Riptide Lifeguarding LLC’s greatest strength is its instructors’ extensive real-world experience. The instructors bring 30+ years of hands-on ocean, waterfront, waterpark and pool lifeguarding experience, along with backgrounds in education for over 25 years.  Lifeguard candidates are trained by active professionals who understand real emergency situations (not just textbook scenarios). Riptide Lifeguarding instructors offer practical, high-quality training that  better prepares participants for real-world lifeguarding and safety responsibilities.

Bryan Ekstrom
Owner
American Red Cross Lifeguard + Waterfront (30+ years) | American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor (15+ years) |United States Lifeguarding Association (USLA) New Jersey Open Water Lifeguard (Class A) (20+ years)|, With decades of lifeguarding and instruction experience, Bryan infuses his experience in training lifeguards to respond confidently in real-world emergency situations. | Certified CPO 
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Bryan is a high school history teacher and has coached multiple high school varsity sports. His combined experience as an educator and professional lifeguard allows him to deliver clear, effective, and practical instruction. Bryan is an a triathlete, soccer player, trained in mixed martial arts for 10+ years, surfer, and in the winter ski and  snowboard.

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Greg Foster
American Red Cross Lifeguard + Waterfront (25+ years) | American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor Instructor (10+ years) | Certified CPO. With decades of lifeguarding and instruction experience, he trains students in real-world safety skills with clear, practical guidance.
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Greg is a high school English teacher and varsity high school coach for swimming, tennis, and lacrosse.  Outside of work, he’s an accomplished triathlete, cyclist and competitive tennis player.