1. LeRoy Colombo “World’s Greatest Lifeguard”

2. Early Life Born December 23, 1905 in Galveston, Texas Age 7, spinal meningitis- left his legs paralyzed How did brothers, Cinto & Nick, help LeRoy? LeRoy regained all his strength

3. Education Age 8, went to public school-frustrated there Age 10, Texas School for the Deaf in Austin Became skilled swimmer in school’s pool Age 16, 1921, left school…. Why? (death of father)

4. Young Adult Years Age 18,(1923) Surf Toboggan Club 1 st Deaf member (he had to swim continuously for 3 hours-no floating) 1923 became a Life Guard for the City of Galveston 1924: Competed against Herbert Bernau, Jr., the Amateur Athletic Union’s national endurance champion, & beat him Labor Day, 1925, (Age 20) Rematch (10 mile race), he beat Herbert again by 1 mile New record for the race, 6 hours 55 minutes

5. How Would LeRoy Fare Against Michael Phelps? 1926, competed in a 10 mile race in the Mississippi River & dislocated his shoulder in the 8 th mile, continued swimming with 1 arm and finished the race 1927-Labor Day Race- LeRoy & Cinto got 1 st & 2 nd place in a 15 mile marathon (age 22) They were the only ones to finish out of 6 entrants-why? LeRoy was timed at 11 hours 30 minutes, beating Cinto by 3 1/2 hours Age 23, 1928-swam 30 miles in 16 hours 24 minutes 1929-1939- won all long distance races in the Gulf of Mexico

6. Why is LeRoy Colombo Famous? Rescued his 1 st victim when he was 12 During his 40 years as a Life Guard, he saved 907 lives (Guinness World Record) How brave was he? Forced to retire at age 62 b/c of a heart condition He still swam a mile a day up until a a few weeks before he died Died on July 12, 1974- age 69

7. Honored for His Heroism “In Memory of Leroy Colombo Dec 23, 1905- July 12, 1974 A Deaf-Mute who risked his own life repeatedly to save more than a thousand lives from drowning in the waters surrounding Galveston Island.” “Plaque dedicated Nov 1974 By the Noon Optimist Club and the City of Galveston Texas”

8. Can a Deaf Person Be a Good Lifeguard ????