Junior Lifeguards Complete the “Monster Mile”

In late July, 26 brave and strong Junior Lifeguards completed a one mile run from Incline Beach to Burnt Cedar Beach and then swam 1.2 miles back to Incline Beach. This was a significant accomplishment for all of our 9 – 15 year-old athletes, as many of them have never swam this distance in open water. Conditions on Lake Tahoe made the challenge even more demanding as it was a particularly windy day creating large swells on the lake. 

Under the leadership of head coaches Claire Harmon and Ken Reese, these 26 Junior Lifeguards trained for several weeks in order to be prepared for the “Monster Mile” run/swim biathlon. Safety, of course, was of utmost importance and has been a part of their daily training. The swim was supported by the Junior Guard coaches and the North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) on paddleboards, in kayaks and on a jet ski. Junior Guards were trained in open water swimming technique, treading skills, back floating, swim strokes and visual spotting skills. 

2023 marks the fourth year of the Junior Guard program in Incline Village and the first year of the Monster Mile. Campers participated and were trained in CPR, First Aid skills, water safety, swimming and open water technique, lost swimmer skills and kayak swamping skills. The season ended with the Monster Mile run/swim. 

As the swimmers arrived back at Incline Beach, parents and beach patrons were on hand cheering on the Monster Mile swimmers. We could not have expected a better performance of the Junior Guards and congratulate each and every one of the campers. 

We would like to thank everyone who supported this program and the Monster Mile including coaches, NTFPD, parents, grandparents, program coordinator Meagan Ballew, and the entire Incline community. We look forward to Season #5 next summer!

- Claire Harmon & Ken Reese, Head Coaches, Junior Lifeguard Program

Visit the Aquatics page at InclineRecreation.com to learn more about this and other aquatics programs. Participants must have beach access to register and attend the Junior Lifeguard program and any other programs that take place at the IVGID Beaches.