Last summer I saw a lifeguard rescue someone from the ocean. The lifeguards had posted signs, as is customary, informing swimmers of that day’s rip current risk level. On this day, the risk was moderate, so there was reason to be cautious. The lifeguards had put cones in the sand permitting people to swim only between the cones, presumably so they could keep a close watch over everyone.
I was sitting close to the lifeguard station, so I saw the scene play out. I first noticed the two lifeguards watching a middle-aged man who was on the edge of the area swimmers were supposed to stay within. He looked to be enjoying himself but was soon swimming beyond the designated area. One lifeguard blew his whistle at the man, and when they got his attention, they both gestured for him to swim back within the cone area. The man didn’t follow this direction. The lifeguards kept their eyes on him. The waves were big, and he continued to swim. He was moving farther away from shore and farther outside the posted area. The whistle sounded again. The gestures were made again. But there was no movement in the right direction.
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