I remember in years past, watching perfect waves in NJ go unridden because the lifeguards weren't letting people go out. I had to wait till 6pm, when the lifeguards go off duty. By then, the wind and tide had shifted and the waves were just ok... The experience made me wonder if everything's ok at home for these blokes, or if they're taking out their anger on surfers because jerome the plumber is laying some pipe back at their house with their old lady What's the deal? are the NJ lifeguards not letting people surf during this swell? Does anyone have any insight regarding the policies of lifeguards when it comes to hurricane swell? are they acting like this up in new york as well?
It's not the surfers It's the friggen lawsuits that would follow when some dumb sh!t gets in over his head and has to get rescued or even drowns. It's easier to keep everyone out and avoid the trouble. As for the lifeguards, they're really just doing their job. I seriously doubt most of them would actually care. They just don't want to get fired. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I have a hard time believing most of them are not good folks. Personally, I follow the wisdom of the Bear. "You shouldn't have to depend on anyone but yourself." I much prefer surfing in places like Hawaii, where the lifeguards can make the judgment call. You want to paddle out at 10 ft Pipe? They'll approach you and try to make sure you know what you're doing. If it's obvious that you have no clue, they'll get a little more pushy. For instance, my first big day, I thought I'd paddle out at Sunset. It was straight macking and I probably would have been thrashed beyond belief. One of the lifeguards talked to me as I was watching the surf, asked about my experience level, etc. Rather than tell me I should go home, he recommended a different spot, which was also heavy, but a little less so, and didn't even have lifeguards. Those guys count on their experience to gauge what people can handle and do what they can to keep the folks out of trouble. Even more liberal is the NorCal situation, where 98% of the coast doesn't have lifeguards of any kind, and the warning signs on the beach release the local govt. from liability. Why won't that work on the east coast? ...too many idiots out here. Seriously, I think that's the true reason, and anyone here would probably agree that it's a true statement.
All they need to do is put up red flags and signs saying "Dangerous surf conditions. No swimming recommended. Enter at your own risk" to release themselves from liability. Lifeguards told you the conditions and you as an adult decided to go out anyway, therefore releasing them from liability. No reason to be writing tickets and calling the police.
Probably not ever... ...for those with jobs that frown upon that sort of thing. It's more of a respect thing to me. Those guys put up with a lot of crap and I'd prefer not to make their lives more difficult. That being said...6-8 ft and perfect, I'd at least consider it.
the lifeguards down here in southern nc are cool and we have surf zones but lately since school started they dont care when we surfers are surfing in the swim zone as long as we be careful with what swimmers there are. but i can say as i lifeguarded this summer dont give them crap as i got crap from people when i told them no for something as i lifeguarded at a camp and just be respectful thats all that matters as remember they may save your life.
