FALL 2019 - VOL. 37, NO. 1

® ALM FALL 2019 (2) ALM EXECUTIVE TEAM IN THIS ISSUE USLA Executive Board USLA Regional Presidents USLA Special Assignments President New England American Lifeguard Magazine Peter Davis, W. James Farrell III B. Chris Brewster PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ...... 4 Galveston, TX [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bylaws and Policies Mid-Atlantic Mike Wagner HEROIC ACTIONS SAVE SHARK ATTACK VICTIM ...... 5 Vice-President Ed Zebrowski [email protected] Mike Beuerlein [email protected] Huntington Beach, CA Certification South Atlantic B. Chris Brewster MOST SHARK REPELLENTS FAIL TESTING ...... 8 [email protected] Mike Wagner [email protected] Treasurer [email protected] Heritage THE AMELIA G. IRELAND AND CLARA LEAVITT ...... 14 Michael Bradley WRECK OF Southeast Jerry Gavin Charleston, SC [email protected] Gerry Falconer [email protected] [email protected] Heroic Acts Awards JUNIOR LIFEGUARD MAKES HEROIC RESCUE ...... 16 Secretary Adrienne Groh Great Lakes Nikki Bowie, [email protected] Joe Pecoraro Charleston, SC Information and Tech LIFELINE ...... 16 [email protected] [email protected] Karissa Ickes Gulf Coast [email protected] Executive Delegate Tony Pryor Junior Lifeguards JERSEY MIKE’S 2019 USLA Kyle Maxwell [email protected] David Robinson San Francisco, CA [email protected] NATIONAL LIFEGUARD CHAMPIONSHIPS ...... 20 [email protected] Northwest Cathy VonWald Lifesaving Sport Liaison Officer [email protected] Ed Zebrowski III LIFEGUARDS B. Chris Brewster [email protected] LIFEGUARDS HELPING San Diego, CA Southwest (CSLSA) Medical IN MONTAÑITA ECUADOR ...... 23 [email protected] Bill Humphreys Dr. Peter Wernicki [email protected] [email protected] Advisor Ralph Goto Pacific Islands Membership THE UNCERTAINTIES OF Honolulu, HI Kalani Vierra Monty Reed [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING ...... 26 Public Education Medical Advisor Denise Blair Dr. Peter Wernicki, [email protected] PARTING SHOT ...... 34 Vero Beach, FL [email protected] Public Information Officer Tom Gill Legal Advisor [email protected] Editor: B. Chris Brewster John "Chip" More, Sponsorship Development Neptune City, NJ Ed Zebrowski Do you have a story or a photo you’d like to contribute? [email protected] [email protected] Contact the editor at: [email protected]. USLA Executive Director Statistics Kay Smiley Rick Gould [email protected] [email protected] Ways & Means Michael Bradley [email protected]

United States Lifesaving Association

We are America’s nonprowfiwt, wp.ruofselsas.iornga l a s8so6c6ia-FtiOoRn -UofS bLeAa c(h3 6li7fe-8gu7a5r2ds) and open water rescuers. The USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other means. Corporate address: 1968 S. Coast Highway, #740, Laguna Beach, California 92651.

American Lifeguard Magazine™Aims ethreic aonff icLiafel gmuaagradzi nMea ogfa zthine eU™ SLA, mailed March 1, June 1, and October 15 to about 10,000 members and subscribers. The opinions expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USLA. We welcome stories, photos, and advertising which target our audience of athletic, beach oriented people. Our junior lifeguard members (our largest member category) range in age from 8 - 18, with an average age of 12. They are about 55% male, 45% female. Our lifeguard members (professional, alumnus, and life) range in age from 16 to over 85, with an average age of 29. They are about 80% male, 20% female. Readers include lifeguard agency chiefs, junior lifeguard program administrators, and others involved in purchasing decisions. Promote your products and services by delivering your message directly to lifesaving professionals through the only magazine targeting beach lifeguards in the US. We rarely pay Cover Shot: USLA President Peter Davis received for articles or photos, but give full credit. We pay $100 for cover photos. the Paragon Award for Aquatic Safety from the

Deadlines for contributing stories, photos, or advertising to ALM are March 1 (summer edition), International Swimming Hall of Fame in May 2019. He July 15 (fall edition), and December 1 (spring edition), unless a later date is approved by the editor. has previously been awarded Life Member status by the

Address all inquiries to the editor at: [email protected]. USLA and been made a Knight in the Order of Ad Size Only One Issue Three Issues – When Paid in Advance. Lifesaving by the International Life Saving Federation Half Page $300 $810 ($270 each) (ILS). He serves as chief lifeguard for the Galveston Full Page $500 $1350 ($450 each) Park District and Secretary General for the Americas Inside Cover $600 $1620 ($540 each) Region of the ILS. He is a tireless advocate for lifesaving Back Cover $750 $2025 ($675 each) and in the U.S. and throughout the world. © United States Lifesaving Association. All rights reserved. The material contained in ALM may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder: [email protected].

ALM FALL 2019 (3) PRESIDPeEter NDavTis, ’GSalv esMton, ETX SSAGE At the Jersey Mike’s 2019 United work in. And like a family, no matter States Lifesaving Association National how much we may disagree or argue or Lifeguard Championships in Virginia butt heads, we love each other. We Beach I was suddenly hit with a understand the incredibly difficult role moment of clarity that was close to a we all have in trying to keep revelation. There were so many things people safe in an environment that is going on all at once. foreign to them, but that we thrive in. We had athletes from the Junior Guard We know how hard you must work program, U19, open, and age groups your entire life to maintain the condi - competing. In addition to these incred - tioning and skills that allow you to be ibly talented athletes from 10 to 70+ the rescuer and not the victim. And we years of age, we had a sponsor appreci - know how much what you do to get ation party, numerous events for the people information on how to be safe athletes, a celebration of life paddle- before they ever get wet matters. out ceremony for several lifeguard We are of water. chiefs who have recently passed away, I listened to a representative from one of and we had the privilege of giving Peter Davis finishes the Ironguard the USLA regions that honored their out an award to a group of brave age-group event. Photo: Adam Sandler US Marines who saved a group of kids chiefs talk briefly about the lives of from . We are so much more than a collection these incredible people after having the of beach lifeguards, lifeguard agencies, unbelievable privilege of kicking off the and lifeguard support teams. We are a ceremony. These are people that spent family. The USLA family. their entire existence protecting the Many of us enter as very young chil - public and supporting the USLA family. dren in Junior Lifeguard programs. We Like water, their lives traveled an ever- learn about the ocean, build our changing path. But like water they skillset, and learn how to use it to help moved inexorably forward. They did others. We continue as guards, volun - their part and much more to advance teers, athletes, coaches, trainers, spon - sors, administrators, and more. Three Marines are honored for their heroic actions. Thousands and thousands of us devote uncountable hours and energy to pre - During the Beach Flag finals, right after vent accidents, save lives, educate the we gave the awards out to the Marines, public, acknowledge service and hero - I was sitting with a good friend, who is ism inside and outside the family with one of our many loyal and long-term our cousin groups, mentor newer and sponsors, listening to Tom Gill, younger members, and support each Competition Ringmaster, USLA other in so many ways. Public Information Officer, and I’ve never seen any group accomplish Virginia Beach Lifeguard Chief, MC in so much with pure volunteerism. This a manner worthy of the movie “Mad is way beyond what would or could be Max Beyond Thunderdome,” and done out of a feeling of obligation. This enjoying the event and the night. I was must be love. thinking about all of this, and it sud - denly hit me what a comprehensive We love the people we protect. We love Event host Tom Gill and Peter Davis. web we all collectively weave. the environment we are so privileged to Photo: Adam Sandler

