MARION — On Friday Aug. 16, the Recreation Department honored the Silvershell Beach Lifeguards at a recognition dinner. 

Special awards were presented to Patrick Cummings, “Rookie Lifeguard of the Year,” and to Eli Spevack, “Lifeguard of the Year.” Cummings is a junior at Bridgewater State University majoring in Criminal Justice. 

Spevack is also a junior at Boston University majoring in Human Physiology on a premed track. Spevack worked as a EMT for the Marion Fire/EMS Department this past summer as well. 

“What make these awards truly special is that these two individuals were selected by their fellow lifeguards,” said Jody Dickerson, director of Recreation. Dickerson explained that he looks for five characteristics in a good lifeguard: job skills, reliability, good communication, leadership skills and professionalism. “Eli and Patrick have all five characteristics,” added Dickerson. 

“During my tenure over the years as director, I have worked with some great lifeguards. But this team that we put together this year has to be one of the best that the Town of Marion has ever had. I am extremely proud of each and everyone of these lifeguards this year,” Dickerson said. 

Joining Cummings and Spevack this year as lifeguards are: Léa Bourgeois, Mason DaSilva, John Delehanty, Stephen Delehanty, Mac Fox, Michaela Mattson and Chelesa Peterson.