hellwoman
03-12-2007, 06:16 PM
Time to board wild ride on Isle's beaches
By Peter Davis
Contributor
Published March 2, 2007
I was surfing early the other morning at the Flagship. It was beautiful with cold north wind, spray, some dolphins and low morning light.
I sensed spring just around the corner.
After 30 years surfing and 25 years lifeguarding these waters, you develop a sort of instinct about the weather and the seasons.
Some subtle shift in the waves, wind, current or light quality triggers a physiological reaction that you feel on an almost subconscious level. Fishermen, surfers or beach people will know what I mean.
It hit me that beach season is just around the corner.
Usually while surfing or training, my mind is clear and prepared for the inevitable stress and decision-making that will take place.
This day, my mind was wandering more than usual.
I was thinking about the many changes that have taken place in my life within the past year. In addition to a family death and a new baby, one significant change has been assuming the role of director of the Beach Patrol.
Longtime lifesaving legend Vic Maceo retired on Jan. 31. Vic and I have worked very well together for many, many years. I will miss him.
Nice to know at least one person truly understands the weight put on your shoulders when you are responsible for more than 100 lifeguards, 150 junior lifeguards, 5 million visitors and myriad community outreach programs. Someone who knows the pain of telling a person they have lost a family member or the amount of energy it takes to teach a 16-year-old how to deal with the public.
We have worked toward a seamless transition for a number of years now.
As a seventh-generation Galvestonian, I can’t imagine a better fit for myself than head of lifeguard services. After all these years, I know lifesaving and administration, understand the complicated web of Galveston’s municipal and beach politics, and know the importance of maintaining a mutually advantageous relationship with the media.
I have strong ties to the national and international lifesaving communities. I am very excited about the upcoming year and the opportunity to share it with you.
I will be your guide for what we experience on the beach. You will jump out of towers, make personal watercraft rescues and go on “call outs” at 3 a.m.
You will feel the joy of reuniting a lost child with loved ones and the relief of knowing everyone got home safely after a busy weekend.
I will keep you up on what special events are taking place on the beach and show you all the wonderful programs we are involved in.
I will spotlight the Sheriff’s Inmate Skills Program, The Jesse Tree Survivor Support Network, Environmental Alert System, Beach Wheelchair Program, Junior Lifeguard Day Camp and much, much more.
It’s going to be a wild ride, so stay tuned for next week’s story!
Peter Davis is director of the Galveston Sheriff Beach Patrol.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Galveston County Daily News
By Peter Davis
Contributor
Published March 2, 2007
I was surfing early the other morning at the Flagship. It was beautiful with cold north wind, spray, some dolphins and low morning light.
I sensed spring just around the corner.
After 30 years surfing and 25 years lifeguarding these waters, you develop a sort of instinct about the weather and the seasons.
Some subtle shift in the waves, wind, current or light quality triggers a physiological reaction that you feel on an almost subconscious level. Fishermen, surfers or beach people will know what I mean.
It hit me that beach season is just around the corner.
Usually while surfing or training, my mind is clear and prepared for the inevitable stress and decision-making that will take place.
This day, my mind was wandering more than usual.
I was thinking about the many changes that have taken place in my life within the past year. In addition to a family death and a new baby, one significant change has been assuming the role of director of the Beach Patrol.
Longtime lifesaving legend Vic Maceo retired on Jan. 31. Vic and I have worked very well together for many, many years. I will miss him.
Nice to know at least one person truly understands the weight put on your shoulders when you are responsible for more than 100 lifeguards, 150 junior lifeguards, 5 million visitors and myriad community outreach programs. Someone who knows the pain of telling a person they have lost a family member or the amount of energy it takes to teach a 16-year-old how to deal with the public.
We have worked toward a seamless transition for a number of years now.
As a seventh-generation Galvestonian, I can’t imagine a better fit for myself than head of lifeguard services. After all these years, I know lifesaving and administration, understand the complicated web of Galveston’s municipal and beach politics, and know the importance of maintaining a mutually advantageous relationship with the media.
I have strong ties to the national and international lifesaving communities. I am very excited about the upcoming year and the opportunity to share it with you.
I will be your guide for what we experience on the beach. You will jump out of towers, make personal watercraft rescues and go on “call outs” at 3 a.m.
You will feel the joy of reuniting a lost child with loved ones and the relief of knowing everyone got home safely after a busy weekend.
I will keep you up on what special events are taking place on the beach and show you all the wonderful programs we are involved in.
I will spotlight the Sheriff’s Inmate Skills Program, The Jesse Tree Survivor Support Network, Environmental Alert System, Beach Wheelchair Program, Junior Lifeguard Day Camp and much, much more.
It’s going to be a wild ride, so stay tuned for next week’s story!
Peter Davis is director of the Galveston Sheriff Beach Patrol.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Galveston County Daily News