The Nature Explorer: Yuki Shirai
When he was just 18, Yuki Shirai was fascinated by the exciting possibilities of becoming a pro lifeguard. At the time, he was living in Hiratsuka, a beach town located 40 miles outside of Tokyo. During his college days, he broke records in several beach flag races, and he qualified for the world competition in Australia as a member of Japan’s national team. After graduation, he found work at a forest adventure park, mainly because he still yearned to be surrounded by nature. However, the career of a lifeguard and being close to the sea still beckoned him. He calls it his “lifelong mission,” and an integral part of his very core. For Yuki, everything in life revolves around being close to the mountains and sea. As part of our quest to find likeminded, individuals all over the world, we sat him down to talk about his past experiences and his nature-driven life.
What made you pursue lifeguarding in the first place?
In high school, I was part of a beach cleaning volunteer program in Hiratsuka. Initially, I really wasn’t that into it; but I wasn’t the best student, so I was just expecting to get a good college recommendation from my high school. One day, while I was cleaning up the beach, a professional lifeguard approached me. He asked, “Why don’t you try to be a life-saver? It’s still part of the volunteering program.” He introduced me to the world of lifeguarding, and when I became a sophomore, I got my lifeguard license. I excelled at training, and I was fifth overall in the beach flag race in Japan’s national competition. I notched the best record for lifeguards under 25, so I was chosen as a member of Japan’s national team to take part in the World Competition in Australia the following year.
After graduation, I started working at an adventure park, but to this day, I’m still heavily involved in lifeguarding. Now I train the younger lifeguards coming up. Although the park I work at is located in Yamanashi (a half-hour driving from Hiratsuka), I still go to the beaches in Hiratsuka almost every weekend to patrol and do some training. A couple of months ago, when I worked closer to Hiratsuka, I would even go to the beaches after work.
What do you love most about being a lifeguard?
First of all, I love the sea. I hate seeing people have sad or scary experiences associated with the ocean. The last thing I want people to think is, “the sea is dangerous, so we better stay away.”
There were zero accidents in Hiratsuka Beach, where I patrolled this year. Actually, there haven’t been any accidents since I was a college student. Preventing accidents before they happen is the most important and challenging thing for lifeguards, and I take this pledge very seriously.
“When I’m not working, I like to drive alone in my Grand Jeep Wagoner. The destination is always the beaches, mountains and places close to nature.”
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What do you like to do in your free time?
When I’m not working, I like to drive alone in my Grand Jeep Wagoner. The destination is always the beaches, mountains and places close to nature. I have another car I use for commuting, but the Wagoneer has all my equipment for serene relaxation. It’s a special car that soothes and calms me down when things aren’t going so smooth in life.
I also enjoy gardening. I grow tomatoes and edamame, and I recently started to make miso (a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermenting soybeans). I’m really excited to taste it. I also enjoy rice cooking the traditional way; in an earthenware pot.
In terms of fashion, what kind of style are you into?
Because of my lifestyle, I like Patagonia. Most of the outdoor fashion brands make clothes for either the sea or mountain, but Patagonia does it all. These functional clothes make up my staple wardrobe. For driving in my Wagoneer, I like to wear casual dress-up clothes, rather than surfing outfits.
What plans do you have for the near future?
I would like to be involved in lifeguarding my entire life. Athletes have to retire at some point in their careers, but lifeguards don’t. Even when I turn 60, I will still be participating in competitions, and when I’m too old to swim and do the actual rescuing, I could be the person calling 119 (Japanese version of 911).
Another goal I have is running a guesthouse. My wife is also into this; she likes the idea of us having slower and more peaceful lives.
In the bigger picture of things, how do you want to be remembered?
I want to be the person who everyone comes to when they have problems in any facet of life. I want kids and parents to say, “Are you in trouble? Then why not go and see Yuki?” I am like that in my lifeguard club now, so I want to be a more reliable person everywhere else. That would be great.
It would also be nice to provide a guesthouse right in the center of the local neighborhood, but I don’t think that would make a lot of money, [laughs].
All Photos by Yosuke Suzuki
For more info about Yuki’s Forest Adventure park, visit here