When you grow up by the ocean, you learn quickly how much respect it demands. For Marine Safety Specialist Jakob Kress, that lesson became a calling — one that eventually led him to be named Huntington Beach’s Marine Safety Officer of the Year.

Jakob’s career is built around two things: protecting people and preparing the next generation to do the same.

From Summer Job to Full-Time Service

Jakob’s story started on the sand. Like many in his field, he began as a seasonal ocean lifeguard, drawn in by the mix of challenge and purpose. Those early summers gave him more than a paycheck — they gave him a sense of direction.

“I fell in love with the job,” he said. “You’re part of something bigger — a team that works together to protect people and keep them safe.”

Over the years, that seasonal role evolved into a full-time career. Today, as a Marine Safety Specialist, Jakob plays a key role in keeping Huntington Beach safe for millions of visitors each year. Whether responding to ocean rescues, training junior lifeguards, or mentoring new recruits, his work blends front-line action with education and leadership.

“It’s a unique job,” he said. “You have to be ready for anything — big surf, emergencies, lost kids, medical calls — and you have to do it all with calm and confidence.”

Finding Purpose in Public Safety

Like many who work in public safety, Jakob didn’t arrive by accident. He found his way through experience — testing himself, asking questions, and learning from those already doing the job.

“Talk to as many people as you can within the department or the field you want to work in,” he said. “Every department does things a little differently. The more you talk with people, the clearer it becomes whether it’s the right fit for you.”

That advice isn’t just for those thinking about lifeguarding. It’s the kind of insight that applies across all first responder fields — police, fire, EMS, or marine safety. He’s seen plenty of people discover that a job they thought was perfect on paper wasn’t what they expected once they got into it.

“Some people go into public safety thinking it’s going to be one thing,” he said. “Then they realize it’s not for them, and that’s okay. The key is to keep learning, keep talking to others, and find the role that truly fits.

From the Tower to the Classroom

Jakob points to the Junior Lifeguard Program as one of the best ways for young people to explore the profession before committing. It’s a hands-on introduction to ocean safety, teamwork, and responsibility — all led by seasoned professionals who once stood in the same sand.

“With lifeguards, we have our junior guard program where you can try it out from a young age and even work seasonally,” he said. “It’s a great way to see if it’s something you really like.”

The same principle applies to other public safety paths, like the ambulance operator program for aspiring firefighters, which gives candidates real-world experience before they take on the full responsibility of the job.

Guiding the Next Generation

Jakob’s perspective reflects a broader truth across first responder professions: the people drawn to these careers often find purpose not only in the work itself but in helping others find their path too.

That’s why mentorship has become such a central theme in his message to new recruits and students alike. “Ultimately, it’s about talking with people in that department and trying it out,” he said. “That’s what helps you find the right career for you.”

Honoring Those Who Serve

As we celebrate National First Responders Day, stories like Jakob Kress’s remind us how much experience, patience, and heart go into public service. His work on the beach helps keep people safe — but his willingness to guide others may save even more lives in the long run.

Through our Nuvision Heroes series, we’re proud to share the stories of those who protect, serve, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.