I’m not sure why summer lasts only 3 days, while winter drags on for 27 months, but once again one of our favorite seasons races to a close.
And once again we’ve been served wonderfully well by our Compo Beach, Longshore and Burying Hill lifeguards.
Despite their red outfits, high perches and occasional whistles, they tend to blend in with the sand and sea scenery.
Yet without them, we would not have the wonderful summer(s) we do.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Thankfully, their real emergencies are very few. But — in addition to training incessantly for them — our lifeguards also
- Keep overzealous swimmers from straying into danger, and over-aggressive boats at bay
- Handle routine scrapes, bruises and stings with care and kindness
- Quickly summon the pros for more dangerous medical issues
- Reunite lost kids with parents (and, during the fireworks, lost spouses with each other)
- Answer tons of questions, from difficult to ridiculous (“yes, Joey’s is open now”)
- Educate beach-goers about jellyfish and horseshoe crabs
- Post thought-provoking Quotes of the Day
- Pick up more garbage than you realize.
I’m sure I’ve missed many of other things our lifeguards do. Because — like the list above — they do them quietly, efficiently and (way too often) thanklessly.
Plus they’re out there, rain or shine.
So, to head guard Heidi List Murphy and her fantastic Parks & Recreation crew: thank you! You are always — but especially this week — our Unsung Heroes.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)