It has been a busy summer for Rockaway’s lifeguards, who have spent long days watching over our beaches, responding to emergencies and keeping thousands of beachgoers safe.
This weekend, several local businesses came together to say a simple but important thank you.
On Friday, August 7, Lori Tellone, one of the owners of Rockaway Beach Pickleball and Golf, and her husband Joe Liggett, served food from Bagel Barista to local lifeguards as they finished another day on the beach at 117 Shack. Some were heading home after their shifts, while others were transitioning to extended hours as part of the city’s Heat Emergency Extension Plan.
The appreciation continued Sunday, August 9, when Rockaway Beach Pickleball and Golf hosted a Lifeguard Appreciation Night, opening its doors to the guards for an evening of pickleball, ping-pong, golf, pool and cornhole. Whit’s Pizza offered a special buy-one-pizza, get-one-free deal for the lifeguards.
After a summer spent looking out for everyone else, the evening offered the guards an opportunity to relax, have some fun and spend time together away from the lifeguard chair.
Here in Rockaway, our lifeguards aren’t strangers. They are part of our summer community. We see them year after year, sitting high above the sand on hot sunny days and rainy ones alike, watching the water and stepping into action when someone needs help.
We are incredibly appreciative of the men and women who return each summer to keep our families, neighbors and visitors safe in the water.
This weekend, Rockaway’s local businesses and community had an opportunity to return the favor and take care of the people who spend their summers taking care of us.
Photos by Andreanna Seymore.
