymond Brown is a seven-year veteran lifeguard with Norfolk Aquatics. He and his team are expecting hundreds of people to crowd the beaches in Norfolk's Ocean View neighborhood.
"On the beach, we do everything from cuts and scrapes to water rescues to heat-related emergencies," Brown said.
Whether they're diving in, floating out or driving up and down the beach. These capeless crusaders are ready for the task this weekend.
"I'm excited and I'm nervous too, but that nervousness is fueling me to be more excited and continue the season," Colt Gaitan another member of the Norfolk Lifeguard squad said.
Gaitan is a rookie guard. At only 17 years old, he says he's guarding the beach he learned to swim at is a full circle moment.
Today some of the Norfolk Lifeguard team showcased what a water rescue could look like. Lifeguards used rescue boards, and even ATVs to simulate saving a person.
"It's a lot of moving parts. Everybody has a role ...so everybody has to know where they need to be when they need to be there," Brown said.
So never fear because while you play on the sand and swim in the surf these lifeguards will keep a safe watch.
"You can expect a lot of fun. You can expect some sun, so make sure to wear some sunscreen," Brown said.
Norfolk is planning to staff the community beach seven days a week with lifeguards this summer.