News Summary
The Nags Head Ocean Rescue team is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new documentary titled ‘Service and Heroism: The Nags Head Ocean Rescue Story.’ The film will be premiered for free at Jennette’s Pier, showcasing the team’s history, training, and significant rescues. Directed by Raymond Wallace and narrated by Kelsey Thompson, the documentary aims to educate the public about ocean safety, honoring the dedication of lifeguards who perform around 200 rescues each year.
Nags Head – The Nags Head Ocean Rescue team is marking its 50th anniversary with the premiere of a documentary titled “Service and Heroism: The Nags Head Ocean Rescue Story.” The film will be shown for free on Tuesday at Jennette’s Pier, aiming to educate the public about ocean safety while celebrating the team’s legacy as one of the most respected lifeguarding units on the East Coast.
The documentary, approximately 30 minutes long, is directed by local filmmaker Raymond Wallace from Kill Devil Hills and narrated by local actor Kelsey Thompson. It features insightful interviews with both current and former lifeguards, providing an in-depth history of the team’s crucial services and contributions to beachgoer safety.
As part of the presentation, the documentary explores the rigorous training processes that lifeguards undergo, which include running, swimming, and medical training conducted weekly throughout the season. The Nags Head Ocean Rescue team, which operates from late May to mid-October, is staffed by 26 lifeguards who perform around 200 rescues each year.
Team Operations and Equipment
The town of Nags Head supports the ocean rescue team with substantial resources, including 15 free-standing lifeguard stands, eight all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and three pickup trucks specifically designated for rescue operations.
The documentary spotlights two significant rescue events captured on film. One notable rescue from 2019 involved a swimmer caught during Hurricane Humberto and was photographed by Cyndi Goetcheus Sarfan. The other rescue, which took place in 2020, is re-enacted with actors to highlight the efforts and techniques implemented by lifeguards during real scenarios.
Acknowledging Heroism
Lifeguard Austin Fallon, who played a pivotal role in the 2019 rescue, earned the esteemed U.S. Coast Guard Silver Lifesaving Medal for his courageous actions during the incident. He is one of several lifeguards featured in the documentary, emphasizing not only the team’s dedication but also the high stakes involved in their work.
Event Details
The premiere is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Oceanview Hall, located at Jennette’s Pier at 7223 South Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head. Following the screening, there will be a question-and-answer session with local and regional ocean rescue leaders as well as individuals featured in the film, providing an engaging opportunity for attendees to learn more about the lifeguarding profession and the realities of ocean safety.
Registration and Streaming Availability
Entry to the event is free; however, prior registration is required and can be completed at nagsheadnc.gov. For those unable to attend the premiere, the documentary will be accessible for streaming starting July 22 via youtube.com/TownofNagsHead and on-demand at currenttv.org, ensuring that a wider audience can benefit from the important messages conveyed in the film.
Conclusion
The “Service and Heroism: The Nags Head Ocean Rescue Story” documentary not only commemorates five decades of lifesaving efforts but also serves as a vital educational resource promoting ocean safety to residents and visitors alike. The dedication of the Nags Head Ocean Rescue team exemplifies the commitment to safeguarding the well-being of beachgoers along the North Carolina coast.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Nags Head Ocean Rescue
- WTKR: Summer Rental Home for Ocean Rescue Lifeguards
- 13 News Now: Family Praises Nags Head Responders
- Google Search: Nags Head Ocean Rescue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nags Head Ocean Rescue
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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