Swampscott Lifeguards Are Here

Many lifeguards have nightmares about having to save a life but this jumps for joy at the thought.

James Duffy, a 19-year-old senior guard, doesn’t shy away at the notion of having to rescue someone.  

“I became a lifeguard because I like the aspect of being able to save someone,” Duffy said. “I am also a really good swimmer so I figured I’d put it to good use.”

Duffy is a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island and has a double major in geological oceanography and film.

“When I get older I want to go down to the bottom of the ocean and film all that’s down there,” he said.

He started his lifeguarding career at the age of 16 at and has been working there ever since.

“I love lifeguarding at the beaches because I’m outside all day and I’m getting paid to use my talents,” said Duffy.

Many lifeguards may think that lifeguarding at the beach all day could be boring but Duffy thinks otherwise.

“I honestly don’t think the job is that boring overall,” he said. “Of course, it can be boring at times but there can be a lot of action at the beach.”

Duffy also has a few tricks up his sleeve to help keep him attentive and alert during his six-hour shifts.

“I like to count people in the water and look around at all of the families to see if I can remember what time they arrived at the beach,” he said.

Duffy may love lifeguarding and basking in the sun all day but he certainly doesn’t love all aspects of the job.

“The worst part of the job for me is the fact that I’ll probably get skin cancer from spending so much time in the sun,” Duffy said. “Other than that, it’s a really great summer job.”

Duffy does not advise people who are not diligent and attentive to become a lifeguard.

“I think that all lifeguards should be talkative, motivated, and attentive,” Duffy said. “I know that when I’m up in my lifeguard chair I am always vigilant and aware of what’s going on.”