94-Year-Old Grandma Gets Ride of Her Life From Caring Lifeguard

PLEASANTVILLE, CT — Jenna McCann is a very proud mom after her lifeguard son, Shane McCann, made a big splash with a seemingly small but kind gesture when he personally escorted an elderly woman with mobility issues to see the Montauk beach waves.

Janet Dunne, of Bethel, Conn., was on vacation with her elderly mother, of Pleasantville, NY, who couldn't make it down to the beach, but the lifeguard came to their rescue. Dunne told Patch that her family has been going to the beach in Montauk with her sister, who passed away recently, her sister-in-law, and mother, 94-year-old Tracy Dunne, for the last 15 years. Janet said her mother suffers with neuropathy in her feet but gets around well and still lives on her own.

Shane McCann's good deed has sent huge heartwarming ripples throughout Connecticut, New York and across the nation as word of his actions gets shared hundreds of times. Dunne said she wanted to thank the lifeguard but did not know how to contact him, so she sent the following open letter to the Montauk Chamber of Commerce after he went above and beyond to give her elderly mother the ride of her life.

"I am writing to you because I wasn't sure who to send this to. My Sister in law, myself and our 94 year old Mother just spent a few days at the Surf Club in Montauk - from June 27-July 1. We've been coming to Montauk for the past 12 years and every year have managed to get my Mom to the beach. But, this year was very difficult so the first few days she spent at the pool with us checking on her every hour. She really wanted to 'see the waves' but we didn't think it would be possible.

"I called your office to inquire about beach wheelchairs and was told to check with the lifeguards. When I checked, they didn't have one, but offered to pick my Mom up and bring her to the beach. A wonderful lifeguard named Shane (and I am sorry, but never got his last name) picked my Mom up at the door to our room - helped her into the Dune Buggy and drove her to where were were sitting in front of the Surf Club.

"The look on my Mom's face was something I will never forget and this made our vacation. He picked her back up at 4:00 and brought her back to the room. He gave her a hug and told her she was in inspiration to him. Made me cry! Also, we tipped him both ways (coming and going) and he informed me that he wasn't keeping the money but was sharing it with everyone. If all of Montauk's lifeguards are this wonderful, you are a very lucky town to have them.

"I tried to find a website or email so I could send this to Sean's superiors, but was unable to do that. If you can forward it to whoever you think might want to see this, I would appreciate it. I'm attaching a photo so you can see my Mom and Sean! I love Montauk and always have. This may be my Mom's last visit, so this meant more than I can ever say."

Photo and letter courtesy of Janet Dunne, Bethel