After More Than 50 Years, Long Island Lifeguard Hangs Up Whistle

LONG BEACH, NY — As much of a constant in Long Beach as the boardwalk has been Paul Gillespie.

The chief lifeguard has been part of the summer ritual for more than a half-century. But at 71, Gillespie said this was his final season of patrolling the Long Beach surf, Newsday said.

He started as a lifeguard in 1969 and in time would become the elder statesman of the group as new recruits would be trained annually.

Gillespie's day job was as a teacher, including a physical education teacher at Long Beach's West Elementary School.

He will maintain his wrestling coach status at Wantagh High School, Newsday said.

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