There are innumerable disasters just past the shoreline waiting for the law of averages to call their number. Undertows that suck even the strongest swimmers under. A stingray caught off-guard by an errant footfall. Jellyfish that sizzle your skin, ensuring their place as the jerks of the sea.
And there is just one thing standing between you and them. Come meet a few of the heroes who are always on the lookout for the worst moments of your best days.
Caitlyn Richmond
Where are you originally from?
Mebane, NC
Years/months on HH?
This is my first-year working with Shore Beach Services, and I’ve been with them since mid-March of 2021. I took the year off from college because of COVID, so I had the opportunity to start working with the company during the off-season.
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
A typical day as a rental guard starts with me waking up at around 6:15 a.m. I like to get to the beach between 7:00-7:20ish to begin my setup. I finish setting up by 8:15 most days, and I like to shower all the sand and sweat off and eat my breakfast right before I have to return to the beach. For me, I enjoy having a little bit of downtime before I have to start at 9 a.m. When 9 a.m. rolls around, the umbrella is up and I begin the day taking reservations for our rental equipment while also watching the water, doing first aid, and answering and checking in on customers and other patrons on the beach. Five p.m. is when I start my breakdown, putting all the chairs, umbrellas, and guard equipment back in its place and reporting back to the office to finish up the end-of-the-day paperwork/report.
When I’m in the high chair I start a little later. I get to the beach around 8:40 a.m. to set up my high chair and restock the medkit and update my message board. I’m in the chair ready to go at 9 a.m. Throughout the day, I will move the chair back and forth with the tides to ensure that I am as close to the water’s edge as possible. I remain at that stand primarily watching the water and giving first aid when needed in my area. At day’s end, I put all the equipment away and assist any of the rental guards with breakdown and report back to the office to turn in radios and complete paperwork.
What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?
I really enjoy how all the shops and restaurants are mainly local
businesses. It’s a great way to support and give back to local businesses but also a good way to get to know the Hilton Head community.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
The most incredible thing that I have ever seen happen on the beach at Hilton Head are the dolphins. Not every day, but every few days, we might get a few dolphins that roll in. They always draw attention, and before you know it, you have a crowd of people down by the water with cameras trying to capture the
moment. The best part is when they begin to jump out of the water and start putting on a show and everyone is so excited; the kids are jumping around, and then before you know it, they are at your stand telling you all about it.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from beach visitors, and what is your answer?
The most frequently asked question that I get from beach visitors is good places to eat and what to do besides just the beach. For activities off the beach, my favorite is going over to Shelter Cove. It’s family-friendly, you get a lot of good restaurants, and there is always some type of event going on. In late June, they start up fireworks in the evenings, and it’s always a great way to wind down and relax after a long day on the beach.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
All the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that the summer months go as smoothly as possible. That’s not just all the work that we as lifeguards put in, but all the work that turtle patrol, the sheriff’s office, and other departments put in. Throughout the summer, we take care of all the trash and beach items (chairs, umbrellas, tents, etc.) that get left behind every day. We also have to set up and break down all the equipment. Lastly, all the off-season work we do like beach matting, bringing chairs, umbrellas, and boxes out to the beach, and building and fixing them each season.
Favorite restaurant/ bar on the island and why?
Bad Biscuit. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a hidden gem right near our office. They make all their biscuits fresh each day, and they are huge and fluffy, plus the service is fairly quick. My other favorite is The Purple Cow. The donuts are my favorite thing on the menu. The donuts are made to order so they bake them fresh with each order, and you can customize the donut however you wish. The best part is the first bite because the donut is still slightly warm but also topped with all your favorite toppings.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
I like to sleep in just a little bit if I can, but I’m an early person so it doesn’t always work out. We will also sometimes get bikes and ride them up and down the beach and just enjoy being off. Of course, we also like to do a little shopping here and there just to spend some time away from the beach.
Dan Jaroz
Where are you originally from?
Moved to Hilton Head Island from Dallas, Texas. I’m originally from Buffalo, N.Y.
Years/months on HHI?
Nine years and seven months
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
We begin our day at 6 a.m. in order to remove litter from the beach. Our route is from marker 38 to mar–ker 97. As needed, we respond to visitors’ questions.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
I’ve been lucky enough to witness a mama loggerhead turtle lay her eggs on the beach and then return to the ocean. I also got to see baby loggerheads make their way to the sea.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from beach visitors, and what is your answer?
A lot of visitors from the Midwest are not familiar with tides, therefore, based on what they experience in a previous visit, they wonder why the ocean is either so high or low.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beach?
