‘Labor of Love'
Tom McCann Produces the Authoritative Book on South Jersey’s Lifeguards
Author Tom McCann
Lifeguarding began more than 130 years ago when Atlantic City established the first beach patrol … anywhere. Although numerous books have been written about individual patrols, it has only recently become possible to find a comprehensive, authoritative source covering every South Jersey patrol, from Brigantine to Cape May Point.
It took Tom McCann, often called an “eternal lifeguard,” to tackle the task, which McCann has described as “a labor of love.” McCann is a lifelong educator, school administrator, and self-professed history buff.
Who better to assemble this priceless collection of records, results, photos, stories, and memories than someone who has spent a lifetime protecting our beaches? Tom has served as a mascot, a lifeguard, a beach patrol captain, a rookie school trainer, and president of the South Jersey (Beach Patrols) Chiefs Association. Lifeguarding is in his blood.
McCann’s passion is evident in “The Guards, South Jersey Lifeguarding from Brigantine to Cape May Point.” This is his third book on lifeguarding.
Calling it a book doesn’t seem to do this compilation justice. McCann has traveled from town to town, from Brigantine south to Cape May Point. He shares at least one compelling story for each beach patrol. He meticulously collected photos and newspaper clippings while compiling all-time records for most South Jersey lifeguard competitions.
“I spent three years in my basement,” he says during a recent interview with Seven Mile Publishing. “I’ve always collected results and newspaper clippings. I keep them all in my basement – so that’s where I’d go to work on this project.”
Time well spent. Whether you are an ex-lifeguard, a fan of ocean racing, or just a local history buff, “The Guards” is a compelling read for everyone. It’s also a helpful reference source and will undoubtedly find its way into every patrol’s beach house along the coast.
McCann takes readers on a trip from the days of the United States Life-Saving Service, the forerunner of the United States Coast Guard, right up to the men and women on the stands lining the beaches today.
There’s no lack of praise for McCann’s work. “I do have a copy. I love it,” is how former state Sen. Chris Brown, a former Atlantic City lifeguard, says in response to a question about “The Guards.” “I think that Tom did an excellent job.”
“Tom did an outstanding job,” adds beach patrol rowing and crew impresario Stan Bergman. “Tom is such a great historian of beach patrols. He loves beach patrols, and we love his book.”
“I think ‘The Guards’ is great,” says Murray Wolf, the legendary retired captain of the Avalon Beach Patrol. “It’s interesting to read but also a great resource full of information.”
Above all, “The Guards” documents pertinent historical information before it disappears forever. McCann has captured and highlighted many of the personalities who have earned legendary status on the South Jersey beaches and he brings them to life on his pages. Most importantly, he has verified and documented a wealth of interesting information that, unfortunately, has never been recorded elsewhere.
“The Guards” is an excellent coffee table book for your home at the shore and the source of hours of enjoyable reading. It’s also the perfect gift for the lifeguard or former guard in your life. They will all love it.
How to purchase “The Guards” by Tom McCann
Log on to theguardsbook.com