ALM FALL 2019 (4) the cause and support our unending tions that live on in all of us. We are of Lifeguards for Life! shared mission. water, just like the people who designed the original paddle-out cere - During the paddle-out, we sat in a large monies. And like all water on the plan - circle in the warm water talking, listen - et, their essence eventually made it to ing, floating, reflecting, remembering, the sea. As will ours. and feeling the presence of each other and those who have moved on. Then, Thank you to each of you for the part when it felt right, we caught a wave to you play in the shared mission, and for celebrate their life, love, and contribu - choosing to be in The USLA family. Peter Davis, USLA President

HEROIC ACTIONS SCAapVtaiEn L arSry HGilAes RK ATTACK VICTIM

At approximately 5:50 AM on of Helble, Ephron, and Hammel who Saturday, September 29, 2018, off-duty responded without hesitation to her California State Lifeguard Andrew son and offered assistance. Helble, off-duty Oceanside, California Once Webre-Hayes had been brought Police Officer Matt Ephron, and their to shore, Ephron cut off his , friend Chad Hammel entered the water using his prior EMT training to assess at Beacon’s Beach, an area of Leucadia the extent of Webre-Hayes’ injuries State Beach in Encinitas, California. and applying direct to the The beach is a unit of the California wounds in an attempt to stop the State Park System managed and oper - bleeding, all the while working to keep ated under a cooperating agreement him alert and conscious. with the City of Encinitas. Keane Webre-Hayes is carried to an Summoned by 9-1-1 calls, City of Pacific lobster season had opened at air ambulance. Photo: Ellie Hayes Encinitas lifeguard personnel arrived 6:00 AM that day and the group’s plan on scene shortly after and requested an was to free dive for lobster in nearshore with his arms and swam backward as air ambulance due to the victim’s waters. The trio had a one-person kayak Hammel paddled forward. Ephron fol - extensive injuries. Webre-Hayes was to support their diving operation. lowed, swimming behind the kayak in a airlifted from the water’s edge to Rady trail of blood. They were about 180 yards from shore Children’s Hospital. when they heard some yelling, “I GOT At one point, Hammel looked back to Webre-Hayes’ injuries to the left side of BIT! I GOT BIT! I GOT BIT!” The see how Ephron was doing. He remem - his body included deep bites to his face victim was Keane Webre-Hayes, a 13- bers seeing the shark within feet of and ear, three fractures to his scapula, year-old free diver. He was closer to Ephron, following them. As they an avulsed portion of scapula, a shoul - shore than the trio but swam himself to moved toward shore, they notified der ball joint broken in half, fractures their anchored kayak. divers and swimmers in the area of the to two parts of his humerus, as well as a presence of the shark and advised them The three divers, hearing the cries, crushing injury to the top of the to exit the water for their safety. swam back to the kayak and started humerus, and avulsions to parts of his pulling the anchor. Webre-Hayes’ Onshore, Ellie Hayes, the victim’s lat muscle, deltoid muscle, and rotator climbed aboard and was gushing blood. mother, had been watching her son cuff. Much of the muscle was scraped Hammel boarded the kayak and began dive for lobster. She heard him yell that off the bone on his back. He lost a very paddling it toward shore, but it lacked he had been bitten. Even though there significant amount of blood. adequate for the two of them were roughly forty people in the water and the bow was low in the water. nearby, and some were closer to her Helble swam to the bow, supported it son, she remembers that it was the trio continued on next page

ALM FALL 2019 (5) own lives. And with the shark still in the area, they risked their lives to save my son. I’ll be forever grateful,” Ms. Hayes said. DNA evidence analyzed by the California State University-Long Beach Shark Lab later confirmed that the attack was made by a . The bite signature indicated the size was 10-12 feet in length. Every parent can imagine the horror of watching a child attacked by a shark. Ellie Hayes, in a state of disbelief, watched that very nightmare unfold in front of her eyes, but was reassured by the swift and professional actions of the rescuers. Ms. Hayes commented, “They were calm and professional, they Keane Webre-Hayes with Billy Harris, stopped the bleeding, and managed a Keane Webre-Hayes Photo: Ellie Hayes the first on-duty lifeguard on-scene. very difficult situation. They got my Photo: Ellie Hayes United States Lifesaving Medal of son to the beach very quickly, then to Valor. Officer Matthew Ephron was At the hospital, an initial plan by doc - the hospital, and that saved his life.” approved for the California Surf tors was to amputate Webre-Hayes’ Webre-Hayes’ recovery is such that he Lifesaving Association Medal of Valor arm; but considering that he had was able to make a presentation in (for a non-Lifeguard, public safety remained mostly calm during the ordeal February 2019 at a shark safety sympo - employee) and the United States and never lost consciousness, it was sium attended by lifeguards and other Lifesaving Association Heroic Act determined that he could be stabilized public safety professionals. He is full Award. Chad Hammel was approved until a surgical specialist could be sum - ambulatory and has use of both arms for the United States Lifesaving moned. His arm was saved, and he has but has minor limitations when it Association Heroic Act Award. undergone considerable reconstructive comes to sports. surgery, with more to come. His wounds Editor’s Notes: Larry Giles is the Marine required over 1,000 stitches He is alive today due to the heroic Safety Captain for Encinitas, California. actions of Helble, Ephron, and Keane Webre-Hayes became an Encinitas Ellie Hayes believes that without the Hammel. Junior Lifeguard. Details on his injuries, assistance of the three rescuers, her son hospital treatment, and recovery were would have died in the water due to his Andrew Helble, now a State Park released by his mother to American injuries. “It absolutely required courage Peace Officer Cadet, was approved for Lifeguard Magazine. for them to respond to his call for the California Surf Lifesaving help, and not swim away to save their Association Medal of Valor and the

The first responders are honored by the City of Encinitas. Photo: Ellie Hayes

ALM FALL 2019 (6) ALM FALL 2019 (7) MOST SHARK REPELLENTS FAIL TESTING Excerpts of a study by Charlie Huveneers, Sasha Whitmarsh, Madeline Thiele, Lauren Meyer, Andrew Fox, and Corey J.A. Bradshaw

