What drives someone to dedicate their life to watching over others—through crashing waves, shifting tides, and generations of change? Dr. Tom McCann Sr. is more than a lifeguard; he’s a storyteller, educator, and the living memory of South Jersey’s coastal heritage.

In this episode, we dive into The Guards—the final installment in his powerful trilogy chronicling the lifeguard culture that has defined the Jersey Shore for over a century. From Brigantine to Cape May Point, The Guards is the first-ever comprehensive history of all 15 South Jersey Beach Patrols—and it’s filled with untold stories of courage, community, and quiet heroism.

Join us as Dr. McCann shares forgotten rescues, local legends, and the deeper purpose behind a life spent on the watchtower.