Our condolences go out to the family of Allyssa Squirrell, who died tragically during a routine “drop” exercise yesterday at Huntington Beach.  Allyssa was part of the famous HB Junior Lifeguard program.  It is the first fatality for the program since it was begun in 1964. 

The Register reports that initially it was believed that the propellers of the boat struck her as it passed by to pick her up, but apparently there will be an autopsy and an investigation into exactly what happened.

I’ve seen those Junior Lifeguards during parts of their training, and man, I don’t think I could even do half the things they do.   And of course, we have all seen lifeguards and the dangerous and stressful job they perform. 

Sympathy also goes out to the driver of the boat, a marine safety officer with 32 years of service under his belt, as well as all the participants and leaders of the program.

I’m sure this was a horrible accident, although nothing can bring Allyssa back.