Skip to content

Seaside History

Seaside Lifeguards: A Fond Seasonal Farewell

August 28, 2013 | by Nate Burke

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day Weekend? Don’t fret!  We’re still probably in for some dynamic weather throughout September and summer doesn’t officially end until September 21. However, Labor Day marks the last day of lifeguarding season where our bronzed beach defenders will be out in force for the last time this year.

The lifeguard cycle is a well-known rhythm in Seaside – dating back further than most can remember. Shown here are two of Seaside’s all-star lifeguards in the summer of 1936. Clarke Thompson and Wally Hug were popular local surfers and water-men who channeled their athletic skills into lifeguarding. Along with their trusty dog, Bruno, and their beach cruiser (outfitted with a winch and pulley system), they were ready for every sort of beach emergency. Our hearty water warriors will be driving drive off into the sunset after Labor Day weekend, but don’t despair!  They’ll be back next summer, rested up and ready to safeguard our golden Seaside sunny season.

Editors Note: The Seaside Lifeguards operate from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day from 11:00am – 6:00pm seven days a week.  They provide surf rescue capabilities, basic first aid, help keep our beaches clean throughout the summer months, and can also provide helpful tips about when and where the safest spots are to play in the surf.

and so much more!

Biking the N. Coast Mountain Range

Opportunities endless when hopping on two wheels to navigate Seaside area

Accessible Adventures in Seaside

From free electric track-chair rentals to ADA-accessible kayak launches and the longest Mobi-Mat beach access on the Oregon Coast,...

Top Selfie Spots in Seaside

What’s a stay at the Coast without a selfie or two? Whether you’re posing with your family on the beach, with your sweetie at ...

Drilling in Seaside

World War I soldiers drilling on Seaside's beach.

View from the Hotel Seaside

A view from the old Hotel Seaside in the mid 1920s

Sea Foam on the shore's of The Cove in Seaside, Oregon
The Cove, Seaside’s Natural Treasure

Exploring Seaside's Cove, a natural wonder to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike

Cozy Up With Bookstore Owner Karen Emmerling

SEASIDE SPOTLIGHT: Our latest profile in a series focused on the behind-the-scenes movers who make Seaside the unique destination ...

The Sweet Side of Seaside

Above photo: A tray of sweets on display at A Sweet Affaire, held every February. In February, we invite you to bask in the sweet ...

6 Great Asian Restaurants in Seaside

Alongside Seaside’s great local seafood options, pub fare and breakfast joints, there’s a small but robust collection of Asian...

How to Treasure Seaside

Learn why one family uncovers more reasons to love Seaside each time they visit. After 40 years of coming to Seaside, there are st...

Pokémon Go: All You Need To Know in Seaside

Pokémon is a cultural phenomenon around the world. With adorable creatures, battle mechanics, an opportunity for healthy explorat...

Whales and More!

Seaside’s beaches are great for whale-watching, with thousands of migrating gray whales swimming past its shores every year. How...

1st Generation Boardwalk: High Definition for the Old Guard

The Promenade started out as a wooden boardwalk that attracted visitors from far

Keeping Watch on Our Waters

Washington lighthouses, just an hour's drive from Seaside, are historic wonders

Supporting Local at the Seaside Farmers Market

Summer Wednesdays in Seaside are extra special, when the weekly Seaside Farmers Market sprouts up at the Sunset Recreation Center ...

Making Seaside Beautiful: Gardens

Seeking help on starting a garden plot sent me in search of Pam Fleming, whose reputation as a resource on Seaside’s Gardens was a bit understated as I was to discover. I met her at the Grand Opening of Back Alley Gardens (find by walking through Natural Nook Florists 734 Broadway).

Paddle Neawanna Creek
How To Paddle Seaside

Kayaking and paddle boarding options abound in Seaside, Oregon. Find out what you need to know to float the coast....

Broadway Retro

A look at downtown Seaside during the 1960s