Frank and Steve

 

Saturday 7/30

Frank and his dad Steve are lifeguards.  The son digs a hole for our umbrella and we tell him we can handle it. He says “we’re not allowed to leave our shovel with anyone” and continues to dig like he was born to it. Frank, 40 years at the job, years ago had trouble with a supervisor of his in Islip and was then “banned to paradise” here on Fire Island. He tells us his biggest claim to fame was saving Ann Bancroft  from drowning when she and Mel Brooks summered in Lonelyville. He tells us about volunteer guards in various communities   … and about the Pink Speedos squad in the Pines. I asked them if I could bring them back sodas from the house  … "no thanks" … and I thank them now for making this day more dazzling fun on this beautiful barrier beach.