As the litter patrol in the morning, we wonder why some visitors leave the beautiful beaches so littered.
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
Tio’s, Giuseppe’s, Harold’s and Poseidon.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
Go to the beach or play golf on one of the great golf courses on the island.
Myshel Rodenbeck
Where are you originally from?
Bluffton, Indiana
Years/months on HHI?
On/off 11 years.
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
Usually getting to the beach around 7 a.m., setting up rental equipment for the daily or weekly reservations, and then continue my morning by passing out radios and change to my area guards. Most of the time, there are small hiccups throughout the morning, whether it’s a guard needing help with locks, answering questions from beach patrons, or making sure all of my guards are set up by 9 a.m. Some days, there may not be any emergencies, missing children, etc., which is a dream come true. Other days it’s like all hell breaks loose, and you don’t know if you’re going to be able to take a bathroom break let alone a lunch break (laughing). At the end of each day, we return to the office to check in/turn in our paperwork and make sure all of our reservations are prepared for the next day. The main thing, at the end of each day, we are a team and we do depend on each other in a lot of what we do.
What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?
The two different lifestyles of the island; the tourist side, (usually during the summer months) and the local side (the shoulder season) when a lot of festivals and community events take place; you really get to see how the island residents come together.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
It’s difficult to state just one incredible thing, because I have seen so many. Most of the things I have seen involve marine life, whether it’s seeing a beached dolphin or baby sea turtles sand “paddling” towards the ocean. A different “incredible” perspective would be some of the emergencies I have experienced. No need to go into detail; let’s just say they were unforgettable.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from beach visitors, and what is your answer?
“Are there sharks out there?” My answer will vary (small chuckle), most of the time I answer with a straight answer, “Yes, it is the ocean.” Other times I may wittingly tell the beach patron, “I’m going to have you think about the question you just asked me,” while giving them a small smile.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
It’s not a job where you bask in the sun all day just to get a tan. This is mentally and physically a draining job. Consider sitting for about eight hours in a highchair; it’s extremely hot and humid, you have hundreds of people out in the water or around your area …you MUST be alert at all times because you don’t know when something could occur. Also imagine being asked the same question(s) repeatedly, knowing all too well you can’t move from your spot. You have to mentally discipline yourself not to snap or get irritated with beach patrons even though you have answered the question a hundred times. The physical aspect is just as draining. Again, imagine sitting in your chair and you notice someone needing rescued; you swim out, rescue the person, bring them back to shore, and return to your stand … no big deal, right? Consider the possibility of doing that several more times a day or other emergencies. By the end of the day, you will be both mentally and physically exhausted.
The island has so much history. Gullah people … I won’t say anymore because this is a part of HHI that people need to discover for themselves.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/ the island/ our beaches?
What do people need to know about our beaches? We (lifeguards) do not remove debris from the beach; we do not clean the spartina grass from the beach…we let the beach take care of itself. An addition would be the beach ordinances; it’s always nice to see a beach patron take the time to read the beach ordinance signs that are posted by majority of the accesses. The two ordinances that I have seen tourists and even some locals completely ignore are: no glass, and no animals on the beach from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., beginning the Friday of Memorial day through Labor Day. Taking the time to become familiar with the island’s laws and beach ordinances will make our job and the patron’s vacation a lot more enjoyable.
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
Restaurant: Fat Baby’s Pizza | Bar: The Other Sister’s Wine Bar
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
Either eating breakfast at WATUSI or going to Hilton Head Social Bakery when the store opens. I thoroughly enjoy the smaller crowds, and I get to enjoy the morning knowing I don’t have to be anywhere.
Arsham Mirzaei
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Tehran, Iran and raised in Karaj, Iran. My hometown is in the mountains, located in the state of Alborz, which is named after the Alborz mountain range that covers the northwest through northeast of Iran. It’s highest peak, Damavand, is 18,500 feet. Even though my town is located in the mountains, it is only a four-hour drive to the Caspian sea and a little bit less than a day to the Persian gulf where we can swim in the beautiful crystal waters of the Indian ocean.
Years/months on HHI:
I’ve been on HHI since the summer of 2018, so this is my fourth season here on island.
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
My day starts around 6:10 a.m. when my alarm goes off. I have to use my flashlight to get out of bed because it’s still dark outside. I leave home around 6:30 a.m. to go to the office where I check to see if I have any notes from the night before, and I restock my medical supplies and needed forms/paperwork. After I finish, I put the rescue board on top of my truck rack and grab both of my radios. Then I hook the trailer to the truck and head to the beach!
