Lifeguard on long-term duty

NEA Today, Nov 1999

For 30 years Jate Walsh has saved countless kids from drowning in the classroom. Over the years he has also saved kids from drowning in the water as well.

Since the summer of '69, this social studies teacher at Cape Henopen High School in Lewes, Delaware, has guarded Rehoboth Beach*and saved over 250 lives. One of the more popular East Coast beach resorts Rehoboth each draws hundreds of thousands of sun lovers each summer.

"I feel eel like I'm making a contribution to the community," Walsh says. "I got into teaching because like interacting with and helping people, and lifeguard ing is just an extension of that."

For the last 13 years, Walsh has captained the lifeguard patrol, maintaining the facilities. checking equipment to make sure it's all in good condition. and coordinating the Rehoboth Beach Patrol Olympics. He's also responsible for hiring and training new lifeguards.

We have to deal with all different situations, and wind and surf conditions are unpredictable, says Walsh "I've had to administer CPR, and I've seen four people stabbed by their umbrellas.

His motto: Don't take anything for granted, and don't let your guard down, because the minute you do. something happens!"