Crystal Ekman-
The program was started by Crystal Ekman 17 years ago with only 12 participants in the first group of Junior Lifeguards. She has watched the program grow each year and has loved watching the young men and women in the community grow up. Many of the past Junior Lifeguards have gone on to be aides with the program and then instructors. Several have gone on to be lifeguards themselves. Some of her hobbies include, swimming, biking, running, surfing and spending time with her 5 children. She loves working with the youth and the community of Encinitas.
Paul Giuliano-
Paul has been involved in the Junior Lifeguard program for over 15 years. He has played a pivotal role in the success of the Junior Lifeguard program, and is still a lifeguard for the City of Encinitas. He loves surfing and spending time with his son Eli who is 3 and his daughter Harper who is 1. He is also a high school teacher at La Costa Canyon and teaches History and Surf PE. Paul loves to have old students from the high school and Junior Lifeguards stop by and tell him how they are doing and what they have been up to.
Corey Bess-
Corey has been with our staff for the past four years. Before that, he was a lifeguard for the State Parks system and also was an instructor with the Carlsbad Junior Lifeguard program for several years. He has 15 years life guarding and junior lifeguard experience. When he isn't down at the beach he is middle school teacher at Valley middle school in Carlsbad. Corey loves summer and is a great volleyball player and an excellent teacher.
Vivian Carlton-
Vivian has over 10 years life guarding and Junior Lifeguard experience and teaches part time on our staff. She loves the beach and teaching and has always been a passion. When she isn’t at the beach, she is with her 1 year old daughter Kiera or working as a Physician Assistant in the emergency room.
Austin Wade-
Austin started in the Junior Lifeguard program when he was just nine years old. He went on to become an aide, then on to be a lifeguard. Eventually he came back to be an instructor with the Junior Lifeguard Program, where he has been for the past 5 years. He has 11 years Life guarding and junior lifeguard experience. Austin is currently in school to get his teaching credential, and if you frequent Moonlight Beach you are likely to see him out surfing or stand up paddling.
Kyle Dediminicantano-
Kyle started as a Junior Lifeguard as a nine year-old. He participated for several years, and then went on to become one of our best aides ever. He has been with the staff for the past three summers and currently goes to college at Chico State University.
Kelly Szabo-
Kelly has been with the staff for the past three years. She loves swimming, surfing, running and anything athletic. She has the energy of three people and loves teaching kids. When she isn’t at the beach she is an elementary school teacher at Hope elementary in Carlsbad and is currently awaiting the birth of her first baby in June !
Jesse Vivers-
Jesse has 11 years life guarding and junior guard experience. She is an avid runner and loves the surfing and the beach. She just completed nursing school in Hawaii and is happy to be home and waiting for summer to start.
Ryan Hargrave-
Ryan has over 15 years experience with life guarding and junior lifeguards. He has traveled all over the world surfing. He teaches surf lessons and loves being in the water and at the beach.
