Community Corner
Swampscott Lifeguards Are Here
In this summer series we will introduce you to Swampscott lifeguards. We start with the head lifeguard, Matt Kimball.
School’s out for the year and kids are raring to go for summer fun. They’re ready to ride the waves, build sand castles and play at the beach.
Lucky for them, the Swampscott lifeguards are just as eager and ready for action this summer.
Matt Kimball, 19, the head lifeguard of Swampscott beaches, speaks highly of his lifeguards.
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“So far, they’re doing really, really well," Kimball said. "We only started guarding the beaches June 25th, but up to this point everything seems to be going textbook and I’m hoping it stays this way for the rest of the summer."
Kimball has been a Swampscott lifeguard for three years. During the school year he attends the University of Massachusetts-Lowell where he studies mechanical engineering.
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According to Kimball, there are two guards on duty at a time both at Phillip’s and Eisman’s beaches from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.
“We have two guards working at one time so that one is sitting in the chair or on the wall and the other is walking around,” said Kimball.
If it is extremely crowded or if there is a serious weather warning another guard would be called on duty, said Kimball.
“I would have no problem calling another guard if I needed it, but I haven’t had to in the past,” he said.
In order to stay alert and attentive, the guards take turns walking up and down the beach.
“Every thirty minutes to an hour we have someone patrol the beach to help keep everyone awake in the hot sun,” said Kimball.
Although, it may not seem like sitting in the sun can be tiresome, the guards of Swampscott beaches think otherwise.
Kimball said that it can be very exhausting sitting in the sun for a six- hour shift. Usually, the guards take a dip in the ocean to cool off and help them concentrate on their job.
This head lifeguard hopes that this summer runs smoothly and that his guards cooperate with one another.
“I work with every guard to make sure that I have a say in what they’re doing and to make sure that everyone is getting along with one another. So far, we haven’t had any issues,” he said.
