According to the Children's Safety Network, nearly 3,600 people die from drowning in the United States every year -- 945 of them are children.
Data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce shows the state's workforce remains strong.
A 15-year-old girl was swimming in the water off Long Beach, California during tryouts for a junior lifeguard program when she was attacked by a sea lion, officials said.
"I would do it a thousand times."
Raleigh and Durham hope to emulate Fayetteville, which has filled all its lifeguard positions as pool season begins.