As attention to sharks and shark attacks While the probability of being bitten The rise in shark-human interactions seems to be steadily increasing, so have by a shark is low, and most shark bites has also led to the emergence of many efforts to market products that will result in minor injuries, public percep - new personal shark deterrents. The lessen the likelihood of an attack. tion of the risk of shark bites and ensu - rapid commercial availability of these Surfers are a major target of these prod - ing fatality is much higher than reality. deterrents has preceded rigorous and ucts, since they spend lots of time in the The frequent negative framing by the peer-reviewed studies to test the effec - water and have been victims of shark media and user-driven content sites tiveness of these devices, meaning that attacks. But do the products work? (e.g., YouTube) might have con - manufacturers are making claims about tributed to exaggerating public anxiety their products without rigorous scien - Dr. Charlie Huveneers, PhD is an about the pervasive presence of sharks tific evidence to back them up. Australian surfer and researcher. He’s and risk that they pose to humans. an Associate Professor at Flinders University, Research Leader of the Such heightened public concern has Southern Shark Ecology Group, and pressured managers and governments Manufacturers are making Co-Director of the Centre for Animal to develop and implement new meas - claims about their products Behaviour. Not long ago he and his ures that reduce the risk of sharks bites, colleagues published peer reviewed and provide information to the public without rigorous scientific research entitled, Effectiveness of Five to make more informed decisions about evidence to back them up. Personal Shark-bite Deterrents for Surfers , using specific areas at particular times. in the journal PeerJ. Prevention and responses to shark bites have varied temporally and regionally, If deterrents were not as effective as The following are excerpts of the study and have included shark hunts, organ - advertised, it could potentially give in the original British English with ref - ised shark culling, beach meshing and users a false sense of security, leading erences removed. You can find a link to drumlines, beach closures, shark fences, some people to put themselves at the full study, including references, at land- and aerial-based shark spotting, greater risk of shark interactions than the end of this article. and acoustic telemetry. they normally would because of their Study Excerpts reliance on these devices. For example, While these measures aim to reduce some surfers and spearfishers might Although shark-human interactions the probability of sharks and humans ignore other mitigation measures, such remain rare and unlikely events, their encountering each other, other meas - as beach closures, because they feel safe frequency has been increasing globally ures aim to repel sharks directly from when wearing these products. Whether since the 1980s. Growth in human approaching people in the water. These they are or not is what we aim to population, habitat modification and deterrents have been developed to elic - demonstrate in this study. destruction, declining water quality, it a response by impacting one or more climate change and anomalous weath - of the shark’s senses, including vision, Surfing has been suggested as an activ - er patterns, and the distribution and smell, and electro-reception. ity that exposes people to sharks more abundance of prey have all been pro - For example, various aposematic colour than others, because many ideal surfing posed to explain this recent increase in configurations (i.e., use of colours as locations are regions that overlap with the incidence of shark bites and shark anti-predator tactics) have been the habitats of potentially dangerous bites per capita. However, the infre - alleged to repel sharks. Using chemi - sharks, the amount of time surfers quent occurrence of such events cals as shark repellents has also been spend in the water relative to most impedes our ability to assess the rela - proposed. However, the sensitivity of other bathers, surfers’ distance from tive importance of causal factors that the electro-receptive organ of sharks to shore, isolation, possible resemblance might have contributed to the rise in strong electric fields and its potential to natural prey of white sharks (i.e., fur the global and regional number of ability to deter sharks have been stud - seals, sea lions), and potentially entic - shark bites. ied the most. ing arm and leg movements.

ALM FALL 2019 (8) For example, most bites (63%) in Volusia County, USA between 1982 and 2013 occurred during surfing activ - ities, while surfing has also been impli - cated in 53% of shark bites in Brazil since 1992 and two-thirds of shark bites in Reunion Island. This has resulted in recent development of per - sonal deterrents to decrease the risk of shark bites to surfers. Our aims were to test the effectiveness of surfing-specific personal shark deter - rents and quantify the behavioural response of sharks exposed to these deterrents. We tested the effects of five Figure 1 Board set-up used during trials. Illustration of the board set-up deterrents (two electric, two magnetic, (120 × 30 cm) with the five deterrents tested and one olfactory-based) on the behav - (illustration by René Campbell, Flinders University). iour of white sharks and determined if these deterrents reduce the likelihood . We chose this area because of when surfers sit on their board to wait of white sharks consuming a bait. the high likelihood of shark interac - for a wave. The deterrent set-up was tions. We did the deterrent testing over between 5 and 15 m from the vessel 18 days and five separate trips between and varied depending on wind, , We tested the effects of September 2017 and January 2018. , and glare conditions, to ensure that observers could identify sharks and five deterrents (two electric, Across the five sampling trips, we tested each deterrent a total of 50 times with - record behaviour. two magnetic, and one in a series of trials. A series of trials con - We ran trials for 15 minutes or until olfactory-based). sisted of testing each of the five deter - a shark touched the bait or board with rents and the control board (total six tri - an intent to consume the bait. We als) in a randomised sequence. This led repeated trials during which a shark did Specifically, we assessed and compared to a total of 300 trials (50 trials for each not approach the board with an intent the effects of each deterrent on (1) the of the five deterrents and control). to take the bait to ensure that the number of passes to a bait, (2) the min - results were not biased by trials during We attracted white sharks by disburs - imum distance between a bait and the which sharks did not attempt to con - ing into the water a mix of fish oil and sharks, (3) the percentage of bait sume the bait. minced southern bluefin tuna (i.e., taken, and (4) whether shark behav - berley or chum) and by deploying sec - Our study reveals that while one of the iour changed with increased exposure tions of tuna attached to a float 15 m deterrents reduces the probability of to the deterrent (e.g., whether sharks from the stern of the vessel. Trials com - white sharks consuming the bait (Surf became habituated to the deterrent). menced after a white shark was sighted +), the other four deterrents had limit - In Australia, the white shark is respon - near the vessel at least twice within ed effects on white shark behaviour. sible for the most unprovoked bites five minutes or when a shark showed The Surf + had the strongest effect, (19.5% of all shark bites) and the most consistent interest in the tuna section. reducing the percentage of baits taken fatalities (34%). Our study focused on from 96% to 40%. This increased the We removed and replaced the tuna sec - white sharks because interactions with number of passes as sharks continued to tion with the deterrent set-up, which this species are considered to be a attempt taking the bait. we deployed when the shark had left worst-case scenario during which the the proximity of the vessel. Each trial The other deterrents had limited deterrent is subjected to the most dan - consisted of the deployment of a tuna effects on either the distance to the gerous species. gill ( 2 kg), referred to as the ‘bait’, bait or the number of passes. This sug - We did all deterrent-testing trials at the which we attached 30 cm beneath the gests that white sharks were not Neptune Islands Group 30 board to replicate the typical distance km off the southern coast of South between a surfer’s foot and the board continued on page 11

