Mitchell Craft
Gulf Shores
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with extensive experience in emergency response and safety management at Gulf Shores Beach Rescue among other agencies, departments, and businesses. Proven leadership and strong communication skills, complemented by USLA OW Lifeguard certification and EMT-Basic training. Successfully enhanced team efficiency and community safety through proactive education and effective collaboration. Committed to excellence in high-pressure environments.
Water safety professional prepared for role in aquatic supervision and rescue operations. Recognized for maintaining vigilant eye on swimmers and ensuring beach/Gulf safety protocols are followed. Focused on teamwork and achieving optimal safety outcomes, adaptable to changing circumstances, and reliable in high-stress situations.
Experienced with monitoring and ensuring safety of swimmers. Utilizes quick decision-making and effective communication to handle emergencies efficiently. Knowledge of CPR and first aid techniques, ensuring safe and secure environment for all beach patrons.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
USLA Openwater Lifeguard
Gulf Shores Beach Rescue
03.2025 - 11.2025
- Monitored beach environment to ensure swimmer safety and adherence to rules.
- Responded promptly to emergencies, executing rescue techniques and first aid procedures.
- Conducted routine safety checks on lifeguard equipment and maintained readiness standards.
- Educated beachgoers on water safety practices and potential hazards.
- Collaborated with team members during drills to enhance emergency response efficiency.
- Maintained clear communication with patrons regarding beach conditions and regulations.
- Assisted in training new lifeguards on protocols and operational procedures.
- Documented incidents and submitted reports for review to improve safety measures.
- Learned and maintained proficiency in first responder skills such as First Aid and CPR to offer individuals in distress optimal support.
- Maintained a clean and safe facility, performing necessary cleaning tasks on a daily basis.
- Attentively monitored swimmers to identify distress.
- Responded to emergency situations in a timely, efficient manner.
Beach Ranger
Gulf Shores Beach Rescue
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Monitored beach conditions to ensure visitor safety and compliance with environmental regulations.
- Assisted in emergency response efforts, providing timely support to lifeguards and rescue teams.
- Conducted routine inspections of beach facilities, reporting maintenance needs to management promptly.
- Educated beachgoers on safety practices and guidelines to promote responsible recreation.
- Utilized communication tools for effective coordination during emergency situations and daily operations.
- Supported community outreach initiatives, engaging visitors through educational programs on marine safety awareness.
- Collaborated with other rangers to develop effective patrol strategies, ensuring overall park safety and security.
Store Manager Okana Outdoors
Greg Sarkin
07.2021 - 04.2024
- Oversaw daily store operations to enhance customer satisfaction and drive sales growth.
- Trained and mentored staff to improve performance and ensure adherence to company policies.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce shrinkage.
- Developed promotional strategies that increased foot traffic and boosted product visibility.
- Analyzed sales trends to identify opportunities for revenue enhancement and operational efficiency.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture through effective communication and team-building initiatives.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
Old Salem Fire Rescue
Chief Harrison
05.2017 - 04.2020
- Responded to emergency calls, ensuring rapid and effective fire suppression and rescue operations.
- Conducted routine inspections of firefighting equipment, maintaining operational readiness and safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members during training drills, enhancing response strategies and teamwork efficiency.
- Assisted in community outreach programs, educating residents on fire safety practices and prevention measures.
- Mentored junior firefighters, providing guidance on techniques and protocols for emergency situations.
- Maintained strong knowledge of firefighting principles and suppression methods, which enabled proper decision-making in emergency situations.
- Increased firefighter skill levels by providing ongoing training sessions on new equipment use, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.
- Provided critical medical assistance to injured individuals at incident scenes utilizing CPR certification and basic EMT skills when necessary.
- Maintained optimal fire station conditions by overseeing daily equipment checks, facility repairs, and inventory management tasks.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Enhanced teamwork among crew members through regular training exercises and collaboration in high-pressure situations.
Owner of Down Under Dive Shop
Self
12.2006 - 12.2016
- Operated Down Under Dive Boat as its Captain
- Worked the boat as a Divemaster
- Worked as a Dive Instructor teaching multiple types and levels of courses.
- Lead Guided kayak trips
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking.
- Established supplier relationships to optimize inventory management and procurement processes.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and drive strategic growth initiatives.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through personalized service and proactive issue resolution strategies.
- Streamlined operational procedures to improve efficiency and reduce costs across all business functions.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
Sales and Legistics Craft Turf Farms
Robert Craft
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Worked with customers across the Southeast to provide turf grass at the time needed.
- Drew maps and gave instruction of how and where to deliver the product.
- Processed invoices
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama, AL12-2003
High School Diploma -
Foley Highschool
Foley, AL05-1999
Skills
- USLA OW Lifeguard certification
- Beach Safety Patrol
- Personal Rescue Watercraft Operator
- EMT- Basic
- Fire Fighter 1 & 2
- Hazmat A&O
- EVOC
- Master Scuba Diver Trainer
- Public Safety Diver
- Strong Communicator and Problem Solver
- Years of experience rescuing divers from the boat as well as from down to 130ft underwater
- Leadership qualities
- TEAM PLAYER!!!
- COACHABLE!!!
Accomplishments
- Awarded Lifeguard of the Month in June 2025.
Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- NREMT - EMT Basic
- USLA OW Lifeguard
- Personal Watercraft Rescue Operator
- Beach Rescue Patrol
- Fire Fighter 1&2
- EVOC
- Hazmat A&O
- Rapid Intervention Team
- NIMS 100, 200, 7000, 800
- PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
- Public Safety Diver
Timeline
USLA Openwater Lifeguard
Gulf Shores Beach Rescue
03.2025 - 11.2025
Beach Ranger
Gulf Shores Beach Rescue
07.2024 - 10.2024
Store Manager Okana Outdoors
Greg Sarkin
07.2021 - 04.2024
Old Salem Fire Rescue
Chief Harrison
05.2017 - 04.2020
Owner of Down Under Dive Shop
Self
12.2006 - 12.2016
Sales and Legistics Craft Turf Farms
Robert Craft
01.2004 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Auburn University
High School Diploma -
Foley Highschool