Boomer Goes On A Sexist Rant After A Female Lifeguard Saves Him From Drowning
Interview With ExpertThere’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
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
Image credits: Rawpixel (not the actual photo)
Later, the lifeguard shared some more details about the situation
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
Readers applauded the woman for being a hero and called out the man for his inappropriate comments
Some even had similar stories of their own to share
Poll Question
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Sounds like this was more of a twát issue than either of those.
Load More Replies...By using the term boomer the saver is equally stupid as the swimmer. e.g. Andrew Tate, the epitome of misogyny, is not boomer.
My thought was, oops, he fell off my jet ski. Too bad, so sad.
Load More Replies...As Millennials are now in their 40s and GenX’s are now 60, maybe it’s time to stop the Boomer narrative?
GenX here. I have it on good authority that we don't exist. Please don't bring us into these conversations, we're just trying to get by.
Load More Replies...And the age or the speedo were relevant because....? Sexist arseholes come in all ages and sizes. I'm not a boomer, but already tired of the term
They were relevant because that's what happened. It's a real story about a real person, not a neatly wrapped metaphor
Load More Replies...In denmark we live by the water. We respect the water. We all have stories off who the water/sea took. It is not about age. It's about knowing that the sea is not A POOL! The drowning victims in denmark nowadays is mostly tourist!
Same with us Aussies, sadly. The ones that drown a) don't swim between the lifeguard flags (both Aussie and tourists) or b) are (primarily) tourists that overestimate their abilities.
Load More Replies...Quick ethical dilemma. If Donald Trump is drowning, do you save him? Or do you keep your foot on his head? Adapted in the UK for Tony Blair.
I’m 60 so I spose technically I’m almost a boomer now 🤬🤦♀️I loath that term it’s so insulting , as us older gen aren’t sexists well I’m not then I am female lol , but this attitude has nothing to do with age tbh it’s down to the fact he’s just an ungrateful inhuman lol !!! no way am I going in water if it states not to , n as for the man o war jelly fish omg nooo I’ve been stung by them when I was 15 down in Cornwall Portuguese man o war they were n bugger they HURT !! I’ve still got the scars on the back of my heels ! U don’t mess with them , that beach had to be closed to as they came in on mass later that day was only a few when me n my stepsister went in no one saw them !, keep up the good work op x blessed be , next time leave him there !
Baby Boomers are generally defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. This means that in 2025, they are currently between 61 and 79 years old. It describes those who were born after the men returned home from WW2, resulting in a large "baby boom." If you're not of that generation, you're not a "boomer." And it's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, or to criticize.
Load More Replies...Welp, you enjoy that drowning. /s Edit: And jerks can be jerks without being boomers or Gen Whatever. Why can’t we just call them as what they are, aşsholes?
I would like to put on a moron fee for everyone ignoring warning signs or following dumb tictoc challenges.They endanger themselves and other one though knowing better and should pay for the rescue teams, that are in urge for money and get often verbally violated- they own it.
There are reasons why, if you attempt to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, you will pay for your rescue, pay an ENORMOUS fine, and get jailed. It had to get to that level to stop idiots from killing themselves. I really think daredevils should be left alone, it sometime seems the only way to improve the breed.
Load More Replies...If the red flags are out, we should not have lifeguards risking their own lives. It's like mountain rescue, if theres a no climb advisory, no one should be sent to recover people who ignore the warning. This lifeguard was ok, but rescuers are killed and injured too often. A red flag beach should be an at your won risk situation.
sick of any person middle aged being called "boomer" by ignorant young people. Have to be 65 or older to be part of the cool generation. Now get off my lawn!
Retreat because the conditions were too rough. First rule of rescuing - do not put yourself in danger, because then you'll have two bodies to recover.
“A boomer in a speedo that left little to the imagination”. Beware of boomer men smuggling grapes.
Or budgies! (Actually, don't smuggle budgies. Budgies are adorable birds and don't deserve being anywhere near your c****h.) Edit: Just in case people aren't sure, 'budgie-smugglers' is considered slang for speedos here in Aus.
Load More Replies...no proof any of what the "rescuers" say is true, personally I've seen lifeguards overreacting to people much more experienced and qualified than they are when we were on leave from our training just up the highway from this area. it's a cliche but sometimes you give them a lanyard and they think they know better than military trained teams on a little time off
We legally can't. I cannot tell you how many rescuers end up with life-changing injuries or even die (especially alpine rescuers) due to the inexperience and nonchalant attitude of the public. We also get regularly assaulted by family members, although at least they will be automatically arrested and prosecuted if there are police around. Sadly, where I'm from we still don't have body cameras which in my opinion should be top priority. I've had colleagues from EMT who have been sued by the family of a cardiac arrest victim for cutting his Gucci shirt. The victim made a full recovery, the shirt proved to be a knock-off...