What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?
I like the fact that Hilton Head is very family- oriented and friendly to everyone. You definitely feel very safe here in all aspects. I also really like the urban design and how everything is built here.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
My second season working on HHI, I had the opportunity to see sea turtles hatching around beach marker 110 along with many waterspouts!
What is the most frequently asked question you get from beach visitors, and what is your answer?
The No.1 question is always about jellyfish and how to treat one’s sting. My advice to our beach patrons is, if they do not have any allergic reaction symptoms, to pack the spot with wet sand and flush it with ocean water for the best result. The second most common question I get is probably about beach ordinances. I always provide them with our most updated rules and regulations. A third common question I get is where to eat on HHI. I always try to help them based on the type of food they are looking for.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
Most of the beach patrons that I have faced within the past four seasons have had a decent amount of general knowledge about HHI beach patrol and the island in general. The only thing I wish people realized is that simply cleaning up your own small area on the beach after you’ve spent the day there can help us, the wildlife, and themselves. It helps the beach last longer and stay beautiful for future generations.
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
If I wanted to go to a bar, I would either choose Black Marlin or Sea Salts because they seem to be less crowded than other bars and I know some of the people there. I really prefer a nice cozy restaurant, though, with good drinks and food. Frankie Bones is my go-to for steak or seafood, and Mangiamo is my number one for pizza and pasta.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
My off days are usually spent running errands and resting, but doing things like shopping at the outlets or catching some waves on days when the surf is high can also be a fun way to enjoy a day off work!
Courtney Vacha
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Ohio, but we moved to Ridgeland, S.C. when I was one year old.
Years/months on HHI?
Growing up nearby, I’ve worked and played on Hilton Head my whole life; however, I’ve now lived on the island for almost 7 years.
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
Organized chaos!
What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?
I’m a coast girl, so while I may take it for granted every now and then, being close to a beach at all times is a must for me!
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
I have been fortunate enough to visit many different beaches throughout the U.S., and I have to say I am amazed every single day at how clean our beaches on HHI are in comparison to others. I don’t think anyone truly understands the extraordinary amount of time and effort that goes into keeping the beaches as pristine as they are, but it is definitely something I take pride in when I tell people where I live.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from the beach visitors?
That’s a tough one! We certainly get a lot of strange questions when people call into the office. Aside from rental questions, I’d say the most FAQ is either, “Are the jellyfish/sharks out today?” or “What is the Sea Pines Beach Club having for lunch today?”
What is the one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
The same thought that runs through all my staff’s minds when the phone rings: “Please let this caller know where they are on the beach.” We manage approximately 13 miles of beach, and I can’t even begin to tell you how many beachgoers have no idea where they are when they step on to one of our beaches. Not only would it be helpful for us to know when calling in for rentals, but in the event of an emergency, it is dangerous to not know your location on the beach. There are numbered beach markers at just about every single access for this exact reason!
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
The Black Marlin’s Hurricane Bar is hands-down my favorite! The staff is amazing, there is always a good mix of live entertainment, and there is a little bit of everything on their menu. Being close to home also makes for a short Uber trip if needed.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
Since I spend my work days inside, on my days off, you can almost always find me at the beach or pool with a book!
Alan Reece
Where are you originally from?
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Years/months on HHI?
Forty-five years, 43 years with Shore Beach Services
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
A typical day in season (March through October) is heading to the office following, up on the previous day, checking my game plan for the day, heading out to the beach, evening check in with the staff, and home. However, few days are typical when you work closely with Mother Nature. Offseason days (November through February) are more predictable. A typical day is spent in the office in preparation for the upcoming season.
What is your favorite thing about HHI?
Still finding remote spots throughout the island that offer unobstructed views and allow you to imagine how life was in a time past, before bridges and automobiles, when islanders were dependent on water transportation.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
What most people think is incredible, I’ve most likely seen more than once on the beach. From the prehistoric sturgeon, alligators, dancing dolphins, downed aircraft, space debris, mysterious packages in the surf, navigational failures and trying to explain in an interview how my office has sand as a floor covering and an unrestricted view of the Atlantic ocean. However, sunrise tops the list.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from the beach visitors?
“What is your favorite restaurant?” Followed by, “Do you really live here all year long?” My response is usually dependent on the cuisine and atmosphere one is looking for. And yes, I live here all year long.
