Health

Lifeguards adjust amid pandemic, prepare for possible riptides following Tropical Storm Fay

HULL, Mass. — Lifeguards are making changes to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve decided to staff the stands with two people instead of three,” said Nantasket Beach lifeguard Conor Brohan. “We don’t want to have as many lifeguards [at one stand] because we don’t want to be passing around any germs or anything.”

Brohan told Boston 25 News that lifeguards are also now required to wear masks when making rescues.

“We’d call EMS, wear a mask, head into the water and let our partner know that we’re going in to make a rescue,” Brohan said. “Then, we’d take all the precautions we need to and bring the people in.”

The waves were churning Saturday at Nantasket Beach, with rougher-than-usual surf thanks to Tropical Storm Fay.

“It’s such a beautiful day,” said beachgoer Courtney Miller. “Originally, we weren’t sure if it was going to rain, but we woke up this morning and we saw the clouds and we said, definitely a beach day! The waves have been a little higher than predictable, but our daughter has been loving jumping in them.”

>>>MORE: That’s a Wrap on Fay

Brohan said beachgoers need to be on alert for possibly dangerous currents.

“If you see any rippling in the water, obviously stay away from it,” Brohan said. “I heard there’s going to be a lot of rip currents this weekend, so people should definitely take precautions with that.”

He said if you get caught in a riptide, you should swim parallel to the shore.

“A lot of people panic when they feel like they’re getting taken out to sea,” Brohan said. “Just swim right parallel to the shore and you should be able to get out of it.”

Miller and her family said the waves felt stronger Saturday, but they felt safe because of the number of lifeguards on duty.

“I could feel a little bit more of a riptide but feeling pretty safe and also knowing that there’s a great lifeguard appearance here on the beach,” Miller said. “I know that they’re out here keeping everyone safe, so it feels good to be in the water!”

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