Boomer Goes On A Sexist Rant After A Female Lifeguard Saves Him From Drowning

There’s nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach. Burying your toes in the warm sand, laying under an umbrella reading a book and breathing in the fresh, ocean air can make your troubles melt faster than a popsicle.

But while you’re getting a tan or combing the shore for beautiful shells, it’s important to remember that, even at the beach, safety comes first. A lifeguard recently shared a story on Reddit detailing how she saved a man’s life after he ignored warning signs about the water conditions. But instead of thanking her, he demonstrated just how ignorant he really is. Below, you’ll find the full story, as well as a conversation with Madison Lalonde, Director of Communications and Public Education at the Lifesaving Society.

It’s important to take lifeguards seriously when they warn swimmers about dangerous water conditions

Female lifeguard wearing red, standing by the water with rescue equipment, representing lifeguard and fragile male ego conflict.

Image credits: Danielle-Claude Bélanger (not the actual photo)

But when one man refused to listen, this lifeguard had to put herself at risk to save him from drowning

Ocean rescue lifeguard saves boomer who nearly drowns then faces backlash for hurting fragile male ego at beach.

Boomer in a speedo nearly drowns after ignoring warnings, then berates the lifeguard who saved him.

Boomer struggling underwater as lifeguard attempts rescue during a dangerous near-drowning incident at the beach.

Text describing a boomer nearly drowning and then berating the lifeguard who saved him for hurting his fragile male ego.

Text excerpt describing a boomer nearly drowning and then berating the lifeguard who saved him for hurting his fragile male ego.

Man struggling in water reaching for lifeguard’s outstretched hand during a near drowning rescue at the pool.

Image credits: Rawpixel (not the actual photo)

Text message complaining about being berated after saving a boomer swimmer, mentioning fragile male ego and sexism.

Later, the lifeguard shared some more details about the situation

Text about marine life warnings and a boomer lucky to avoid stings, related to boomer nearly drowning and fragile male ego.

Text discussing a Florida lifeguard fired for rescuing a drowning person outside an unmarked observation area.

Text excerpt discussing private lifeguard companies and a city worker referring to job security despite perceived stupidity.

Text discussing water damage to a jet ski likely caused by riding in a rip current during inspection.

Image credits: ThatOceanAngel

Over 3,500 people drown in the United States every year

Many of us spend the majority of the year looking forward to summer. Finally, the sun is shining, the air is warm, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming. If you happen to live in a warm place, you might even be able to get into the water during the spring! But regardless of when you’re diving in, you must remember how to stay safe.

According to Stop Drowning Now, between 3,500 and 4,000 people drown in the United States every single year. This is the most common way for children between the ages of one and four to lose their lives, and 80% of child drownings take place in residential pools while there are adults around.

No matter how long you’ve been swimming or how strong of a swimmer you are, you are, unfortunately, not immune to drowning. In fact, a 2021 study in Canada found that drownings among older adults have been on the rise in recent years.  

Researchers found that 812 adults over the age of 65 lost their lives to drowning during the 10-year period of their study. However, they project that by 2050, between 209 and 430 older adults will drown in Canada per year. 

The study also determined that adults between the ages of 65 and 74 were more likely to drown in open water, such as lakes, rivers and oceans. Meanwhile, those over the age of 75 were more likely to drown in bathtubs or private pools.

Image credits: seleznev_photos (not the actual photo)

“Being aware while being active can save your life”

To learn more about water safety, we got in touch with Madison Lalonde, Director of Communications and Public Education at the Lifesaving Society. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain why it’s so important to take warnings seriously when lifeguards mention dangerous conditions.

“The majority of drowning incidents in Canada occur in outdoor, unsupervised environments, like lakes, as there are many inherent risks like rocks, cold water, and they are largely unsupervised,” Madison shared. “Less than 1% of drowning incidents in Canada occur in lifeguard supervised settings. Moving water (oceans, rivers, etc.) is far more dangerous than still water due to additional hazards like currents, waves, and changes in depth. These hazards can affect even the strongest of swimmers.”

So is it ever safe to go swimming alone? “It is not safe to do any aquatic activity alone,” the expert says. “You should always have someone with you who can call for help or throw you a flotation device in an emergency. Even strong swimmers can face unexpected challenges like cramps, exhaustion, or medical issues.”

“It’s equally important that your companion knows not to attempt a rescue themselves unless they’re trained,” Madison continued. “Untrained rescuers are often at risk of drowning too. If you’re going boating, swimming, or fishing always have a buddy with you, choose a supervised area with lifeguards on duty, and let someone know your plans. Wearing a lifejacket, especially when boating or swimming in open water, adds an important layer of protection.”

No matter how old you are, it’s important to know your limits. “Adults, especially men, are a high demographic for the risk of drowning. If you feel hot or tired, take a break. Being aware while being active can save your life,” Madison told Bored Panda.

“Drowning can happen silently and quickly. I encourage everyone to make water safety a shared responsibility. Know the risks, prepare for them, and look out for one another,” she continued. “Anyone can drown. No one should.”

Swimming doesn’t have to be a scary activity. In fact, it should be tons of fun! But you’ll only get to enjoy it if you take safety seriously. And if a lifeguard rescues you, please, be respectful to them.  

Image credits: Unai82 (not the actual photo)

The lifeguard also responded to a couple of comments and provided more background information

Screenshot of an online discussion about identifying rip currents and avoiding dangerous marine life at the beach.

Conversation about Florida red flag warnings and local ordinances after boomer nearly drowns and criticizes lifeguard.

Readers applauded the woman for being a hero and called out the man for his inappropriate comments

Comment defending lifeguard after boomer berates him, highlighting fragile male ego and lack of respect.

Commenter expressing frustration with boomers’ behavior and their impact on others in an online discussion.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment reading You should’ve thrown him back, discussing a boomer’s fragile male ego after near drowning.

Comment on a social media post about a boomer berating a lifeguard after a near drowning incident, mentioning fragile male ego.

Comment on a forum post discussing a boomer berating a lifeguard after nearly drowning, mentioning body cam evidence and legal action.

Comment discussing fragile male ego and insecurity in response to a story about a boomer nearly drowning.

Comment on social media post with 326 points, questioning if someone should be tossed back in, relating to boomer nearly drowning and reacting to lifeguard.

Text post from Reddit user eastbayweird saying he made himself look like a fool by being a belligerent misogynist.

Comment on social media post criticizing a boomer who berates a lifeguard after nearly drowning, highlighting fragile male ego.

Comment on Reddit post showing user criticizing boomer’s fragile male ego after nearly drowning and berating the lifeguard who saved him.

Comment text on a white background saying next time hold up the sign from the shoreline addressing lifeguard interaction.

Alt text: Boomer nearly drowns then berates lifeguard who saved him, hurting his fragile male ego during rescue.

Screenshot of an online comment expressing surprise and strong language in response to a statement about gender.

Comment criticizing a boomer’s fragile male ego after nearly drowning and berating the lifeguard who saved him.

Some even had similar stories of their own to share

Comment describing a boomer nearly drowning and berating a lifeguard, highlighting fragile male ego at a waterpark.

Comment praising a lifeguard for saving a male client despite being berated, highlighting fragile male ego and thanks.

Comment describing a lifeguard’s rescue of a drowning woman and her reaction hurting his fragile male ego.

Comment discussing boomer customers refusing help and lifeguards managing fragile male egos while working on water sports.

Comment about boomer berating lifeguard after rescue, highlighting fragile male ego and pool rescue frustration.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!