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The Guards - South Jersey

Lifeguarding. Presented by Tom McCann

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The Guards is a South Jersey story about its life-guards, and is the first comprehensive book ever written about the 15 South Jersey Beach Patrols from Brigantine to Cape May Point. Guards throughout South Jersey protect and save the thousands upon thousands of bathers who enter the ocean annually. South Jersey Beach Patrols have grown into one of the greatest and valued lifeguarding units in theUSA. This book highlights individual guards and patrols since the inception of the first beach patrol in Atlantic City in 1891.

Tom McCann, an eternal lifeguard, has written three books about lifeguarding—his life-long passion. In 2001, he wrote Lifeguarding in Sea Isle City since 1882 . In 2010, he produced a second edition of his first book, and The Guards completes his trilogy.

Tom McCann has worked and combed the beaches of South Jersey as a mascot, lifeguard, Beach Patrol Captain, and in his favorite role, rookie school instructor. In 1978, his first year as Sea Isle City Beach Patrol Captain, McCann was elected President of the South Jersey Chiefs Association.

In Beach Patrol competitions, the most thrilling event for McCann was the Surfbash Relay. He represented his patrol for nine consecutive seasons. McCann and Linn Way placed third in the South Jerseys in the Doubles, and McCann took third in the South Jersey Singles as well. They also placed 2nd in the Margate Memorials. In 1972, they broke the Around Sea Isle Island rowing record, which still stands. McCann was Doubles Rowing Champion in the Kerrs, County and Goudy Rescue Races. He was also six-time Tri-Cities Champion. In 1993, McCann was inducted into Viking Rowing Club’s Ocean Rowing Hall Of Fame. At Temple University, McCann rowed Crew and was Co-Captain of Coach Thomas A. Curran’s 1976 Crew Team, winning the Bergen and Kerr Cups. He received his B.S. Degree from Temple University, an M.S. from Glassboro State College, a Post-Masters Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and his Doctorate in Education from Temple University.

McCann was a lifelong educator, serving as a School Administrator for 36 years—25 as Principal. He retired from Vineland High School as Principal in 2018.

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