Grand Strand junior lifeguards stepping into full-time roles, one following in dad’s footsteps

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Jack Sigsworth is just one of nine newly graduated North Myrtle Beach junior lifeguards diving headfirst into the full-time role, but he has some big shoes to fill following in his dad’s footsteps.

“Growing up, he’s always been in the lifeguard field, and it’s really just kind of pushed me to be one and be out here to help save lives,” Jack said.

Jack’s dad, Ryan Sigsworth, spent three years as a North Myrtle Beach lifeguard but now saves lives off the sand as a firefighter.

Ryan said they signed Jack up for the North Myrtle Beach Junior Lifeguard Program at nine years old.

Jack said he fell in love with the water and learned basic beach safety and lifesaving skills through the program. He said the program helped prepare him for his new role as a North Myrtle Beach lifeguard, becoming the city’s first second-generation lifeguard.

Ryan said it’s cool seeing his son go from arm floats to carrying a buoy to help others.

“His first day, I went and saw him at his first tower,” Ryan said. “To see his growth and how responsible he was and how well he was doing things was amazing.”

As for the other eight new junior lifeguard graduates, they are also joining Jack and becoming lifeguards in North Myrtle Beach.

North Myrtle Beach Beach Patrol officer May Wingard said it hasn’t always been easy recruiting lifeguards, but this program has helped with junior guards stepping up and filling the roles once they graduate.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see some kids that I’ve known as young as nine grow up now, 16 and 17 years old, to become impactful in our community,” Wingard said.

Wingard said there are currently more than 140 junior lifeguards in the program, ages nine to 15.

The program is $65, and kids meet twice weekly for four weeks.

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