YORK - Steve Haladay, 22, of Locust Gap, was the only competitor from Pennsylvania to successfully complete the Ocean City (Md.) Beach Patrol's first pre-employment physical skills evaluation held March 10 at York College of Pennsylvania.
Haladay, a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School who is attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, has been invited to attend the Ocean City Beach Patrol Academy in May in hopes of becoming a lifeguard in the summer at one of the country's top vacation spots.
Approximately 70 people registered for the event, but only 29 men and 12 women participated.
Kristin Joson, public relations coordinator for the beach patrol, said she was confident Haladay would be invited to the academy.
"He's fast and he has a great attitude, she said. "A lot depends on his availability. We need people who can stay through August and into September."
Haladay doesn't see anything standing in his way of becoming a surf rescue technician.
"I've been swimming since I was 9," he said. "I grew up in the water. My dad was a swim coach. I'm 22, and I'm young, and I want to do this while I can."
When told the beach patrol averages more than 2,000 rescues each year, Haladay said, "I'm prepared for it. I want that responsibility."
Haladay, who is a waiter at LongHorn Steakhouse in Selinsgrove, is a son of Stephen Haladay, Coal Township, and Kimberly Haladay, Locust Gap.