As the junior lifeguard program wraps up next week, Del Mar Weekly shines a spotlight on lifeguard Sgt. Scott Henson. Henson is a driving force behind organizing the program, which has served more than 230 kids during four, two-week sessions this summer.
Earlier, in May, Henson ran a100-hour academy for rookie lifeguards to prepare them for the peak season.
In those roles, he applies any number of teaching techniques to ensure that everyone succeeds, said Lifeguard Chief Jon Edelbrock.
"Scott exemplifies commitment and teamwork," Edelbrock said.
Henson understands starting at the bottom. At age 16, he joined the Del Mar Lifeguard Department as a student lifeguard. He worked summers through college at UC Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and later at Point Loma Nazarene University, where he earned a master's degree in teaching.
While Henson knows the thrill of completing a rescue, the teacher in him gets a charge from helping young people improve their skills in the ocean.
"I look forward to developing and recruiting talent," Henson said. "It's those small moments with the kids who really get engaged and want to learn."