This act of heroism epitomizes the lifeguard profession.
Lifeguarding is a dynamic profession that isn't about simply meeting the bare requirements, it's about going beyond the call of duty in order to help one's fellow man.
Although Tomas Lopez was initially punished for his valiant rescue, Tomas' admirable character received his well deserved rewards. Not only did he save the life of a distressed swimmer, but he has earned the admiration and respect of the nation.
Tomas Lopez has demonstrated the <a href="http://lifeguardhq.net/lifeguard-job-description-and-4-important-skills/">true characteristics of a lifeguard</a>
This act demonstrates the importance of going beyond a designated job description in order to exceed the status quo.
Acting in good faith and as a Good Samaritan is a notion cynically losing favor in America.
Laws need to be enacted to better protect those who help others.
Keep underlying fears of ambulance chasing lawyers out of Good Samaritan scenarios.
Glad to hear these "genuine" lifeguards can stand tall and preserve their obvious integrity to refuse any token rehire by a contract company just attempting to contain a straightforward PR disaster.
Public safety roles like lifeguards for public areas should not be contracted out to low bidders or crony friend companies with incompetent supervisors just to save a dubious buck.
America needs more workers to stand up and uphold good principles and decent values despite what their callous management demands or manipulates only for their business advantage.
The lesson here is if you gonna swim in Florida beaches, make sure Ellis Management isn't contracted to provide lifeguards or else don't expect any help if you get into trouble.
Just thought of something. Back in the 60's a house just outside the city limits in California caught fire. The Local city fire department about 1 mile away, got there in about 5 minutes or so. Did they put out the fire? No way, it was outside the city limits, in county territory. All they did was connect the hoses just in case the fire spread to the home next to it inside the city limits. By the time the country fire department arrived the home was completely destroyed. That could no longer happen today, since there is the rules that allow any fire department to help in cases blazes occur outside their territory. Ring a bell here?
Just thought of something. Back in the 60's a house just outside the city limits in California caught fire. The Local city fire department about 1 mile away, got there in about 5 minutes or so. Did they put out the fire? No way, it was outside the city limits, in county territory. All they did was connect the hoses just in case the fire spread to the home next to it inside the city limits. By the time the country fire department arrived the home was completely destroyed. That could no longer happen today, since there is the rules that allow any fire department to help in cases blazes occur outside their territory. Ring a bell here?
Typical reaction from an untrained, petty supervisor... and apparently a family member of the business who staffs the life guards. If they had taken a moment to THINK before exercising the use of power, they could have rewarded the life guard for his action, ability and judgement, therefore gaining the support of the community by doing so. It is lame bureaucratic mentality the impedes the positive growth of humanity.
Corporations have no morals except the bottom line. They aren't supposed to and only a fool would expect them to. They only act in a moral way for public relations purposes which feeds their profits, but when they believe no one is watching, they act only in the best interest of the corporation without regard to "right" or "wrong". That's why Chevron ads claim it's the morale protector of our environment, yet they have destroyed much of the Amazon rain forest in Ecuador and refuse to clean it up since Americans don't see that mess.
In this case, Jim Ellis Management didn't expect the public to become aware of such barbaric firings and when the story hit the news, Ellis did an about face to repair public relations damage. Both decisions were made, not because they were morally anything, but to maximize the bottom line. Corporations are NOT people. Get used to it.
Man_ofreason... give it a rest. This is NOT a large Corporation. It's a small business, providing service to the Government..
90% of the "unfeeling" HR, that I have ever had dealings with, has been thanks to NON-Corporate connected jobs.
Sad part, No_man_ofreason... Corporations are the providers of 85% plus of the Not-for-profit charity giving in the USA. Cancer Research, United Way, MDA... you destroy the Corporations, you might as well kiss the charities good-bye.
And just so we are clear... no, they don't necessarily do it out the kindness, that is how they GET those tax breaks!! That and the Angel Giving to small business'.
But the true definition of "uncaring" is Government, but heck, they have successfully run so many ventures... right to the ground!
We need less failed government intervention and more citizen run government (like the Forefathers designed)
Good for you Tomas. Go to college and get the degree. I am sure that you will, or should, be well rewarded for you actions, enough to pay for the education.
Whoever heard of a lifeguard.. is not allowed TO SAVE a drowning victim..because the bureaucracy involved is more important than saving a life of a drowning victim? geesh--smh!!!
