As record heat settles in, a national lifeguard shortage has closed beaches and pools across America.
But not in Westport.
Compo Beach is a hot place to work — as in, very popular. A full crew of 75 young men and women watch the water (and the sand), administer first aid, find lost kids, dispose of horseshoe crabs, and do all the other things that are part of what has traditionally been a well-respected, in-demand, social and fun outdoor job.
Recruitment, lack of training and low pay — 3 problems contributing to the current crisis — appear not to be issues here.
Danilo Sierra-Giraldo is in his 8th summer directing the Compo guards. He also oversees much of the staff at Longshore.
He and his staff are employed by the Parks & Recreation Department. Guards earn $17.50 an hour.
A few of the 2023 Compo Beach lifeguard crew (from left): Lauranne De Vos, Sarah Allen, Jake Peterson, Molly Whittle Jack Whittle, director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.
Part of the reason he’s got a full, dedicated and well-trained staff stems from his other jobs. An avid water polo player in his native Colombia, he is now the boys and girls varsity water polo coach at Staples High School. He is also a pool assistant for phys. ed. classes there — and a lifeguard instructor.
Much of his crew comes from Staples. They start working while in high school — lifeguarding is often their first job — and many return during college.
“It’s fun. It’s convenient. It helps the community. And who doesn’t want to be at the beach in the summer?” Danilo says.
Of course, guards must be in good shape. Danile organizes workouts — long runs, pushups, lunges, swims) — that are both competitive and fun.
Danilo also reintroduced the Lifeguard Olympics. This year’s event was held Sunday morning, at 8 a.m. It was strictly local. Next year, he hopes to invite other towns.
Lifeguards work a full day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They spend an hour in the chair, then have an hour off. That’s filled with other tasks and drills, plus a break (and — very popular this summer — spikeball).
On break …
The Compo Beach regulars are almost all friendly to the guards, Danilo says. They appreciate all that the young men and women do — including updating the information board at the shack, with tides, the UV index, and an always-interesting Quote of the Day.
Though there are few true emergencies in the usually calm Long Island Sound waters, lifeguards must always be alert.
Anything can happen anywhere. Swimmers can head too far from shore. Kiteboarders head too close to shore. Kids cut their feet on shells and the jetty.
Lifeguarding is “a great opportunity for kids to get a wider understanding of responsibility,” Danilo says.
“They see how life works. They develop a good work ethic.”
That’s the way it’s always been for Compo Beach lifeguards. Little has changed over the years.
Except now they wear hats and sunscreen.
… and on guard. (Photos/Dan Woog)
(“06880” covers every aspect of Westport life — including lifeguards. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
I’m so proud to say that I spent the summer of 1965 in those lifeguard chairs at Compo , Old Mill and Burying Hill! Pete Brown, then head of lifeguards hired me! I was recovering from two serious college athletic injuries and had spent two twelve week stints in casts from two knee surgeries in early ‘64 and spring of ‘65. He said “ if you can carry this rescue board to the water and swim Point to point I’ll hire you.” I managed and by the end of summer I was running 5 miles a day with fellow life guards after work. Pete was a Med student at Emory University then. Thanks Pete.
I loved being a Compo lifeguard. But it was in the days when a dab of zinc oxide on your nose was considered adequate sunscreen. I’m reminded of that twice a year when I visit my dermatologist….
$17.50 an hour? That’s the best this wealthy, well known, and constantly self-promoting town can do for life guards who shoulder such responsibilities and look out for other people’s children? A total lack of appreciation. And what’s minimum wage? An embarrassment.
FYI, $17.50/hr is actually a very competitive pay scale for guards, and for the Compo water environment (not having severe surf, riptides, etc.). Westport’s pay is actually far from an embarrassment.
Thank you to the Compo lifeguards and a thank you as well to the lifeguards at the Longshore Pool!
Your column about the Campo lifeguard team could not be more timely! Yesterday morning before the crowds arrived with the weather perfect and water calm, one assumed all was good on the beach when suddenly a whistle blasts from the lifeguard stand breaking the tranquility. We then notice a lone swimmer way outside the buoy marker. Unable to hear the call, the guard immediately paddled out and returned the swimmer to the safe water zone. Perhaps a normal day at the beach, but seeing such a moment actually take place makes me immensely appreciative for the outstanding skill and dedication provided by the Longshore Lifeguard crew to our community, Thank you!
Bravo to the Westport Lifeguards. I was a lifeguard and Waterfront Director for the Westport Lifeguards for over 17 years. It’s a great job with big responsibilities for high school students and beyond. I am thrilled to see that they are still actively training and have brought back the Lifeguard Olympics. This job taught me so many life skills. Still the best job ever!
Best job ever and the best waterfront director!
Dan…you were one of Westport’s finest!