2 1/2 year old approaches bathing beauty and introduces himself. Ocean Grove. October, 2020.
This young man was visiting the OG beach. He can say some words, so he ran around introducing himself to bathing beauties and kids digging holes. He is a true Hi De Ho Man. His Mom was nearby taking pictures and wondering “What the hey?”
9/3/20. 9:17 am. Lifeguards begin their shift. Wonderful weather as beach-goers begin to arrive. Click on image. Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net.
Under the pier. 9/3/20 morning. Paul Goldfinger photo. Click to enlarge. Blogfinger.net
The beach season with lifeguard coverage was supposed to be completed on September 7 (Labor Day, 2020.)
But since many visitors are renting, or staying, or visiting in the Grove through September, lifeguard staffing will be extended two more weekends after Labor Day.
The beach will now be covered on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday Sept. 13 . Then there will be coverage on Saturday Sept 19 and Sunday Sept 20.
On those two extra weekends, badges will be required, but not on weekdays.
On weekdays, there will be no lifeguards after Monday, September 7. The “no lifeguard on duty sign” will be up. It would seem best if no one swims during the week, but people may do that at their own peril.
The Office of Emergency Management has ready procedures if someone gets into trouble in the water, but that sequence cannot be activated if no one is around to dial 911. So, if someone plans to swim during the week or after hours on weekends, they should at least have someone with a phone tagging along.
Interestingly, a water distress call to 911 will contact the usual emergency groups including police, EMS and fire, but a water emergency will also produce a response from the “Answer Team” which is a network of experienced lifeguards who can provide specially trained assistance in an emergency.
If the 911 call is for a “swimmer in distress,” then members of that Answer Team team from OG will respond and bring their TORP with them—– that is the red flotation device which is a lifeguard’s best friend.
Lifeguard instructions on the OG beach. July 22, 2020. By Jean Bredin. Blogfinger.net. Click to enlarge.
Jean Bredin, Blogfinger staff: “Several years ago my husband Jack was pulled out in a rip tide. He was going down for the third time when a lifeguard (John) appeared before him, pushing his board for Jack to hang onto.
“You got caught in a rip tide” were his words.
“To this day, we will be forever grateful for the life guards”
Editor’s note: When they pulled Jack onto the shore, he lay there gasping for air and coughing up salt water. His life had been saved.
Jean ran over and said to the lifeguard, “He had a hat!”
Every year there is a lifeguard tournament, but it will not be held this year.