SEASIDE The North Coast beach is a key part of Kai Watts life.

This is something I love, he said. I am a surfer, clammer, fisherman and a lifetime beachgoer.

Watts, a Seaside High School graduate, just completed a degree in biology at Lewis and Cark College. He has returned for his fourth summer as a Seaside lifeguard, directing the programs seven other local men who are surfers, good swimmers and know the dangers of the ocean.

We get many people who dont realize the dangers, Watts said. Every year we get people that have never seen the Pacific Ocean. Watts is concerned that many beach visitors dont realize that there are fast currents, waves, rips, deep spots just off the beach and logs that can roll over and trap people in the water.

The ocean is dynamic and powerful and can be deceiving, Watts said. One minute you are having fun in the water and the next minute youre being sucked out to sea and you are in trouble.

The Seaside lifeguard team undergoes formal training and just wrapped up specialized endurance testing on May 27 to better prepare for the summer season. The training included using surf boards to help in ocean rescues.

Having another person on your rescue board completely changes the balance of the board, he said. This training helps each lifeguard know their equipment.

The Seaside lifeguards serve as the beach ambassadors along Seasides shoreline educating the public and being ready to respond quickly to any emergency.

The lifeguards usually work in pairs with one patrolling the beach and the other manning a 35-foot tower directly down and in front of the Seaside turnaround off the Prom. Five poles are stationed along the beach with flags attached that can be raised in case of any emergencies. Once the flags are released, they signal the lifeguards of the emergency.

Watts stresses that pool floatation devices are not allowed in the ocean at Seaside.

We dont want any inflatable alligators out there, Watts said. They do not provide safe protection from the waves. They are false security.

Watts also recommends that parents keep a close eye on their children while at the beach.

Every summer we have lots of lost children, he said.