I'm in complete agreement with the lifeguard(s) and their choice to resign ..and especially the lifeguard named Madrid who was fired because of bureaucracy .. this same employer's bureaucracy NOW has offered Madrid his job back and Madrid REFUSED...
Government contracts... yeah, there is cause for concerned when ever you "color outside the lines" when dealing with the Government. Laws have no feelings, they lack a pulse and have no signs of humanity...
obicera1 - Wrong. The lifeguards could have made their point and kept their jobs. Instead, they are without jobs. Like it or not, this is an employer's market with so many unemployed people to choose from. Good swimmers can easily be taught the skills needed to be a lifeguard. The pool company that services my homeowner association pool holds classes evey year to train lifeguards.
askagain.. The main individual was fired. The other 4 showed team support. Which says VOLUMES about the character of the individuals.
As for the training.. the total need of "qualified and certified, CPR certified" lifeguards in this paticular area is much higher than average. Most individuals go into the training after they are hired (kids, go figure)...
The problem is, once the season is in full swing, well.. not much available training. As a business, they would need warm bodies to cover the shifts, fully ready to go...
As for the ease of being taught. CPR training requires a certain level of maturity.
Training is one thing, passing the tests is another. They can teach a kid to drive a car, but MANY still fail daily.
@askagain.. some of US have PRINCIPALS and believe in morals and demonstrate dignity..and WE aren't sold to the highest bidder.. I appauld such a young person for standing on his principals.. who's to say the fired lifeguard won't be approach with a BETTER offer with another company with PRINCIPALS and integrity? in some cases being fired has become a stepping stone to something offered better than the last..
The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
Reply to Comment The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
Lifeguarding is a dynamic profession that isn't about simply meeting the bare requirements, it's about going beyond the call of duty in order to help one's fellow man.
Although Tomas Lopez was initially punished for his valiant rescue, Tomas' admirable character received his well deserved rewards. Not only did he save the life of a distressed swimmer, but he has earned the admiration and respect of the nation.
Tomas Lopez has demonstrated the <a href="http://lifeguardhq.net/lifeguard-job-description-and-4-important-skills/">true characteristics of a lifeguard</a>
This act demonstrates the importance of going beyond a designated job description in order to exceed the status quo.
Laws need to be enacted to better protect those who help others.
Keep underlying fears of ambulance chasing lawyers out of Good Samaritan scenarios.
Glad to hear these "genuine" lifeguards can stand tall and preserve their obvious integrity to refuse any token rehire by a contract company just attempting to contain a straightforward PR disaster.
Public safety roles like lifeguards for public areas should not be contracted out to low bidders or crony friend companies with incompetent supervisors just to save a dubious buck.
America needs more workers to stand up and uphold good principles and decent values despite what their callous management demands or manipulates only for their business advantage.
In this case, Jim Ellis Management didn't expect the public to become aware of such barbaric firings and when the story hit the news, Ellis did an about face to repair public relations damage. Both decisions were made, not because they were morally anything, but to maximize the bottom line. Corporations are NOT people. Get used to it.
90% of the "unfeeling" HR, that I have ever had dealings with, has been thanks to NON-Corporate connected jobs.
Sad part, No_man_ofreason... Corporations are the providers of 85% plus of the Not-for-profit charity giving in the USA. Cancer Research, United Way, MDA... you destroy the Corporations, you might as well kiss the charities good-bye.
And just so we are clear... no, they don't necessarily do it out the kindness, that is how they GET those tax breaks!! That and the Angel Giving to small business'.
But the true definition of "uncaring" is Government, but heck, they have successfully run so many ventures... right to the ground!
We need less failed government intervention and more citizen run government (like the Forefathers designed)
I'm in complete agreement with the lifeguard(s) and their choice to resign ..and especially the lifeguard named Madrid who was fired because of bureaucracy .. this same employer's bureaucracy NOW has offered Madrid his job back and Madrid REFUSED...
As for the training.. the total need of "qualified and certified, CPR certified" lifeguards in this paticular area is much higher than average. Most individuals go into the training after they are hired (kids, go figure)...
The problem is, once the season is in full swing, well.. not much available training. As a business, they would need warm bodies to cover the shifts, fully ready to go...
As for the ease of being taught. CPR training requires a certain level of maturity.
Training is one thing, passing the tests is another. They can teach a kid to drive a car, but MANY still fail daily.