The Art of Lifeguarding - A One Night Only Event in LBI
If you’ve been down the shore or ventured onto almost any beach, chances are that you have encountered a lifeguard. Chances are equally as high that you’ve had a crush on at least one lifeguard too. Being enamored of the beautiful, bathing suit-clad savior with a whistle is a right of passage, is it not?
The word "savior" carries a lot of weight but if you were pulled from a rip tide after minutes without air, I would imagine you would call that person your heroic savior as well. Those of us who are lucky enough to have never needed rescuing may overlook the perils of the profession. Lifeguards sit atop their perch quietly looking over us and when all is going well, it is easy to forget that danger is a moment away.
Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of the swimmers and beachgoers in their care. While those responsibilities may vary from patrol to patrol, they are generally equipped to provide emergency response, monitor those in their care, and enforce safety rules and precautions.
Taylor Jennings, organizer of the Long Beach Island Foundation’s fundraiser, “One Night Only - The Art of Lifeguarding” hopes to highlight the skill and dedication of those in the lifeguarding community. As a former lifeguard of thirteen years, the role holds a special meaning to her.
“I spent many summers lifeguarding on Long Beach Island, and those experiences helped shape who I am. Through this exhibition, I wanted to create something that celebrates the people, friendships, and moments that make lifeguarding so special.”
The “One Night Only” exhibition, taking place on July 11th, is a special annual art-sale gala, featuring original artwork from established artists who live and/or work on Long Beach Island, accompanied by live music, food and beverage, and a small vendor market. Previous “One Night Only” exhibitions focused on showcasing original artwork from artists participating in the LBI Artist Studio tour. The third event of its kind, this year’s event focuses solely on the art and history of lifeguarding and is sponsored by Rescue Threads Lifeguard Apparel, a company also run by Jennings. The evening is essentially Taylor’s love letter to the art of lifeguarding. Proceeds will directly support LBIF’s year-round arts and science programming as well as LBI’s six beach patrols.
Live music will be provided by The Danksters, a self-proclaimed “surf rock reggae” band whose lead vocalists Kenny and Chris Burkhardt are brothers who have lifeguarded on Long Beach Island for over twenty years. The band is known for their eclectic taste with genres ranging from punk, ska, and reggae to classic rock, hip hop, jam band, and sometimes even a little country. Their motto is “surf, party, repeat.”
Food and beverage options will include Agnello’s, Andy’s Coffee Shack, Baked on the Beach, The Cheese Shoppe, Country Kettle Fudge, Foodies Catering, Scojo’s Eatery, Ship Bottom Brewery mobile bar, Surfy City Pizza, Wally’s, Wawa and more.
“Lifeguards have been part of the fabric of Long Beach Island for generations. This event honors the people who have dedicated their summers to protecting others while also supporting the beach patrols that continue that tradition today” Jennings explains.
In order to honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others, exhibition content will feature archival lifeguarding photography including historic photographs that depict the evolution of lifeguarding on LBI with boats, stands, rescues, competitions, uniforms, training traditions, and community moments throughout the decades.
Contemporary lifeguarding photography will be on display as well. These are more recent images that reflect the present-day lifeguarding experience, showcasing action, athleticism, beach culture, and the visual rhythms of the shoreline.
Featured artists include Frederick Ballet (North Beach, NJ), Philip Belena (New York, NY), Eric Delmar (Saugerties, NY), Richard Hunt (Surf City, NJ), Taylor Jennings (Barnegat Light, NJ), Anne Knife (North Beach, NJ), and Christopher Sullivan (Ship Bottom, NJ). These art pieces, many of which are quite sizable, will be available for purchase and range in price anywhere from approximately $500-$1500.
Note that Taylor’s name is featured here. She has been taking photographs of lifeguarding competitions for years as a way to stay involved in the community now that she is no longer a lifeguard. It was this habit that partly inspired this “One Night Only” event. She glows as she explains, “so many people whether professional or amateur are on the beach, taking photos of lifeguards in action and I wanted to bring that into one space and make it a celebration.”
Tickets are available for pre-sale for $20 or for purchase online or day-of for $25. The event runs from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday evening. All are welcome to join the celebration!
