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On vigilant watch. On guard. On the stand. On their toes.
That is the job for a Sea Colony Beach Patrol lifeguard from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through June 14 and from Sept. 3 through Oct. 14, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 15 through Sept. 2.
While virtually everyone else around them on the beach is cavorting, reading, sleeping, talking or just taking in the magical salt air, the Guardians by the Sea are ready to spring into action.
Even while being cordial to those who approach the lifeguard stand, they are always on alert. Their eyes remain on the swimmers in the surf even while they are sipping and chewing for sustenance during the long beach day.
Someone’s life may be in danger. And they are the ones who have the ability to rescue swimmers in need.
The Coastal Point is once again spotlighting one of these Guardians by the Sea with a beach lifeguard feature story each week during the season.
Answering the call for help
Someone was shouting his name.
The emotive yelps were coming from the rear echelons of the beach at Sea Colony Beach resort.
Lifeguard Aiden Ruscavage responded by sprinting toward the message-bearer.
SCBP Lt. Chase Pratt quickly informed Ruscavage that he was assisting a woman suffering from heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a condition that happens when the body overheats, causing symptoms that may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
“Chase told me to cover his stand and send Lt. Carly Fajardo to assist with the victim,” said the 5-foot-11 Ruscavage. “I quickly complied with his directions. Fortunately, after about 15 minutes, they both returned and told me the lady would be OK.”
Sea Colony Beach Patrol
The Sea Colony Beach Patrol oversees half a mile of private beach daily from the weekend before Memorial Day to Columbus Day in October. The SCBP is a United States Lifeguard Association Advanced Certified Agency consisting of 21 guards, who are each certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Emergency Medical Response. Each of the six lifeguard stands are located in front of the Sea Colony high-rise condominiums near Bethany Beach.
SCBP lifeguards respond to land and water emergencies, and they provide information and education about hazards in the sun, weather and ocean. SCBP beach lifeguards train daily to prepare for any situation on land or in water, and they constantly strive to exceed their high standards of open water safety.
Ensuring the safety of swimmers and beach patrons
To Ruscavage, being a lifeguard means ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.
“It’s a role that requires a variety of responsibilities,” said the resident of Millsboro. “They include training, monitoring, rescues and teamwork.
“The toughest responsibility of being a beach lifeguard is remaining mentally and physically prepared for anything,” he added. “You always have to be on your A-game and know what to do and when to do it.”
Ruscavage insisted that the easiest responsibility of his job is the actual prevention of those mishaps.
“We provide general safety tips and educate people about the dangers of the beach and the surf, which can make it less physically demanding when you are in the position of saving people,” he said.
Ruscavage was seeking a new summer job when his Sussex Tech High School swimming head coach, former SCBP lifeguard Kelsey Fowler, recommended that he become a lifeguard at Sea Colony.
“She told me I could stay in great shape while making sure the beachgoers and swimmers are safe and happy,” he said. “Becoming a beach lifeguard was one of the best decisions I could make at a young age. It’s a great way to have fun and help save people all summer.”
Ruscavage’s short-term goals include graduating from Sussex Tech with impressive grades. His long-term goals consist of graduating from college and being successful during his career after graduation.
Ruscavage credited a number of people who he said have had a profound impact on his career as a lifeguard.
“My parents, Nicole and Jason Ruscavage, have had a great impact on me with their support,” he said. “They’ve always been there for me. And the beach lifeguards also have had an amazing impact on me by pushing me to my limits and helping to identify things I need to work on. They make me a better lifeguard.”
Article by Mike Stern, Coastal Point, September 13, 2024
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