Name: Jonah Branham
Profession: Surf Instructor /// Lifeguard at Revel Surf
Age: 23
What do you do for a living?
As a lifeguard for Revel Surf Park, I strive to provide safety and supervision to the park. From monitoring the large lagoon, to performing rescues/first aid in emergencies – keeping our guests safe is my main responsibility. When I am not guarding, it is easy to find me helping others improve their surfing skills in and out of the water. There is a wide variety of teaching points including paddle techniques, balance, and wave riding skills.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
There is a mix of safety certifications and surf skills needed in order to become a surf coach and lifeguard. The certification includes CPR, first aid, and water safety training. Since the wave pool is different from any other ordinary pool, knowledge of how currents and wave conditions can affect an emergency save is necessary.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing patrons experience the joy of surfing. To take someone who is brand new to the sport, and sculpt their techniques/skills is rewarding. Seeing the moment when a beginner stands up on the board for the first time – there is nothing like it. Every day feels active, engaging, and different.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I always wanted to become a traveling pediatrician (kids doctor). I love the feeling of making others feel better. Kids have such a light and uniqueness about them. The jobs I have had in the past leading up to this moment have helped me to reach this goal of obtaining medical school. Lifeguarding is phenomenal preparation for dealing with kids and injury. It has heightened my awareness, and renewed my drive to become the best doctor in my allotted area.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
To start, get comfortable with being in the water. I am striving to become a waterman which means having the water as a lifestyle. The more time you spend in the water swimming and training, the better off you will be. The same advice goes for instructing surfing. The more reps you get surfing, the better you will become. Staying patient with yourself and working hard will give you the best outcome.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I have been surfing in the ocean since I was 14 years old. While staying in Oceanside, California a beach lifeguard on break asked me if I wanted to try out his surfboard. He then continued to teach me for the rest of his shift. David Dennert will forever be the greatest surfer to me because of his willingness to share the stoke. This is why I want to coach surfing. Bringing others joy through the water is irreplaceable.
