Photos and story by Grace Galbreath
WILDWOOD – Our next lifeguard of the week is a Philadelphia native, Emma Mcnamee! Emma is a rising junior in the nursing program at Holy Family University. She is also the captain of Holy Family’s track and field and cross-country teams.
This summer marks Emma’s third summer with the Wildwood Beach Patrol. She got started by recommendation of a friend. A seasonal renter, Emma has been staying in Wildwood for the past three summers.
Now a veteran guard, Emma enjoys participating in all the beach patrol races. If not competing, she always makes sure to join the Wildwood Beach Patrol in cheering on her fellow guards. She said, “I raced in the Ocean City Women’s race last week and the Avalon Kerr’s. I’ll be racing Cape May Point tomorrow and Hoffman’s on Friday.”
Emma’s favorite guarding memory is Wildwood’s annual Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Race. The race, set for July 28, is in its 53rd year. It will welcome 15 South Jersey beach patrols and includes rowing, swimming, and running events.
“It’s coming up on Friday. It is always really fun, because we run it in Wildwood. We have a big after party. Everyone comes together. Our captain likes to sing at the end of the night. It’s a fun time. That’s probably my best memory, Hoffman’s every year,” she said.
Although Emma is grateful for the opportunity to get paid to be on the beach, she loves a day off! When off the clock, Emma likes to stay active. She said, “I love to run. As much as I like to do it as a sport, I just love being out there. Whether it’s for a time, just to be active, or going for walks. I just like to be outside.”
Stop by the lifeguard stand on 16th street in Wildwood to say hi to Emma! If she’s not on the beach, you can find her running or at Lizzy’s Ice Cream, her favorite ice cream spot!