Load More Replies...Misogyny, at any age, is rather unbecoming. I believe that the term "misogynistic jerk" would be more appropriate. Also, I feel that there should be someone of authority at these beaches during open hours. When someone disregards the warning signs and flags and end up being rescued by the lifeguards, they should be flagged. If they become a b u s i v e in any way, they should be banned from the beach. No one gets paid nearly enough to endure that kind of infantile behavior.
Yay, boomer bashing! 😠 I hope these people who generalise realises that when they’re our age it’ll be their turn to take the blame for everything.
Wow, Bored Panda. Can't you get through one week without defaming Baby Boomers?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can you guys acknowledge that not all boomers are as*holes? I hate to be lumped in with these people when I was brought up correctly, apologize if I'm wrong, say please and thank you and have consideration f others. He's a MCP (male chauvinist pig), NOT a boomer.
I am a boomer myself and hate it when other boomers act like this. It makes all boomers look like idiots which we are not.
In our little beach town, if you get in the water while there are double red flags, you get fined. I forget how much.
What did the generation he belonged to have to do with anything? Why not refer to him by, say, the color of his eyes or his brand of tooth paste?
You lost me at "boomer." How the f**k do you know he wasn't younger than that?
If it weren't an unnecessary drain on the service, this'd be when I'd suggest calling an ambulance because "this man appears to be suffering some kind of acute cognitive impairment leading him to endanger himself and act aggressively towards others, and he needs to be assessed for his own safety" Edit to add: I really do wonder how much of the Boomer stereotype is actually cognitive decline misinterpreted as entitlement. There have been studies that show age related cognitive decline is linked to reduced empathy
In my experience as both a former USAR captain and someone who has interviewed over 8600 people during the census, sadly it's that generation. I've had people from the Silent Generation, some of the kindest, most patient people I've worked with. I even had a 102 year old client, perfectly lucid, came in unassisted. He was just something else. Made my entire day. Sadly, the job related stereotypes were also true. Some of the biggest a******s were lawyers. One of them even tried to take my lunchbag AND my coffee from right in front of me!!! Nurses tended to be super firm but somehow still very sweet, military answered all questions with as few words as humanly possible, while teachers and therapists vere super verbose. The Church crowd were judgmental, rude and demanding and weirdly enough, it was the Atheists who were behaving in a Christ-like manner.
Load More Replies...A boomer wearing a Speedo? Sometimes it's best just to let nature take its course...
Learn to swim p***y. On another note, Jetskis have drainage holes just for this reason.
Florida had a much larger increase in population size than most of the rest of the country. However, it wasn't because of increased birthrate, but because of a huge influx of retiring boomers. All one has to do is to look at the change in the age structure in Florida. That is reason for the rightwards shift, as well as the reason for many of the laws. The state government is focused on basing their economy on old people spending their retirement funds.
Sounds like this was more of a twát issue than either of those.
Load More Replies...By using the term boomer the saver is equally stupid as the swimmer. e.g. Andrew Tate, the epitome of misogyny, is not boomer.
My thought was, oops, he fell off my jet ski. Too bad, so sad.
Load More Replies...As Millennials are now in their 40s and GenX’s are now 60, maybe it’s time to stop the Boomer narrative?
GenX here. I have it on good authority that we don't exist. Please don't bring us into these conversations, we're just trying to get by.
Load More Replies...And the age or the speedo were relevant because....? Sexist arseholes come in all ages and sizes. I'm not a boomer, but already tired of the term
They were relevant because that's what happened. It's a real story about a real person, not a neatly wrapped metaphor
Load More Replies...In denmark we live by the water. We respect the water. We all have stories off who the water/sea took. It is not about age. It's about knowing that the sea is not A POOL! The drowning victims in denmark nowadays is mostly tourist!
Same with us Aussies, sadly. The ones that drown a) don't swim between the lifeguard flags (both Aussie and tourists) or b) are (primarily) tourists that overestimate their abilities.
Load More Replies...Quick ethical dilemma. If Donald Trump is drowning, do you save him? Or do you keep your foot on his head? Adapted in the UK for Tony Blair.
I’m 60 so I spose technically I’m almost a boomer now 🤬🤦♀️I loath that term it’s so insulting , as us older gen aren’t sexists well I’m not then I am female lol , but this attitude has nothing to do with age tbh it’s down to the fact he’s just an ungrateful inhuman lol !!! no way am I going in water if it states not to , n as for the man o war jelly fish omg nooo I’ve been stung by them when I was 15 down in Cornwall Portuguese man o war they were n bugger they HURT !! I’ve still got the scars on the back of my heels ! U don’t mess with them , that beach had to be closed to as they came in on mass later that day was only a few when me n my stepsister went in no one saw them !, keep up the good work op x blessed be , next time leave him there !
Baby Boomers are generally defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. This means that in 2025, they are currently between 61 and 79 years old. It describes those who were born after the men returned home from WW2, resulting in a large "baby boom." If you're not of that generation, you're not a "boomer." And it's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, or to criticize.
Load More Replies...Welp, you enjoy that drowning. /s Edit: And jerks can be jerks without being boomers or Gen Whatever. Why can’t we just call them as what they are, aşsholes?
