Towering Honor: Station Named After Lifeguard Chief

Visitors at Hampton Beach will now and forever be watched over by Jimmy Donahue thanks to an official action taken Wednesday.

The N.H. Executive Council formally voted Wednesday to name the new life guard tower the James W. Donahue Jr. Station in honor of Donahue, a local legend known for making over 500 rescues and dedicating his life to the area as the longtime chief of the lifeguards.

The dedication had been discussed during various planning stages of the Oceanfront Pavilion complex in 2009, although Wednesday's vote was the final step in the process, which Executive Councilor Chris Sununu said also required the authorization of the state Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Sununu said the dedication is fitting, as Donahue, 67, has been watching over Hampton beachgoers since 1960 and has been the chief of the lifeguards since 1973.

"Jim has been just a terrific staple of the Hampton community for [52] years," said Sununu. "It really is just incredible he's dedicated his whole life to the Seacoast, and frankly naming the station after him was the least that we could do to honor him and his great service to the state."