ALM FALL 2019 (9) ALM FALL 2019 (10) continued from page 9 deterred from interacting with the board. Even the Surf +, which was the most effective deterrent, did not have a substantial effect on sharks unless they were near, as shown by the short distance from which sharks reacted to this deterrent ( 1.7 m). Editor’s Note: You can find a copy of the entire research paper here: peerj.com/articles/5554

2 Effects of shark deterrents on white shark behaviour. (A) Percentage of board or bait touched or taken and (B) reaction by white sharks during 15-minute trials with a control board (grey) or one of five deterrents (coloured bar). White bars represent trials when the board and bait were not touched or taken, or without any reaction. Numbers above bars represent (A) the number of trials with board and bait touched/taken or not touched/taken and (B) the number of pass with or without reaction. (C) Fre quency distribution of the distance at which white sharks reacted to the Rpela (light blue; n = 17) and the Shark Shield (Ocean Guardian) Freedom+ Surf (dark blue; n = 79). Only deterrents for which sharks re-acted > 15 times are shown.

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As well, lifeguards, chapters, and regions can purchase clothing and other items with the USLA logo embroidered on them at Uniserv GuardGear. And you can purchase rings with the USLA logo from Jostens.

The USLA is committed to helping lifeguards get the best equipment at the best prices. Don't forget to sign up for your membership today through your chapter or at: www.usla.org

ALM FALL 2019 (11) ALM FALL 2019 (12) ALM FALL 2019 (13) WRECK OF THE AMELIA G. IRELAND

Editor’s Note: This is a verbatim narrAa - ND CLARA LEAVITT schooner was dead to windward and the tive from the annual report of the United weather momentarily growing worse States Life-Saving Service for 1899. It is induced him to proceed overland. one of many rescues that occurred during a This proved a wise course, for, as events “cyclonic tempest” off the northeast coast. turned out, it would have been quite Readers will recall that surfmen assigned to impossible for the crew to pull the boat lifesaving stations patrolled on foot in an to the wreck against the wind, which effort to spot vessels in distress, since there soon reached extreme fury, but the beach was no ship-to-shore radio system. They was covered with rocks for a fourth of a would attempt to warn those nearing dan - mile before they could reach the bluff or ger of grounding and respond to rescue the A life-saver holds a Coston flare aloft. high bank, where they were to continue mariners aboard wrecked ships. Immediately he flashed back his red their journey, and this portion of the About sundown of November 26 two Coston signal as a notice to the vessel route severely taxed their energies. vessels, their names being then that she was seen and assurance that unknown, were seen to anchor in she would be aided if possible. Then in Menemsha Bight, about two miles to a moment or two. to make double sure, the eastward of the Gay Head Life- he burned another signal and started Saving Station [on the island of off as fast as possible for the station. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts], but The wreck was discovered at a little the occurrence caused no especial com - past 10 o'clock, and at about twenty ment, as vessels frequently put into this minutes before 11 the patrol reported anchorage, which is formed by a deep the fact to [Station] Keeper Hayman. curve in the land, and affords good The latter, comprehending the entire shelter in southeasterly weather, which A surfboat like the one used in situation at once, ordered the men out, seemed to be indicated when they this rescue. and in a few moments all but one, made their appearance. Cahoon, who was on the south patrol, However, they persistently stuck to The wind, however, gradually backed were scurrying to the boathouse on the their work, and finally dragged the to the northward, and by 8 o'clock was north beach, a quarter of a mile distant. heavy boat through a cut in the bank to strong from east-northeast with snow The wind had now developed into a the upland, where they could advance and rain, and rapidly augmenting . heavy gale, but the shores on the north somewhat more rapidly, but the dark - There was then every sign of a storm, side of the island were still somewhat ness and tempest greatly increased the and the night patrols started out from protected, and as yet the seas were not natural difficulties of the rugged round the [life-saving] station over their running in with great force. accustomed heats (in opposite direc - and rendered progress unavoidably tions), impressed with the necessity of The keeper had determined to use the slow. Hoping to expedite matters, the extraordinary vigilance. boat as the best means of effecting a res - keeper sent Surfman Altaquin to the cue, in view of the position of the vessel farmhouse of Simon Devine, about half When the east patrolman, Surfman on the north beach. Besides, he thought a mile away, to procure a yoke of oxen, Manning, reached a point just north of that he would be able to get abreast of while the rest of the crew struggled on the village of Lobsterville, perhaps a the schooner at about low water, the with their load as best they could. mile and a half on his way, he saw the most favorable time for operations. flash of a torch in the vicinity of As soon as the oxen arrived, they Dogfish Bar, which is a shoal extending When the crew arrived at the boat - were hitched to the boat wagon, and out on the westerly side of Menemsha house, it became a question whether to at midnight the life-savers halted Bight, and by the momentary glare he try to launch the surfboat there or to abreast of the stranded vessel, over two made out a three-masted schooner that transport it on its wagon farther along miles from their starting point. They he well knew must be ashore. the shore, but the fact that the had made good time. The boat was

