25 years on a shore thing

Marine safety chief Mark Klosterman has dedicated his career to the precious seconds it takes to save another’s life.

With more than 1,000 rescues to his name, Klosterman recalls how his first experience as a rookie set the tone for 25 years as a full-time lifeguard in Laguna.

In a rough “red flag” day, dozens of rescues performed by Klosterman gave him an unforgettable emotional charge.

“I went home so full of energy,” Klosterman said. “I told my parents this is what I want to do with my life. There is nothing more rewarding than saving a person’s life.”

A rescue may last just a short moment in time and end with a quick “thank you,” but a relationship occurs with the person you save, Klosterman said.

“There’s no fanfare involved, that’s the beauty of it.”

With brothers and sisters in successful business and medical careers, some of Klosterman’s family didn’t understand his choice.

“People tell me now that they wished they had done what I did ? stayed on the beach,” Klosterman said.

Aged 53, the city’s top lifeguard maintains the barrel chest of an ocean swimmer and shakes hands with the firm clench of a weightlifter. For Klosterman, staying in shape is all about the rescue.

“This is such a young, energy-charged profession. You have to stay with it mentally as well as physically.”

Despite times which require quick thinking and action, the majority of lifeguard work involves prevention ? monitoring of beaches, public education and mentoring of young guards.

“Mark has been an extremely valuable and loyal employee. We’re fortunate to have his expertise,” City Manager Ken Frank said.

There is a strong sense of camaraderie among lifeguards, Klosterman said. At a 75-year department anniversary party in 2004, guards from across the decades celebrated together, Klosterman said.

“So many people have told me the best times of their lives were spent as guards in Laguna,” he said.

“There have been over a dozen times when former guards have requested their ashes be spread off shore here.”

Working at the beach hasn’t dampened Klosterman’s enthusiasm for the ocean, and he spends his free time surfing and diving. Living in Laguna since he was in sixth grade, Klosterman feels he is living a very fortunate life and could not be happier.

“I’m doing what I was meant to do.”

cpt.17-klosterman-dl-BPhotoInfoDG1P0JT620060317iw76muknDOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Marine safety chief Mark Klosterman has been watching over the beaches of Laguna for 25 years as a lifeguard.