Harbormaster Thanks Nantucket Lifeguards After Challenging Summer

(This letter was originally sent from Harbormaster Sheila Lucey to the Nantucket lifeguards)

To the editor: I want to take this opportunity to thank you, our incredible lifeguard team for an extraordinary season. Despite facing significant challenges, we also experienced many successes. To date, you have safeguarded 382,468 patrons, performed 57 open water rescues, 19 assists, and 65 medical emergencies with 15 EMS transports. Your lifeguarding efforts have had profound, life-changing impacts on the beachgoers of Nantucket. We couldn’t be any prouder of this team.

In every situation, your professionalism was unparalleled. The leadership shown by Ethan Coggins, Kevin Johnson, Justin Roethke, Caroline Correia, and Dayne Thorbahn has been exemplary. They led this team of 60 lifeguards through unprecedented and difficult situations with potentially dangerous outcomes. Every guard, every day, gave their all because of their example. They helped in making the difficult decision to close the beaches when an offshore windmill broke, creating unknown amounts of debris that was washing up in the shore break which could have been catastrophic. We did not reopen the beach until they ensured the debris would not cause injury to the patrons on the south shore.

From rescuing swimmers from rip currents to following precise medical procedures that prevented life-altering injuries, to the vital prevention work of educating the public — you’ve made a lasting difference. While some outcomes were positive and others were not as we had hoped, your teamwork, communication, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile made a difference every day. We gave Nantucket our very best, and we are fortunate to have had such a dedicated team.

Your impressive skills, mental toughness, expertise, resiliency, and poise under extreme pressure have earned you the respect of the Harbormaster's Office, beach patrons, and the community of Nantucket. Thank you for an amazing season. We are so grateful for all of you.

With Respect,

Sheila A. Lucey
Nantucket Harbormaster