ALM FALL 2019 (14) immediately lifted from the wagon and Nevertheless, he would not omit any placed in readiness to launch. effort to save the forlorn mariners. The ox team had been placed under cover The masts of the vessel could just be nearby, and Surfman Manning was dis - made out, and they appeared to be as patched for it, but he had hardly depart - far as six hundred yards off. The hull lay broadside on, and lights could be ed when the masts of the schooner last seen on board. Although the outlying stranded went by the board, and wreck shoal broke the heavier seas, so that stuff began to wash in. the surf on the beach was not extreme - The keeper and his crew at once scat - ly rough, the wind blew a living gale tered about the beach to rescue from from the northeast directly on shore the surf any of the vessel's crew who The Lyle gun was used to fire and was the main obstacle with which might fortunately drift ashore, the shot toward the rigging of the the crew bad to contend. although there was believed to be little distressed vessel. Aided by Mr. Devine they tried strenu - chance of any, and kept up the patrol The advancing dawn had brought her ously to effect a launch, but, although for an hour and a half. But no one was into plainer view, and her sailors could they shoved the boat well into the found. And in the meantime, the oxen be seen in the rigging. The other craft water, some of them wading up to their had been brought back. had utterly disappeared, not so much as armpits, they could not drive it against As there was no further need of the spar or timber remaining to tell where the gale. Three times was it blown back whole crew searching the beach, the she had been. upon them. Every opportunity that keeper sent all but one man to assist in It was the purpose of the keeper to try offered the shadow of success was bringing up the apparatus cart. Some first with a No. 4 line—the smallest— improved, and every expedient known conception of the terrific power of the to masters of boatcraft was tried. but the wind upset the faking box, wind at this time may be gained from deranging the line to such an extent the fact that the surfboat was blown that it could not be used. A No. 7 was bodily across the entire beach, falling Every expedient known immediately substituted, and the gun into a pool of water under the bank at was charged with six ounces of powder. to masters of boatcraft least seventy-five yards distant. By very careful management every - was tried. The air was still thick with falling snow thing was now kept in order. and the and blinding sleet. About dawn the gun was fired, but all could see that the men returned with the beach appara - line had not reached its object, and the No stronger or more resolute efforts tus, after a toilsome journey of six miles men promptly hauled it back, bringing were ever made by a crew of skilled and to and from the boat house. The tem - home the projectile also. able men, knowing every art of the pest now appeared to have attained its surfman, but do their utmost, they were The No. 4 line having been replaced in greatest possible intensity, but there no match for the storm. This was a new the faking box, was then fired with a 5- must be no delay, and the Lyle gun was, and strange experience to men who ounce charge. The conditions were therefore, quickly put in readiness to bad never known defeat. In the midst then such that the keeper could not tell test the feasibility of reaching the of the unequal struggle they were horri - whether it fell on the schooner or not, remaining vessel with a line. fied to see the second vessel dash upon but as no strain from the vessel was put the bar only, as it seemed, twenty-five on it, he finally concluded that it had or thirty yards from the other. fouled, and, together with the projec - tile, it was withdrawn. At 2 o'clock (the morning of the 27th) the keeper was at last convinced that Soon after, the same line was again the boat could not be launched, and all fired with a little heavier cartridge. the rest being of the same mind, he Where it landed could not be deter - decided to send for the beach appara - mined, but it could not be hauled back, tus. By this means, however, he had lit - and the supposition was, at that time, tle hope of reaching the wrecks, for he that it bad fouled some of the wreck - believed they lay so far off and to wind - The keeper decided to send surfmen age. The keeper was now convinced ward as to be beyond the range of any for the beach apparatus (like the one life-saving ordnance known. pictured), some six miles away Continued on page 30

ALM FALL 2019 (15) JUNIOR LIFEGUARD MAKES USLA Educational Conference and HEROIC RESCUE Board Meeting: The USLA and the Adrienne Groh Pacific Islands Region will host our biannual Board of Directors Meeting and Educational Conference on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii from December 5–7, 2019. For details on the meeting and to register, keep an eye on the event calendar on our home page at www.usla.org where you’ll be able to register online.

National Lifeguard Championships 2020 Edition: The Nationals move to a brand new location in 2020—South Padre Island, Texas—which has never hosted before. The dates are August 5– 8, beginning with the JG competition. The host hotel is the Isla Grand, South Padre Island. Discounted hotel infor - mation will be made available at: www.uslanationals.org. The nearest air - ports are Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas. More about South Padre Island here: www.sopadre.com. So giddy-up and start planning for Texas! Mick Billings Lifesaving World Championships 2020: The next Lifesaving World It was a typical Saturday afternoon in Mick placed him on his surfboard and Championships will be held in April 2019 for Mick Billings in paddled him in to shore where life - Riccione, Italy from September 15 to Oceanside, California. He was out guards and rescue personnel were October 4. The World Championships surfing near the Oceanside Pier. But a waiting. He was treated and trans - are held every two years showcasing not so typical event occurred. the best lifesaving athletes from ported by paramedics and expected to around the world. The USLA will field Mick observed a man in distress 100 fully recover. an open and youth national team. yards north of his location who had There is little likelihood this victim been swept out in a rip . The Club teams and individuals (masters) would have survived without the swift are also welcome to compete. Visit victim was screaming for help and actions of Mick Billings. His selfless www.lifesaving2020.it to find all the barely able to keep his head above actions and bravery saved a man’s life information about how to book your water. Without hesitation Mick uti - that day. Both the California Surf accommodation, service, and competi - lized his rescue skills learned in the tion packages. Oceanside Junior Lifeguard program Lifesaving Association and the and paddled out to the victim. United States Lifesaving Association have approved Mick for a Heroic By the time Mick reached the victim Act Award. he was losing consciousness and no longer able to scream for help or sup - Editor’s Note: Adrienne Groh chairs port himself in the strong . the USLA Heroic Acts Committee.

ALM FALL 2019 (16) ALM FALL 2019 (17) ALM FALL 2019 (18) ALM FALL 2019 (19) JERSEY MIKE’S 2019 USLA NATIONAL LIFEGUARD CHAMPIONSHIPS The Jersey Mike’s 2019 United States Still, with 15 events, there were plenty County) outlasted defending champion Lifesaving Association National of opportunities left for others to make Amanda Calabrese (Hampton, NY) in Lifeguard Championships capped off their mark on the 2019 competition. In an epic battle, while Mo Peacock an exciting and fierce week of competi - the Surf Boat competition, Jose Bolivar (Wrightsville Beach, NC) never tion on August 10, crowning LA and Boki Corsovic from Hollywood, missed a step as he raced to the men’s County Surf Life Saving Association Florida defended their title in stunning championship. the national champions for the 30th fashion, edging out Paul Elsyeev and Despite the amazing display of athleti - time in the past 32 years on the sands Jack Green from Monmouth County. cism and speed on Friday night, the of Virginia Beach. They report that On the women’s side the ageless largest ovation went to three members 65% of their points were scored by Griffith sisters Sherry and Shelley of the United States Marine Corps as their women competitors. In the ‘B’ (Boca Raton, FL) took back the covet - they were presented with Heroic Act Division consisting of competitors from ed women’s Surf Boat title. Awards by USLA President Peter Davis smaller lifeguard agencies, Riis Park— Ryan Paroz (Hampton, NY) was a dou - and Heroic Act Chair Adrienne Groh. part of Gateway National Recreation ble individual gold medal winner in the The raucous crowd of more than a thou - Area in New York—was dominant in Surf Ski and Board Race for the men as sand went silent as Groh read the story taking home the LACOLA Trophy, was Stephanie Eisenring (Deerfield of their heroism. The crowd then rose to scoring almost 200 more points than Beach, FL) who won the women’s their feet and roared with a standing the second-place team. Board Race and American Ironwoman ovation for the three servicemen. The week started with the Junior titles. Hallie Petersohn’s persistence Finally, another highlight of the com - Lifeguard competition comprising nine paid off when she won the Ironwoman petition took place on Thursday night events and three age categories for indi - title, racing past Cummings in an when athletes from around the nation vidual titles. More than 250 participants incredible comeback victory. gathered for a paddle-out in honor of from USLA-affiliated lifeguard pro - Thomas O’Neill (Riis Park, NY) bat - chiefs Kent Hinnant (Virginia Beach), grams across the country set the tone for tled to a win in the open men’s Jim Holland (Miami-Dade County) the rest of the week through their life - Ironguard race, while Ryan Matthews and Don Rohrer (Los Angeles saving skills and sportsmanship. Joseph (Monmouth) proved to be strongest County), all three of whom died over Tepper from South Jersey and Sydney rower as he raced to an American the past year. It was a moment where Brouwer from LA County won multiple Ironman victory. Local favorite, the true spirit of camaraderie surpassed events in the U19 Division. Harrison Martingayle (Virginia Beach) the fierce competitive battles of the On Thursday, blue skies and fair winds won the Beach Run for the third year in day and highlighted the shared pride greeted the lifeguard competitors as the a row and Alice Henley (Dania Beach, and passion for surf lifesaving among event soon transformed into the FL) took the women’s Beach Run. every competitor for the games. Hayden Hemmens show for the men Smith Point proved their mettle as The gracious Virginia Beach Lifeguard and the Kelsey Cummings show for the they took the Landline Championship Association and City of Virginia Beach women. Each competitor dominated presented by Seabob. Sussex raced to were first-rate hosts on the sands off the the Surf Race and Run-Swim-Run. the men’s Beach Relay win and a com - oceanfront boardwalk, creating a set - Hemmens also earned the men’s bination team from Hampton and ting fit for the nation’s largest lifesav - Ironman title and Cummings the Capitola Beach won the women’s ing event. Welcoming the athletes women’s Ironguard and Surf Ski titles. Beach Relay. were dozens of volunteers, organizers In addition to the individual golds, On Friday night, the Virginia Beach and officials who gave their time to both Hemmens and Cummings were a Surf & Rescue Museum hosted the ath - make this event as well run as any prior part of gold medal relays in the Taplin lete’s dinner provided by the Virginia championship. The sponsors and ven - and Board Rescue relays. Their domi - Beach Lifeguard Association. A lit dors filled the beach selling the latest nant performances led each to win arena greeted fans and athletes for the in lifesaving gear, apparel and acces - high point awards along with their Beach Flags Championship presented sories for lifeguards and new fans of surf multiple gold medals. by Beachboard. Emily Ruppert (Sussex lifesaving sport.

