Letter from the editor
The ocean has always been my refuge — a place of joy, peace and adventure — but it is also a mighty force that commands caution. With Hurricane Erin churning offshore this week, lifeguards are warning of rough surf and rip currents, a timely reminder that the sea’s power is never to be underestimated.
I learned that lesson early, when I was just 8 years old. It was the mid-1970s, and I had just gotten one of those rectangular inflatable rafts that seemed to be everywhere back then.
My family had piled into the station wagon, bikes strapped to the back, and headed to the shore — my favorite week of the entire year!
As soon as we got settled, my brothers and I ran to the beach, rafts in hand, eager to ride the waves. My mom settled into her book while my older brother was charged with keeping an eye on me. While my brothers used their rafts to ride the waves in, I had drifted out to sea.
The shore was suddenly far away. Panic set in. But then I saw lifeguards racing toward me. Calm and reassuring, they guided me back to safety. That day I learned two important lessons that have stuck with me:
1. The ocean can be dangerous, and 2. The lifeguards protect us.
The beach patrols truly save lives — every day.
This week’s warnings echo that same lesson. The whistles, flags and calls from the lifeguard stand are not suggestions; they are signals meant to protect us.
As summer winds down, let’s treasure our time at the beach, but do so wisely. Respect the ocean, listen to the lifeguards, and take a moment to thank them. Their vigilance is what allows so many of our happiest shore memories to remain just that — happy.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
