# Getting run over by the lifeguard patrol truck while sun bathing. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 16, 2012, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926 "2012-04-16T05:55:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![\_Olive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/4af34b/32.png) [@\_Olive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Olive)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/61 "2012-04-18T05:04:32Z")
I don’t sunbathe but i do camp on the beach …I worry about being run over even with a tent ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/62 "2012-04-18T05:07:56Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > That is correct. When I have driven, for 30 plus years now, and there is a human being who is not moving in front of my car within range of being hit, I have never failed to notice it. > > How many people have YOU run over? None accidentally, but there are millions of other careful folks out there who are just as careful as me (and the perfect you I guess) and sooner or later the statistics will bite one of them in the ass. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/63 "2012-04-18T05:08:12Z")
Why do they need those huge pickup trucks? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to employ something more sensible, like a horse? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/64 "2012-04-18T05:13:55Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > None, but there are millions of other careful folks out there who are just as careful as me (and the perfect you I guess) and sooner or later the statistics will bite one of them in the ass. And they haven’t run anyone over either. And I’m a damn near perfect driver. I’ve never hit a person, or a car or a tree or a lamp post or anything else. I WAS hit by somebody else-- once on the street while moving, twice if you count the time I was sitting at a dead stop in a parking lot. I expect the same from everyone! I am so disappointed in you all. 😛 It’s not statistics that will bite them in the ass – it’s inattention. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/65 "2012-04-18T05:15:14Z")
Well when you screw up can we put you on a cross? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/66 "2012-04-18T05:16:25Z")
Been there, done that. But don’t say anything. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/67 "2012-04-18T05:17:35Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > It’s not statistics that will bite them in the ass – it’s inattention. You don’t realize how humans work now do you? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/68 "2012-04-18T06:03:22Z")
That was the point I was trying to make in the OP. If possible, have a ice chest or folding chair near where you’re lying. It’s just one more layer of safety that’s easy to do. That one item on the sand next to you might be just enough for an inattentive driver to notice before he turns you into roadkill. 99% of the responsibility is on the driver of the truck. You have every right to lie on the beach and not worry about getting run over. An accident like this is very rare. You’re more likely to get poop bombed by a seagull. But, I’m cautious by nature and like to reduce the odds even more. Besides, I’m lazy and like having my cold soda close by. I never did like having to walk across the beach to the nearest refreshment stand. > [@billfish678](#): > > So… > > I take you have NEVER been looking right at something…looking for that very something and just…not…fracking…seen it…even when…you were staring…right…fracking…at …the very fracking…thing…you were looking for…and after many moments…you went…oh frack…there it is…right fracking there in front of you…? > > Sure… > > Human eyesight and the mind are not as infallable as you think they are. > > The way to prevent tragedies is to have multiple layers of “don’t fuck ups”. Being careful or “paying attention” doesn’t cut it.. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/69 "2012-04-18T13:33:02Z")
I’m getting the impression that in certain areas of the US (Florida, SoCal, Hawaii), lifeguards are trained professionals who take their jobs seriously. And run people over in their monster trucks. Around here, however, lifeguards tend to be 16-year-old girls. Apparently they get paid to talk about boys. Unless I look like Justin Beiber, I’m not expecting a rescue. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/70 "2012-04-18T13:38:57Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > I’m getting the impression that in certain areas of the US (Florida, SoCal, Hawaii), lifeguards are trained professionals who take their jobs seriously. And run people over in their monster trucks. > > Around here, however, lifeguards tend to be 16-year-old girls. Apparently they get paid to talk about boys. Unless I look like Justin Beiber, I’m not expecting a rescue. This is why, when I go swimming, I always take a Bieber wig with me. Just in case I need to get rescued. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/71 "2012-04-18T13:51:24Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > This is why, when I go swimming, I always take a Bieber wig with me. Just in case I need to get rescued. :smack: Why didn’t I think of that? ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/72 "2012-04-18T22:19:50Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > How do you “clearly” mark a road on a beach of shifting sand, thousands of strolling tourists, and high tides and bog waves? If the beach ends at dirt rather than rocks or pavement, you put it there. If sand is the only option, you mark it with a series of posts that say “NO SUNBATHING: VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.” ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/73 "2012-04-18T23:49:41Z")
I always figured sunbathing was bad for ya. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/74 "2012-04-19T10:59:57Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > That was the point I was trying to make in the OP. > > If possible, have a ice chest or folding chair near where you’re lying. It’s just one more layer of safety that’s easy to do. That one item on the sand next to you might be just enough for an inattentive driver to notice before he turns you into roadkill. > > 99% of the responsibility is on the driver of the truck. You have every right to lie on the beach and not worry about getting run over. An accident like this is very rare. You’re more likely to get poop bombed by a seagull. But, I’m cautious by nature and like to reduce the odds even more. Besides, I’m lazy and like having my cold soda close by. I never did like having to walk across the beach to the nearest refreshment stand. I would say you go to the beach in the exact opposite way that I do, then. The whole pleasure is in being able to stroll up and down unencumbered, go for a swim if you want to, play with the sand, maybe look in a rock pool or two. The idea of humping around a whacking great folding chair with me just makes me want to stay home and read a book instead. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/75 "2012-04-19T12:14:17Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > Around here, however, lifeguards tend to be 16-year-old girls. Apparently they get paid to talk about boys. Unless I look like Justin Beiber, I’m not expecting a rescue. Over here they’re all scowling leathery guys in their 40’s. They’ll save you, and then they’ll tear you a new one for being an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/76 "2012-04-19T16:51:13Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > Around here, however, lifeguards tend to be 16-year-old girls. Apparently they get paid to talk about boys. Unless I look like Justin Beiber, I’m not expecting a rescue. There’s usually a big difference between lifeguards at a pool and lifeguards at an ocean beach. Ocean lifeguards are much more professional (usually) and have much higher testing standards. On all the beaches I’ve been to the lifeguards are pretty serious about their jobs. I was a lifeguard at numerous pools growing up and the level of professionalism is quite a bit lower, but so is the danger. With beaches that have rip currents, jellyfish, and waves the risks are much more serious. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926/77 "2012-04-19T16:57:27Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > There’s usually a big difference between lifeguards at a pool and lifeguards at an ocean beach. Not that I’ve seen, but maybe it was the beaches themseles. The ones I’ve frequented (with teeny bopper life guards) are Megansett and Old Silver in North Falmouth, Kalmus in Hyannis, and Inkwell in Oak Bluffs. Granted, not many rip tides in those places. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-run-over-by-the-lifeguard-patrol-truck-while-sun-bathing/618926.md?page=3)