ALM FALL 2019 (20) TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL POINT LEADERS ARE LISTED BELOW: Howard Lee Trophy – Overall Points Open and Age Group combined 'A' Teams with ranking, chapter and total points: 1. LA County (CA), 892.752 2. Monmouth County (NJ), 841.832 3. Sussex County (DE), 713.322 LACOLA Trophy – Overall Points Open and Age Group combined 'B' Teams with ranking, chapter and total points: 1. Riis Park (NY), 430.313 2. Fort Lauderdale (FL), 232.876 3. Deerfield Beach (FL), 169.063 Men’s Overall Points Top Finishers 1. Hayden Hemmens – Newport Beach (CA), 126.5 2. Thomas O’Neill – Riis Park (NY), 115.625 3. Ryan Paroz – Hampton (NY), 82.5 Women’s Overall Points Top Finishers 1. Kelsey Cummings – LA County (CA), 137.250 2. Alexandra Santer – Sussex County (DE), 119.688 3. Casey Francis – Fort Lauderdale (FL), 115.063

ALM FALL 2019 (21) ALM FALL 2019 (22) LIFEGUARDS HELPING LIFEGUARDS

IN MONTAJoÑel GITiteAlson ECUADOR

Every year a small cadre of California lifeguard volunteers travel to Montañita, Ecuador. We carry donated equipment, participate in the exchange of knowledge and methods, and save as many lives as we can. It’s an effort that’s been going on since 2010. The volunteer lifeguards have always paid their own way, but in 2018 a 501(c)3, non-profit called The Red Shorts Foundation was established to support these efforts. Our mission is to assist the Montañita lifeguards in the effectiveness of their daily work, partic - ularly during the annual Carnival holi - day, and to support the goal of achiev - ing a sustainable and independent life - Photo: Joel Gitelson guard agency. Most recently, during the 2019 The week started with a CPR update. Saving Association swag and uniform Carnival, eight California lifeguards, Thanks to Gabe Campos, a former Los items, and donations of expired gear both active and retired, travelled to Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard who from fellow lifeguards. Montañita to work side-by-side with the now works at Mount San Antonio And last but not least were the rescues Guardavidas Montañita. With almost College, we received CPR mannequins and preventions that occurred over the 60 rescues (well below the average of that were being discarded for new ones. long weekend. The people we rescued 200 in past years), everyone who came With the help of bilingual Montañita greatly appreciated the effort and were to the beach went home safely. The lifeguard candidate Linda Guxholli, thankful to the guards. Aside from res - crowds were huge, but the surf was kind. volunteers Collin Goddard, Charlie cues and prevents, many lost children Patch, and Sebastian Werve gave a were reunited with their families. thorough presentation and practice ses - Those new portable radios really came sion for the crew from Montañita, in handy as well as the new binoculars. Olon, and Manglaralto. The lifeguards who volunteered this Next came the distribution of gear and year were: Retired Santa Barbara City equipment to the lifeguards. With the Lifeguard Supervisors Matthew Hayes help of the foundation, purchased and Mark Erickson, Retired Los equipment included four portable Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard (and radios, binoculars, a rescue sled for current Lifeguard Lieutenant at Jacob their PRWC, patches with their logo, Riis Park, NY) Victor Aguirre, Los and hats. Donated items included fins Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard from DaFin and DMC, whistles from Paramedic Sebastian Werve, Los STORM Whistle Co., rescue cans and Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards whistles from Marine Rescue Products, Charlie Patch and Collin Goddard, the CPR mannequins from Gabe and me—retired Ocean Lifeguard Photo: Dan Kieffer Campos, Los Angeles County Surf Life Paramedic Joel Gitelson.

