I have been a firefighter in SoWal for over 7 years. In that time I have personally been involved in many water rescues. A successful rescue IMO is one that ends with the rescuee and the rescuer safely on the beach and no one dies. Unfortunately, not all rescues end this way.
Rescuees have died or been transported to the hospital in critical condition. These are typically folks who are here on vacation (but, not always); Joe, Mary and the kids freshly arrived from Kentucky to have a little fun on our beautiful beaches. Joe and Mary saved for six months to take this family vacation and if their kids want to swim, then "By God! I am gonna let 'em!" (I have heard this direct quote from a father angry with a firefighter for telling Joe that the water was closed due to the rough surf conditions. Even after the firefighter pointed out that on that same day 6 people had drowned, so far). June 8th, Black Sunday, Bad day.
Rescuers have nearly drowned attempting to save someone. A number of Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs and Sheriffs Officers have been transported to the hospital. Nearly drowned while risking their lives to save others. MOST of whom knew full well what the flags meant. People who ignore the flags and get into trouble because of it, are a danger to themselves and every member of this community. While we are all on the beach performing water rescues or trying to revive the rescuees brought out by the lifeguards, who is responding to traffic accidents, medical emergencies and fires. This type of lunacy strains our resources.
Whether the problem is jurisdictional or educational, I am glad someone is doing something about it. The BCBCC actions will no doubt save lives. The lives of both the public and the emergency personnel responsible for maintaining their safety. And I gotta tell ya, that makes me smile.
Rescuees have died or been transported to the hospital in critical condition. These are typically folks who are here on vacation (but, not always); Joe, Mary and the kids freshly arrived from Kentucky to have a little fun on our beautiful beaches. Joe and Mary saved for six months to take this family vacation and if their kids want to swim, then "By God! I am gonna let 'em!" (I have heard this direct quote from a father angry with a firefighter for telling Joe that the water was closed due to the rough surf conditions. Even after the firefighter pointed out that on that same day 6 people had drowned, so far). June 8th, Black Sunday, Bad day.
Rescuers have nearly drowned attempting to save someone. A number of Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs and Sheriffs Officers have been transported to the hospital. Nearly drowned while risking their lives to save others. MOST of whom knew full well what the flags meant. People who ignore the flags and get into trouble because of it, are a danger to themselves and every member of this community. While we are all on the beach performing water rescues or trying to revive the rescuees brought out by the lifeguards, who is responding to traffic accidents, medical emergencies and fires. This type of lunacy strains our resources.
Whether the problem is jurisdictional or educational, I am glad someone is doing something about it. The BCBCC actions will no doubt save lives. The lives of both the public and the emergency personnel responsible for maintaining their safety. And I gotta tell ya, that makes me smile.
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(Confirmed by phone call)(infer a confused accent)
