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At
any moment Chris Brewster ('80) could throw down his office work
and respond, lights and sirens engaged, to a major emergency.
But between such calls Brewster, chief lifeguard for the city
of San Diego, has had plenty of chances to put his sheepskin from
the School to work.
He's been quoted dozens of times in publications from the The
New York Times to Surfer Magazine and has been interviewed by
the BBC, CNN, ABC's "20/20" and National Public Radio.
"I understand what they want and need, and I have a great respect
for their right to know," he said. "As a result, we have a very
symbiotic relationship to our great mutual benefit. Also, writing
effectively is extremely valuable in the bureaucracy, where a
well-written memo or report can ensure major changes."
His writing and editing skills extend well beyond office communications,
however.
Brewster authored the California Boating Safety Act of 1999 and
edited several water rescue guides. He edits the U.S. Lifesaving
Association's Web site (usla.org), was managing editor of U.S.
Lifesaving Magazine and has had articles published in related
magazines. He edited The "United States Lifesaving Association
Manual of Open Water Lifesaving," the standard text for the training
of beach lifeguards in the United States.
Addressing the public as well as fellow water safety professionals
also has been a big part of Brewster's career. He volunteers as
president of the International Life Saving Federation's Americas
Region, chairs the National Certification Committee for the U.S.
Lifesaving Association and is a past president of the California
Surf Lifesaving Association. He has also lectured extensively
in the United States, South America and Europe on various aspects
of water safety and rescue.
After graduation, Brewster worked in customer relations at Vail
Resort. Finding the off-seasons boring, he began to look for opportunities
outside the Rocky Mountain region exciting enough to challenge
him. He found it in San Diego lifeguard service.
Emergency medical technician classes over the summer led him to
join the ski patrol at Vail and helped him move up the ranks in
San Diego, from lifeguard to sergeant and then lieutenant. He
was named chief lifeguard in 1988. The San Diego Lifeguard Service
has 240 employees and an $8.5 million budget.
"Lifeguarding is an incredibly fulfilling job. More than any other
public safety providers, we can often go home at the end of the
day knowing that we literally saved someone's life. There are
about 6,500 rescues performed here each year," Brewster said.
"I can remember one day, years ago effecting 10 rescues in a day.
"That was something to reflect on."
Brewster's e-mail address is bcb@compuserve.com.
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