ALM FALL 2019 (23) ALM FALL 2019 (24) ALM FALL 2019 (25) THE UNCERTAINTIES OF CRITICAL INCIDENT

STRESSB. CDhrisE BrBewRsteIr EFING

The United States Lifesaving with individuals considered to be under Association discusses critical incident stress from trauma exposure. When struc - stress debriefing in the 3rd edition of, tured, the process usually (but not always) Open Water Lifesaving — The United consists of seven steps: Introduction; Fact States Lifesaving Association Manual Phase; Thought Phase; Reaction Phase; (2017). We have not though, until Symptom Phase; Teaching Phase; and Re- now, discussed the unsettled science entry Phase. During the group process, behind it. Let’s take a look at that. participants are encouraged to describe their experience of the incident and its Here’s what we say in Lifeguard Health aftermath, followed by a presentation on and Safety chapter of Open Water common stress reactions and stress man - Lifesaving , in a section entitled, “Post- agement. This early intervention process Traumatic Stress Disorder:” supports recovery by providing group sup - “After an event that might be expected to port and linking employees to further cause PTSD, particularly a highly stressful be appropriate. These debriefings are nor - counseling and treatment services if they 3 event that is significantly out of the ordi - mally led by mental health professionals, become necessary.” nary for some lifeguards or for the organi - sometimes several days after the event. What has proven difficult to demon - zation, the best approach is to assume that This allows for a more thorough approach strate with certainty is whether CISM a member or members of the team could be by people whose expertise is in dealing with and CISD are valuable or harmful. affected. Many public safety organizations psychiatric issues and helping people cope There have been a variety of efforts to address this first by conducting a debrief - with dramatic events in their lives.” reach a determination. ing. All people directly involved in the It is widely accepted in the scientific In evaluating medical procedures and event are gathered to discuss it. Each per - literature that after traumatic events, medications, a standard approach is to son is provided a chance to ask questions some people experience acute stress randomly subject some people to the and bring up concerns. Those with infor - disorder or post-traumatic stress disor - treatment and leave others (ideally mation about the event and a sense of per - der, or both. The technique of debrief - unknowingly to them) untreated. For spective are expected to provide them. ing after a traumatic event has been example, to test if a drug administered by a pill works, some people with symp - Debriefings are intended to be confiden - traced back as early as World War I, to 1 toms are given a pill with the drug and tial, and all involved should be given a help soldiers after major battles. It was others are given a pill that has no sense that what they have to say will be expanded to emergency services as 2 active ingredient (a placebo). The two kept within the group. Moreover, debrief - early as 1983. groups are later evaluated to see if there ings should not be used to assign blame or Critical incident stress management is a difference in outcomes. point fingers. If something has been done (CISM) is an approach to dealing with improperly, it may well need to be highly stressful incidents and how they Psychological issues are a bit more addressed, but the debriefing process is affect people involved, in our case pub - challenging to test. Each person reacts intended to help people deal with stress, lic safety professionals. Critical inci - differently to different psychological stimuli. As well, since CISD has not to fix blame. It sometimes helps to dent stress debriefing is a key compo - become policy in some emergency focus on how the organization might better nent of CISM. The Occupational services, withholding it from some, respond to a comparable situation in the Safety and Health Administration of while other people receive it, intro - future. After all, every organization can the US Department of Labor explains duces ethical and policy challenges. For always improve. it this way: this reason, much of the “evidence” Dep ending on the circumstances and mag - “Critical Incident Stress Debriefing behind the effectiveness of CISD is nitude of the event, a more formal critical (CISD) is a facilitator-led group process anecdotal. That is, people may say they incident stress debriefing (CISD) may later conducted soon after a traumatic event felt better, or not, as a result.

ALM FALL 2019 (26) Although testing for psychological out - comes is challenging, there are some fairly objective tests that can be used to evaluate people’s state of well-being. Using these, some studies have con - cluded that CISD is helpful. Others have concluded that CISD is unhelpful or even had negative effects, worsening PTSD and related issues. Why might CISD help? There are many theories. Here’s what WebMD says, “When you've made it through a crisis, it can help to talk with others who went through it too. With CISD, you can work your way through your feelings with the help of trauma experts as you get your life back to a new kind of normal.” 4 symptoms, general psychiatric symp - The USLA does not endorse CISM, Why might CISD harm? For some peo - toms. and fear of traveling as a passen - nor do we recommend against it. That ple, reliving the psychological trauma ger in an automobile than did the non- is a decision for aquatic rescue organi - of an incident in the presence of co- debriefed group. They concluded, zations. Consider yourself briefed. workers may add to the burden. A com - "Psychological debriefing is ineffective mon question is, “What was the worst and has adverse long-term effects. It 1 Litz, B.T., Gray, M.J., Bryant, R.A., & Adler, part of the incident for you personally?" is not an appropriate treatment for A.B. (2002). Early intervention for trauma: Current status and future directions. Clinical Sharing that may add to the stress. 6 trauma victims.” Psychology: Science and Practice, 9, 112-134. CISD may cause people to avoid dis - Harvard professor Richard J. Mcnally, cussing the issues with their normal 2 Dyregrov, A. (1997). The process in psycho - PhD wrote about the issue in support group of friends or family. logical debriefings. Journal of Traumatic Stress, Psychiatric Times. 7 He dismissed the Some people may simply cope better by 10, 589-605 studies favoring CISM as poorly con - leaving the issue in the past. 3 structed and concluded, “Despite Critical Incident Stress Guide; US In one study, police officers were given repeated attempts to document that Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration; the option, after a traumatic incident, psychological debriefing can prevent https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypre - to participate or not in CISD. 5 Later posttraumatic psychopathology, there paredness/guides/critical.html their psychological well-being was test - is no convincing evidence that it does 4 ed. One of the limitations of this eval - so. Even if the procedure is not harm - Critical Incident Stress Debriefing; WebMD; https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/criti - uative approach is that the individuals ful, its continued implementation may cal-incident-stress-debriefing decided for themselves whether they delay the development of truly effec - wanted to participate. Those less tive crisis interventions, while wasting 5 Leonard, R., & Alison, L. (1999). Critical affected may have been more likely to time, money and resources on a incident stress debriefing and its effects on decline participation, for example. method that is, at best, inert.” coping strategies and anger in a sample of Australian police officers involved in shooting Interestingly, the group which partici - The unsettled science on CISM and incidents. Work & Stress, 13, 144-161 pated showed reduced anger compared CISD has not prevented it from being to those who did not, but most of them 6 Mayou RA, Ehlers A, Hobbs M (2000), widely used in public safety depart - commented that CISD did not change Psychological debriefing for road traffic acci - ments and elsewhere. There are many the way they coped with the incident. dent victims. Three year follow-up of a ran - companies, both for-profit and non - domised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry In another study, traffic accident vic - profit, that provide CISM services and 176:589-593. tims were debriefed (or not) and then training. Not surprisingly, they tend to 7 Richard J. Mcnally, PhD; Psychological reevaluated three years later. The study highly promote its benefits. Your own Debriefing Does Not Prevent Posttraumatic authors found that the debriefed group department may follow CISM guide - Stress Disorder; Psychiatric Times; Apr 1, reported significantly more PTSD lines as a standard operating procedure. 2004; Volume: 21, Issue: 4.

