Becky Caggioni

Life Really is a Beach

"There's something strengthening about the sea, the rise,
and the fall, the constant melody." It depends on why
you go. No matter the reasons... exercise, friendship, folly,
or healing, all these qualities are present to soothe and
replenish mind, body and soul. People save for months to visit, while
others reach their goal...to live by the ocean and walk its shores. Hilton
Head Island boasts 13.5 miles of glorious, healing beaches, a popular
attraction in its own right.

"Our employees can make or break vacations," declares Becky
Caggioni of Hilton Head Beach Patrol. In her Arrow Road office
juggling phones in her baseball cap and shorts, Becky explains, "During
our busiest season we hire college students, who love the atmosphere
and desire to be a part of it. After thorough training, students from
all over the world are placed on our beaches to protect swimmers,
soothe minor ills, save lives, guarantee shade with rental umbrellas
and chairs, explain, answer, encourage, and keep our beaches safe
from harm."

In 1995, after finishing Elon College and teaching 8th graders
for three years, the ocean beckoned. Having lifeguarded in previous
summers, she picked up the torch and returned to her love, the beach.
She was employed by Hilton Head Beach Patrol where she began
lifeguarding at Crowne Plaza Resort. Summer became fall and Becky
remained accepting an offer as supervisor. She coordinated everything
beach related, yet found a magic moment to fall in love and marry the
man of her dreams in a very romantic ceremony in Italy in the fall
of 2005.Their lives were blessed and filled with sunshine. Suddenly, a
terrible accident in January 2007 snatched Becky's love away. "It's been
a long, sad road," she confessed. "My parents wanted me to return to
Charlotte for support. I told them I have wonderful friends and a strong
lifeline here. In a crisis this entire community lends their help. I don't
know how I would have made it without my faith," declared the Grace
Community Church member. "I have a strong religious background
and read devotionals every day. Letters to my husband written in a
journal given to me by a friend has helped a great deal." Somewhere in
time, Becky probably does not know when, the pain began to ease.

She threw herself even more into her work. During the winter
season, she usually takes a much needed break and pursues her second
love...travel. The four summers she spent abroad playing soccer while
in college likely stimulated this interest. "I love to go and do so as often
as possible during our 'shoulder' season. In 2008, I visited China and
have been to several Caribbean Islands recently."

It's not all suntan and fun. Overseeing our beaches often means 12-
hour days for Becky from May thru October... training, supervising,
responding to questions, and whatever the call. She chatters happily
and stories are often funny. "We're expected to know the answers to
everything. Our employees are trained to answer if they know, but some
make up answers for fun and are so creative. When questioned by a
tourist about diving pelicans, one of our lifeguards quipped, 'Oh, they
get tired of flying, fall asleep, and drop into the ocean!' Another one,
exasperated when a tourist would not believe his logical explanation
about fog quickly rolling in, finally said there was a movie going on and
they brought in the fog. At last, the questioner walked away satisfied!"

Becky who has participated in several triathlons emphasized, "Never
take anything for granted. We get so caught up in daily tasks, we forget
what a paradise this is. I work with such a great crew, a big family. We
meet such amazing people. I have no regrets...I am where I want to be."