Not every hero wears a cape. In the case of the Isle of Palms Beach Lifeguards, they wear maximum UV protection sunscreen. Who can we thank for saving the lives of multiple subpar beach swimmers? None other than Will Brigham, Dylan Robinson, and Kyle McGue. Sitting on a throne overlooking the vast kingdom of Isle of Palms County Park, these lifeguards watch over the patrons, who all must be viewed as possible drowning victims. Life as a lifeguard is hard; they have to be vigilant watchers with an eye for trouble. Much like a raptor, they have keen eyesight and a sixth sense for weaklings.

The sandy saint Will Brigham told a tale of blood-curdling fear and bravery. A man, who he supposes was under the influence of Methamphetamine, shot himself in the leg with his gun while running from the police. With the combined forces of valor, the lifeguards and the police subdued the man and he was no longer a threat; he was rushed to the hospital for his battle wound.

As far as threats from the big blue itself, the Atlantic provided its fair share of perils. In one week, a series of rip currents put the lives of 30 people in danger as they struggled to fight the menacing waves*. Also, a shark put a child in his jaws and left his mark on the child for eternity.

Patrons too provide for tales of unbelievable idiocy. Will says that one person came up and asked if they could “turn the tides off?” and if that would “create more jellyfish.” Some patrons also like to make advances on the lifeguards, obviously drawn to their eminence sitting upon their throne. However, as kings do not associate with peasants, so the hardworking IOP monarchs must deny these flirtations.

*How to Survive a Rip Current:

• Keep calm. Don’t fight the rip current.
• To get out of the rip current, swim sideways, parallel to the beach. This will get you out of the rip current so you can swim back in with the waves helping you along.
• When out of the rip current, swim at an angle away from the rip current and toward shore.
• If you can’t escape this way, try to float or calmly tread water. Rip current strength eventually weakens offshore. When it does, swim away from the rip current toward shore.
• If at any time you are unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. (Source: http://www.noaa.gov/features/monitoring_0609/ripcurrent.html)