I would like to put on a moron fee for everyone ignoring warning signs or following dumb tictoc challenges.They endanger themselves and other one though knowing better and should pay for the rescue teams, that are in urge for money and get often verbally violated- they own it.
There are reasons why, if you attempt to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, you will pay for your rescue, pay an ENORMOUS fine, and get jailed. It had to get to that level to stop idiots from killing themselves. I really think daredevils should be left alone, it sometime seems the only way to improve the breed.
Load More Replies...If the red flags are out, we should not have lifeguards risking their own lives. It's like mountain rescue, if theres a no climb advisory, no one should be sent to recover people who ignore the warning. This lifeguard was ok, but rescuers are killed and injured too often. A red flag beach should be an at your won risk situation.
sick of any person middle aged being called "boomer" by ignorant young people. Have to be 65 or older to be part of the cool generation. Now get off my lawn!
Retreat because the conditions were too rough. First rule of rescuing - do not put yourself in danger, because then you'll have two bodies to recover.
“A boomer in a speedo that left little to the imagination”. Beware of boomer men smuggling grapes.
Or budgies! (Actually, don't smuggle budgies. Budgies are adorable birds and don't deserve being anywhere near your c****h.) Edit: Just in case people aren't sure, 'budgie-smugglers' is considered slang for speedos here in Aus.
Load More Replies...no proof any of what the "rescuers" say is true, personally I've seen lifeguards overreacting to people much more experienced and qualified than they are when we were on leave from our training just up the highway from this area. it's a cliche but sometimes you give them a lanyard and they think they know better than military trained teams on a little time off
We legally can't. I cannot tell you how many rescuers end up with life-changing injuries or even die (especially alpine rescuers) due to the inexperience and nonchalant attitude of the public. We also get regularly assaulted by family members, although at least they will be automatically arrested and prosecuted if there are police around. Sadly, where I'm from we still don't have body cameras which in my opinion should be top priority. I've had colleagues from EMT who have been sued by the family of a cardiac arrest victim for cutting his Gucci shirt. The victim made a full recovery, the shirt proved to be a knock-off...
Load More Replies...Misogyny, at any age, is rather unbecoming. I believe that the term "misogynistic jerk" would be more appropriate. Also, I feel that there should be someone of authority at these beaches during open hours. When someone disregards the warning signs and flags and end up being rescued by the lifeguards, they should be flagged. If they become a b u s i v e in any way, they should be banned from the beach. No one gets paid nearly enough to endure that kind of infantile behavior.
Yay, boomer bashing! 😠 I hope these people who generalise realises that when they’re our age it’ll be their turn to take the blame for everything.
Wow, Bored Panda. Can't you get through one week without defaming Baby Boomers?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can you guys acknowledge that not all boomers are as*holes? I hate to be lumped in with these people when I was brought up correctly, apologize if I'm wrong, say please and thank you and have consideration f others. He's a MCP (male chauvinist pig), NOT a boomer.
I am a boomer myself and hate it when other boomers act like this. It makes all boomers look like idiots which we are not.
In our little beach town, if you get in the water while there are double red flags, you get fined. I forget how much.
What did the generation he belonged to have to do with anything? Why not refer to him by, say, the color of his eyes or his brand of tooth paste?
You lost me at "boomer." How the f**k do you know he wasn't younger than that?
If it weren't an unnecessary drain on the service, this'd be when I'd suggest calling an ambulance because "this man appears to be suffering some kind of acute cognitive impairment leading him to endanger himself and act aggressively towards others, and he needs to be assessed for his own safety" Edit to add: I really do wonder how much of the Boomer stereotype is actually cognitive decline misinterpreted as entitlement. There have been studies that show age related cognitive decline is linked to reduced empathy
In my experience as both a former USAR captain and someone who has interviewed over 8600 people during the census, sadly it's that generation. I've had people from the Silent Generation, some of the kindest, most patient people I've worked with. I even had a 102 year old client, perfectly lucid, came in unassisted. He was just something else. Made my entire day. Sadly, the job related stereotypes were also true. Some of the biggest a******s were lawyers. One of them even tried to take my lunchbag AND my coffee from right in front of me!!! Nurses tended to be super firm but somehow still very sweet, military answered all questions with as few words as humanly possible, while teachers and therapists vere super verbose. The Church crowd were judgmental, rude and demanding and weirdly enough, it was the Atheists who were behaving in a Christ-like manner.
Load More Replies...A boomer wearing a Speedo? Sometimes it's best just to let nature take its course...
Learn to swim p***y. On another note, Jetskis have drainage holes just for this reason.
Florida had a much larger increase in population size than most of the rest of the country. However, it wasn't because of increased birthrate, but because of a huge influx of retiring boomers. All one has to do is to look at the change in the age structure in Florida. That is reason for the rightwards shift, as well as the reason for many of the laws. The state government is focused on basing their economy on old people spending their retirement funds.




































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