Lifeguard staffing important this summer as shark activity increases
Great white shark activity is already busy early summer. Lifeguards at multiple beaches along the Outer Cape reported sightings this past weekend – there were five alone at Nauset Beach in Orleans.
Wellfleet is one of the many towns that were fighting to fully staff their lifeguard chairs this year, even raising the hourly wage to help recruit and retain staff.
Co-head lifeguard Suzy Blake says they were able to build a strong staff.
“We did have some other towns asking our guards to go there and offering pay raises and things like that, so I know there were shortages,” Blake said.
This ideal summer weather is keeping beaches plenty busy, and more hot weather is coming for the height of vacation season. Lifeguard staffing levels are more important than ever.
“They are always important because of a lot of little kids and old people,” said one beachgoer.
“It’s critical to have lifeguards out there protecting our kids and watching for sharks and what not,” said another.
In recent years, lifeguards have taken on a bigger role because they also help monitor what is in the water.
Michael Bentz is also a co-head lifeguard in Wellfleet.
“We have had early sightings here as well, but the really big time when we see the pinging 5-6 times a day, that happens more in August,” said Bentz.
Wellfleet has already had one hit on its shark detection buoy, and a surfer reported a shark just offshore over the weekend.
“If we are certain it is a shark we’ll blow a whistle and inform the public, switch that purple flag to a black flag and say you know what, we are going to clear the water for an hour,” said Bentz.
Beachgoers definitely agree lifeguards are more important than ever.
“For all of the children and adults and fear of sharks,” said one woman.
Lifeguards say the best rule of thumb if you do end up where there are not lifeguards or they are staffing through the entire day – make sure you only go swimming with someone else, and make sure you know where you can call for help.
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