Author Has Praise for Beach Patrol

It has been almost two years to the day since I last wrote the mayor of North Wildwood. Not much has changed. The people of North Wildwood and visitors to the island should consider themselves fortunate that not much has changed.
My family, consisting of my two sons, my wife and me, are frequently at my home at 1405 Atlantic Ave. We have also spent time at other shore points. This being said it is my contention now, as it was then, that the North Wildwood Beach Patrol is the finest in Cape May County and perhaps the state. North Wildwood guards are alert and active, which cannot be said of other beach patrols. Any interaction that my large extended family has had with the beach patrol has been polite and helpful.
Over the course of 30 years I have witnessed many incidents resolved by the beach patrol. There is one recent incident in particular that I would like to recount.
July 8, 2010 was a beautiful beach day. My wife and I decided to remain on the beach to have pizza and enjoy the day to its fullest. At approximately 6:30 p.m. I was waiting for the delivery at 15th and the beach in front of the lifeguard building. I was speaking with two guards, Matt, who had worked all day on the beach and Shawn, who was off that day but was on the beach to enjoy the day. As we spoke a young man came from the other side of the beach patrol building asking for a lifeguard. Matt and Shawn, neither of who was in uniform, asked the young man if there was a problem. He informed them that his 16-year-old older brother was swept out to sea and no one could help.
Without hesitation or concern for their own safety, these young men took off down the beach. They left cell phones and other personal belongings on the beach where they borrowed surf boards to go after the young man. I returned to the street after dialing 911 and was met there by Lt. Dave Lindsay in a beach patrol truck. I informed him that Shawn and Matt were already in the water and he proceeded to 18th Street to aid in the rescue. There were three people in the rip current by that point. Police and fire vehicles arrived on the scene, as did the senior staff of the beach patrol to aid in the rescue.
I know that there were many who aided in the rescue. I also know that the quick action and unyielding self sacrifice shown by these two young men aided by the arrival of their lieutenant was instrumental in all three lives being saved that day.
We have recently seen the tragedy of swimming on unguarded beaches. I feel it is just as important that others hear the good things. The professionalism and competence of our beach patrol, whether on or off duty, was on display yet again. I feel all involved should be commended, but especially Shawn Stamm and Matt Klanchar.
Surely, as a former police officer, the mayor must know the value of what he has here in North Wildwood. The courteous, competent, and courageous men and women of the North Wildwood beach patrol serve to alleviate any fears I have for the safety of my family at the beach. It is truly a pleasure to visit the beach and know that my family is safe.