Think of the word "lifeguard", and one name typically comes to mind: Ryan. Think of the name Ryan and one word comes to mind: lifeguard. The Ryans have been protecting the beaches of East Hampton (and Southampton) for three generations. To prove it, we gathered three generations of Ryans to come to the Cafe and chat about lifeguarding. Of course, nowadays, lifeguarding in East Hampton involves far more than sitting on the beach watching to see if anyone needs assistance. Today, the Hamptons Lifeguard Association is involved with and supporting so many programs that I can't even list them here. Most famously, they support the town's Junior Lifeguard program, definitively the most successful youth sports program on the east end. Each summer over four hundred locals and visitors between the ages of 10 and 16 gather on the beaches to learn, compete and have fun while developing respect for the ocean and the confidence to swim in it-- not to mention the wisdom to NOT swim when or where conditions dictate. As usual, we stray from the appointed topic into such areas as education (another three generation tradition for this family), issues concerning local families and businesses, and just one or two reminiscences of "the old days". So join Big John, Johnny, and Hayley as we dig into what it takes to "waterproof" the East End.
