Nantucket, MA – Nantucket’s history is filled with stories of heroism and lifesaving acts carried out by everyday citizens and professionals who went above and beyond the call of duty. Each year, Egan Maritime Institute and Nantucket Cottage Hospital honor that tradition by recognizing modern-day lifesavers at Lifesavers Recognition Day.
This summer was an exceptionally safe season on the waterfront. The Lifesavers Recognition Day Committee—chaired by Jessica Guff, president of the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Advisory Committee—also includes the Executive Director of Egan Maritime Institute, the President of Nantucket Cottage Hospital, the Executive Director of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital Foundation, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief, the Nantucket Harbor Master, and the Master Chief of USCG Station Brant Point. Together, the committee will formally recognize the Town of Nantucket lifeguards, Harbor Master crew, members of USCG Station Brant Point, and all of Nantucket’s first responders for keeping the island safe.
The Lifesaving Award, presented annually at the event, is given to a citizen who rescues—or endeavors to rescue—another person from drowning, shipwreck, or other water-related dangers. This year, the award will be presented to Joseph Tormay and Nick Whitbeck.
On October 19, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., two miles off the coast of Chatham, Joe and Nick rescued a stranded fisherman clinging to the hull of his capsized boat. The man, without a life jacket or any means of communication, was signaling for help by waving his hat. Both local and national media later covered their heroic actions.
“As a community and as a committee, we are grateful for the hard work of all our professional lifesavers and heroic citizens,” said Jessica Guff. “Each year, we hope for the day when we are unable to nominate anyone for the Lifesaving Award, as that would mean there were no accidents on the water. While that may be a lofty goal, we came very close this year, with no significant saves on our island’s beaches this summer.”
All are welcome to join us on the evening of September 11 to celebrate Nantucket’s legacy of selfless heroism and the people who step forward when others are in need. This is a free event, but registration is required. To register, please visit eganmaritime.org
This event is presented by Egan Maritime Institute and Nantucket Cottage Hospital, both nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving the Nantucket community. To ensure this celebration continues for years to come, we rely on the generosity of donors to help cover the costs of honoring Nantucket’s lifesavers. To donate, click here.