What is the one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
Working in small business and seeing the island grow in many different ways over the years can almost create a new answer as each beach season passes. Overall, Shore Beach Services has a mission to help protect the general public using the beaches and ocean waters on Hilton Head. Our staff is dedicated in helping preserve the beach environment for years to come. If, in general, the beachgoers realize the importance of the ecosystem along our waterfront and display a sense responsibility, our island will sustain for years to come for many more generations to enjoy.
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
Some of my most memorable restaurants are long gone. The SERG Group restaurants are regular stops these days, but nothing beats dining at home with family.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
Days off are a challenge in season; I enjoy competing in long-distance triathlon and bicycle road racing, so a good morning workout starts off most days.
Katelyn Holmstrom
Where are you originally from?
Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Years/months on HHI:
This is my second summer.
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
In my opinion, there’s no such thing as a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services. Every day is different depending on what role you’re in, whether that’s high chair, rotator, or rental guard. Most commonly, I spend my days as a rental guard. I arrive on the beach as early as 7 a.m. to begin setting up nearly 100 umbrellas and 200 chairs. When the clock strikes 9 a.m., my beach patrol umbrella pops up, and I begin meeting people from all over the world, renting them umbrellas and chairs. When I’m not interacting with renters, I am scanning the water, attending to first aid, advising patrons, maintaining a pristine-looking beach by picking up trash, enjoying wildlife, and soaking in each moment.
What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?
My favorite thing about Hilton Head Island is how unique it is: the history, the growth, the beaches, the food, the shops, the tourism attractions.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
Out of all the incredible things I’ve witnessed on the beach like weddings, proposals, wildlife, and fly overs, the most incredible would be the time I watched two dolphins jump out of the water and put on a show as seen at an aquarium.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from beach visitors, and what isyour answer?
The most frequently asked question I get on the beach has to do with ocean life. Most people are concerned about what’s in the water. Are there sharksin the water? Anybody been stung by a sting ray today? How bad are the jelly fish today? As always,I tell beach visitors that there are sharks, sting rays, jelly fish, and other sea creatures in the water because the ocean is their home and we’re just swimming in it. But, to limit the risk of being stung by a stingray, do the stingray shuffle! I also assure nervous patrons that we, as lifeguards, are prepared to handle wildlife-related situations and injuries.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
I wish more people knew to fill in their holes so we can protect our lovely loggerhead sea turtles and allow them to nest with ease.
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
My favorite restaurant/bar is San Miguel’s because of the food, atmosphere, and location. Located in the Shelter Cove Marina area, there’s live music, shops and boats to browse while waiting, and fireworks on Tuesday nights! The chips and salsa and spinach quesadillas with chicken are my
absolute favorite!
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
On my days off, I love having the opportunity to enjoy everything this island has to offer and take the chance to be a tourist for the day! Some of my favorite things to do are riding bikes around the island and on the beach, relaxing on the beach, trying new restaurants, visiting the surrounding areas,
such as Savannah, Ga., Charleston S.C., as well as Daufuskie Island, and just taking the opportunity to soak it all in!
Davidson Murphy
Where are you originally from?
Delta, Colorado
Years/months on HHI:
10 summers
Describe a typical day as a team member with Shore Beach Services.
A typical day starts with us setting up the umbrellas and chairs, and after that it’s a bit of an improvisational dance between responding to emergencies, clearing garbage and debris, locating missing kids (and sometimes non-kids), and handling whatever else comes at us. It’s a cliché, but the one constant in this job is that there will always be a new challenge.
What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island?
For such a popular vacation community, Hilton Head does a great job of preserving and highlighting the natural beauty of the island.
What is the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Hilton Head Island beach?
Last summer, several beachgoers mistook a surfacing sea turtle as a swimmer that had gone under and not resurfaced. Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to start a search and rescue effort, which is a highly stressful and physically intense thing to do. It’s something we train extensively for, but (obviously) rarely have to do here in Hilton Head. In the end, we were able to confirm unequivocally that what the beachgoers saw was indeed a turtle, but the response by the lifeguards and the support of so many helpful vacationers and locals was truly amazing—totally reinforced my belief that the people who choose to live and vacation here care about one another.
What is the most frequently asked question you get from beach visitors, and what is your answer?
“Is the tide going in or out?” My answer depends on whether the tide is coming in or going out.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your job/the island/our beaches?
Keeping the beaches clean is a difficult job, and broken/mangled canopies aren’t easy for us to remove (they also tend to be surprisingly sharp-edged).
Favorite restaurant/bar on the island and why?
This is a hard one because HHI has so many amazing restaurants, but I have to go with Amigos. The food is always fantastic.
What do you like to do for fun on your days off?
Explore the Lowcountry with friends.
