A portion of Ocracoke's beach has been protected by lifeguards during the summer season for more than half a century. Now we are told that budget issues have prompted authorities to eliminate all lifeguards in the Seashore.
Sundae Horn has written an excellent article in the Ocracoke Current with more information. You can read it here: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/83509.
If you agree with a great many islanders and visitors to Ocracoke who want to keep lifeguards on our beach, please take a moment to contact the following elected representatives to voice your concerns.
Rep. Walter Jones’s Office:
202-225-3415
252-931-1003
Email: https://jones.house.gov/contact-me
Senator Kay Hagan's Office:
202-224-6342
252-754-0707
Email: www.hagan.Senate.gov/?p=contact
Senator Richard Burr's Office:
202-224-3154
910-251-1058
Email: http://www.burr.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
Cape Hatteras National Seashore superintendent Barclay Trimble can be emailed here: barclay_trimble@nps.gov
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter documents the day telephones came to the island. The article includes images of Ocracoke's first telephone directory which lists a total of 63 subscribers. You can read the Newsletter here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news022114.htm.
well, I must admit, the Florida Panhandle beaches I have visited in the past few years did not have lifeguards. However, there was a sign posted with flags alerting the beach visitors of current conditions. As a youngster, the county beach in Miami had lifeguards paid for by county residents. Perhaps, if more fees were collected from other sources such as a bed tax generated by hotels and short term rental units this revenue source could fund a budget line item .. Again, I am selective as to which beach I spend time at. There must be a pavilion, rest rooms, changing rooms, parking and the like ,and if I have to pay a fee to access the beach I will, because it has the resources I desire. Now the park Service is in the business of maintaining the Natural Resources of this country and they have been delegated this task with a dwindling budget. Paying for lifeguards when they have to rob peter to pay paul is, I guess, not going to happen. In conclusion, if one's fate is to be swept away into the sea from the shores of OI ; either learn how to swim, wear a life preserver or stay out of the water.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this post I had to do a mental calendar check, thinking perhaps it was Philip's annual April Fool's Day post, but then I realized that's still 16 days away.
ReplyDeleteWow. You might have a tough time topping THIS tale for outrageous when it comes to your 2014 Fool's Day whopper, Philip.
As long-time visitors to, and diehard fans of Ocracoke, my family and I have enjoyed many, many visits to various spots along the island's 16 miles of beautiful beachfront over the years. But when it comes to romping in the surf--which in fact is why we drive 600 miles to visit Ocracoke, to romp in the surf--we stick to that 150-foot strip of sand in front of the lifeguard stand.
When it comes to "bad ideas," this one's a chart-topper.
As always, thanks for sharing, Philip.
Curious to see how this pans out.
I guess this just proves that as far as the park service is concerned, birds are more important than people...
ReplyDeleteYou CAN'T FIX STUPID!
ReplyDeleteThere is a U S life saving heritage Association, they raise money to preserve the heritage of the U S Life saving service, old stations boats equipment etc. They raise money to preserve the past. What happened to the USLSS when was it unfunded.... They raise money so people can look at stuff from way back when. What organization is raising funds to pay for life guards today?? Whose responsibility is it? Why can't the Real Estate Industry help as it benefits from the dollars that flow to the area as they promote the beaches and draw visitors . Do the Real Estate moguls need to step up to the plate ...DD:)
ReplyDeleteWhen I visit the mountains during the summer, visitors flock to the waterfalls. It is not just the water that falls, reckless individuals go out on the rocks to get a closer look I suppose., they often slip on the rocks and you read about the tragedy in the local paper or hear of it at the campground store. There is inherent danger in everything we do. we must assess the risks and then judge for your self are you risk averse or not. You could be enjoying the music at a music festival and someone that was enjoying themselves far too much gets in to a car and drives into the crowd of music fans, killing a few because the beverage of their choice was not conducive to operating a motor vehicle . Or a tire could fly off the car driving by and hit you in the head. Or you could let your neighbor just released from the correctional facility drive off with your child to get lost in the national forest. ( Ideas gleaned from recent headlines, I kid u not) DD
ReplyDeleteWe always used the life guard beach when my kids were young. As adults, I urge them to still swim at the protected beach due to the currents and frequency of rip tides. While beautiful, Ocracoke beaches can be treacherous. Another people program slashed. How much of our tax dollars have been spent in Afghanistan this week?
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