JUPITER <\/p>\n
After 30 years working Jupiter beach, lifeguard Rob Rogerson retired June 9 and is moving to the Virgin Islands to operate a charter sailboat. <\/p>\n
Im leaving paradise for paradise, said the 56-year-old who grew up in Palm Beach Gardens. <\/p>\n
Rogerson plans on buying a 25-foot sailboat. Over the years, he has vacationed in the islands and gotten to know the owners of the boat. <\/p>\n
Whenever I visited the island, I would always rent that boat. Now, Im buying it. Its a dream come true, said Rogerson, a Jupiter resident. <\/p>\n
Rogerson started as a lifeguard when he was 26. His title now is ocean lifeguard rescue boat operator and emergency medical technician. <\/p>\n
Training other lifeguards and reaching out to the public have been Rogersons best assets, said Eric Call, executive director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. <\/p>\n
(Rob) loves teaching, educating and communicating with the public. Hes been an excellent lifeguard. He always stayed in great shape. Hes a dedicated employee. Hell be sorely missed, said Call. <\/p>\n
The plan is to rent out the boat, which fits about six people. Hell take visitors out to nearby islands for day trips. <\/p>\n
Well go out snorkeling, watch the sunsets, said, Rogerson, who plans on leaving in August. <\/p>\n
In the meantime, Rogerson plans on stand-up paddling 50 miles on June 17 from Bimini to Florida toraise money for cystic fibrosis. <\/p>\n
Hell take with him happy memories of Jupiter, he said. <\/p>\n
No matter how many times I come in the Jupiter Inlet and Im guided by the lighthouse, it makes my heart jump when I see those home waters. It tells me that Im home, said Rogerson. <\/p>\n
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After 30 years, retiring Jupiter lifeguard says he's leaving 'paradise' - Palm Beach Post<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" JUPITER After 30 years working Jupiter beach, lifeguard Rob Rogerson retired June 9 and is moving to the Virgin Islands to operate a charter sailboat. Continue reading