ALM FALL 2019 (27) ALM FALL 2019 (28) ALM FALL 2019 (29) Continued from page 15 yet be a lucky chance of putting a line the probability that they must needs be on board. At all events be would try much used up and very likely unequal again. The case was a desperate one, and to the handling of lines, Keeper therefore he felt himself justifiable in Hayman concluded to renew the siege now loading the gun with extra regula - with the boat. tion charges, which rarely succeed, but Farther to the westward was the best might, peradventure, in this instance. place (the wind now being north), and to that point the boat was taken. Then He felt himself justifiable in followed an extraordinary effort by eight of the best men on the coast, ani - now loading the gun with mated and sustained by an indomitable extra regulation charges. resolve that they must succeed. At first the wind upset the faking box. The number was reduced from nine to eight by the declination of one of the that the mark was too far away for suc - Accordingly, the No. 4 line was fired volunteers to longer remain in the cessful line operations and be once with an 8-ounce charge—far beyond party. He is reputed to be one of the more turned to the boat. the rule—and the line parted close to ablest boatmen on Gay Head and the projectile. Notwithstanding this It was about noon, and near low water. declined simply because in his opinion failure, the line was tried again with a 9- The life saving crew had been on duty the attempt would be too hazardous to ounce charge, but with the same result. of the most exacting sort tor thirteen be justified. Some of the most skillful hours; one of them, Cahoon, was com - It subsequently appeared that one of surfmen of the island, aiding wherever pletely exhausted. while the rest were the five projectiles reached the vessel, they could, watched the battle with beginning to show the effects of their where it was found on the following foreboding. protracted exertions. But fortunately, a morning by Mr. W. H. Morton who tes - number of brave fishermen had joined tified to that effect. This was probably the little company and were ready to the line which the surfmen could not There was no such lend assistance. haul back, and then supposed had word as fail. The keeper selected three of the most become entangled in the wreckage. stalwart, Abram F. Cooper, Moses P. Sunset was now at hand. The life-saving But this time there was no such word as Cooper, and Linus S. Jeffers, who crew bad been hard at work for eighteen fail, and by rapid, dexterous, and sturdy increased his force to nine men. The hours continuously without food, and action the heroic eight sent the quiver - wind having drawn a little more to the the physical strain could not be much ing boat clear of the beach and held her northward, the boat was taken to the longer endured without a pause. unswerving to her course. most favorable point for launching, and, Therefore, the keeper felt bound to let every man bending to the effort his Confidence now prevailed in all hearts, them go to the station for dry clothing, utmost power, she was pushed out into practically the rescue was achieved, for something to eat, and a little rest. the surf, only to be hurled back as before. once afloat the life-savers were bound After a little spell, still chaf - Two of the faithful fishermen remained to win. Steadily they held their way to ing with their hot purpose, the on the beach to keep the fire burning a point off the port bow of the wreck, indomitable fellows again rushed the and maintain the lookout. During their which was found to be encumbered by boat into the ugly breakers almost voluntary vigil they detected no a tangled mass of spars, planks, sails, twenty yards, but the wind wrenched change in the position of the vessel or and rigging, which forbade further her from their grasp and tumbled her further signs of distress. progress that way. back upon the beach. No men less About midnight, when the tide was Then they retreated. a moment, but than fabled giants could do more, and again low, the life-saving crew resumed only to find a better place, and a little with dejected spirit the keeper was operations. By this time the wind had later dashed into an opening of clear compelled to call a halt. somewhat abated, although it was still water close to the martingale. This was Apparently, all resources had been blowing hard with frequent dense snow the only possible approach, and the exhausted, but in the heart of Keeper squalls. The sailors on the schooner sailors hastily hove them a line. Then Hayman there was no rest. There might could not be seen at all, and in view of with quick and skillful movements the

ALM FALL 2019 (30) six living men were taken into the lit - The Amelia G. Ireland of New York, slackened and all three masts fell. No tle ark of their deliverance, and as from which these men were rescued, was aid could reach the men from the shore, swiftly as conditions would permit. a schooner of 284 tons burden, built in and all but one were drowned. Seaman landed on the beach. 1866, and when wrecked was bound Philo J. Sparrow went overboard with from Bayonne, New Jersey, to Boston, the foremast but managed to lay bold of One poor fellow hung in the rigging Massachusetts, under command of a floating stanchion which buoyed him dead, where his shipmates stated be Captain Oscar A. Knapp, with a cargo up until, in some marvelous manner, he had needlessly exposed himself. For of oil in iron tanks. After she stranded in found himself on the shore. On his twenty-nine hours the life-savers had Menemsha Bight her crew tried to lower hands and knees, he dragged himself stood bravely to their noble work with her boat, but it was carried away leaving across the beach, making no outcry and only one short respite. them without means of escape. undiscovered by anybody. The names of the men who manned They also tried to float a line ashore. Finding the road, he followed it to the the boat on this triumphant occasion The mate, who perished in the rigging house of Charles H. Ryan. where he were, N. C. Hayman, keeper; Francis between 10 and 11 o'clock a. m. was kindly cared for. The names of Manning, Benjamin J. Attaquin, November 27, was Westly Mark, of those lost from the Leavitt, as far as Timothy W. Mayhew, Jesse Smalley, Boston. His body was buried in the they could be ascertained, were, James and Samuel J. Anthony, surfmen, and cemetery at Gay Head. E. Lombord, captain ; [Unknown first Abram F. Cooper and Linus S. Jeffers, The vessel which stranded near the name] Rogers, mate; Thomas Moore, volunteers. Ireland and went to pieces at once was sailor. and a [deckhand] known as The survivors were so thoroughly worn the Clara Leavitt of Portland, Maine, a Handy. The character of the wreckage out by the terrible exposure that they schooner of 455 tons, built in 1874, from the hull of this vessel showed her could hardly move, and it was only and bound from Perth Amboy, New to have been in no condition to stand after a gallant struggle and much assis - Jersey, to Portland with a cargo of heavy weather. tance that they finally reached the life- molding clay. She stranded at 1 o'clock Editor’s Notes: Life-savers from another saving station, where they received in the morning of November 27, and station had previously come to the assis - necessary treatment, and were supplied did not last an hour, the breakers tance of the Amelia G. Ireland years ear - with clothing from the generous dona - sweeping over her heavily, and the. crew of seven men taking to the rig - lier, in 1893 off Chatham, Massachusetts, tions of the Women's National Relief saving the vessel and all on board. For this ging, some to the fore and others to the Association. After spending three or rescue, in 1899, no member of the life- main and mizzen masts. four days at the station, they were con - saving crew appears to have been awarded veyed to New Bedford by the revenue In twenty minutes, her deck house was a lifesaving medal, as it did not, apparent - cutter Dexter. destroyed, then the weather shrouds ly, rise to the necessary level of heroism.

ALM FALL 2019 (31) ALM FALL 2019 (32) ALM FALL 2019 (33) PARTING SHOT Jordan Wilimovsky At 9 years of age Jordan Wilimovsky tried out for Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguards at Santa Monica with some friends. There was a 100 yard in 1:50 minute swim time cut-off. He didn’t make the cut. His friends did. He was disappointed. The lifeguards suggested to him and to his parents that he take swimming lessons and he did—at the YMCA. The next year he made the cut. He stayed in the Los Angeles County JG program until he was 17. He’s now an Olympian swimmer who specializes in the 1,500 freestyle and the grueling 10k open water swim. He earned a gold medal in the 2015 10K World Championship, two silver medals in the 2017 World Championships (10K and 5K team relay), and placed 5th in the 2016 Olympic 10K. He’s pictured here at an event for the USA Swimming Foundation, which raises money for Olympic athletes, for learn-to-swim pro - grams, and for drowning prevention.

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