Back in the day, a group of Compo lifeguards kept the beach safe.
Decades later, they’re still saving lives.
Spurred on by Dave Jones — a 1971 Staples High School graduate and longtime lifeguard who battled several cancers, built a community cancer center and started a foundation that gives away money in non-traditional ways — the former guards raised money for Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities.
Honoring the 21-month-old son of Stew Leonard Jr., who drowned in 1989, the organization promotes water safety and awareness.
but the former Compo lifeguards did more than raise a few bucks. On Sunday, they presented the charity with a check for $10,000.
Dave Jones (2nd from left) and Stew Leonard Jr. (5th from left) pose with former Compo Beach lifeguards, at the check presentation.
That’s inspiring. And they’ve inspired the current guards to do their part too.
On Sunday — next to the daily quotes posted in the lifeguard shack window, which everyone on the boardwalk stops to read — the 2017 crew posted Stewie the Duck’s water safety rules.
Remember:
- Swim with an adult
- Always wear a life vest
- Take swim lessons.
(To read Dave Jones’ remarkable back story, click here.)
Thanks for another heartening story, Dan. Bravo to Dave Jones and all the others!