Red Cross “Youth Good Samaritan” award.

Chris Kennedy Letter (Letter to the editor, Independent)

By Dale Ghere

March 28, 2006

I want to congratulate Christopher Kennedy for his nomination for the Red Cross “Youth Good Samaritan” award. I also want to thank him for taking the opportunity to gain the experience that allowed him to act appropriately in a time of crisis. Chris, like so many other watermen before him, was able to help another person because of the hours of preparation he was willing to do to become skilled. I commend him for the attitude that allows him to want to help others. I know the endless hours of training it took to develop good swimming skills.

Chris, how many laps have you done in the pool? How many hours have you played water polo? How many days have you spent body surfing, boogie boarding or surfing? How many summers have you spent in the junior guard program? How many mentors have been willing to teach you ocean skills? How many of your friends are also skilled watermen? Before you were able to help Trever you made a lot of good choices that prepared you for that moment. Well done Chris!

I would also like to congratulate all of those who have been willing to help young people like Chris develop good water skills. Chris did not just magically know how to help someone else. His ability to help was taught to him by a whole group of other people that call themselves teachers. As a community we should all take time to thank those people who have taught our kids to become skilled watermen. Our community is blessed to have many different opportunities available for our children: the city’s recreational summer swim programs, private swim teachers, youth swim and water polo programs, high school swim and water polo programs, local surfing, diving and kayaking schools and all of the various youth programs that are offered by the lifeguard department are designed to help kids become better waterman. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to teach!

Summer is coming. Parents I encourage you to get your kids involved in one of the programs that will help your sons and daughters to become skilled watermen. It will enrich their lives. Chris’ mom was correct when she said, “They have to look out for each other.” I believe that the more skilled watermen there are on the beach the safer the beach becomes for everyone.

Dale Ghere

915 Meadowlark Ln.

Laguna Beach

Hello Stu and Andrea,

Here is a letter for the "Letters to the Editor". I was impressed by the story about Chris Kennedy's rescue (page A1, 3/24/06). It was appropriate that it came out the same time as the lifeguard exchange training program article.

Dale Ghere