Ocracoke’s chief lifeguard is among the NPS employees recognized for valor

Heroic National Park Service employees and partners who risked their lives to assist others in need were recognized Friday in Washington, D.C., at the Department of the Interior’s 69th Honor Awards Convocation.

Among them was Don Hutson, chief lifeguard at the Ocracoke Swim Beach in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, who helped rescue five swimmers caught in rip tides. He personally towed four of the swimmers to shore through 100-plus yards of strong current and surf.

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell presented Valor Awards to 17 employees who demonstrated unusual courage in the face of danger. She also presented the Citizen’s Award for Bravery to three private citizens who risked their lives to save others while on Department of the Interior lands.

“These heroes rappelled from helicopters, scaled cliffs, swam through rapids, and protected park visitors from hazards,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “They put their own lives in peril to help others. Yet, each one of them would humbly say they were simply doing their jobs. Their passion to serve others is inspiring.”

Hutson’s recognition comes at an interesting time for the National Park Service.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore superintendent Barclay Trimble announced last fall that lifeguard services from Memorial Day to Labor Day at three seashore beaches, including Ocracoke, would be eliminated because of budget cuts.

Currently, Trimble is trying to reinstate the service Monday through Friday via a contractor.  

Hyde County’s commissioners have agreed to pay an additional estimated $10,000 for weekend coverage of Ocracoke’s lifeguarded beach.  Dare County’s commissioners have not signed on for coverage of beaches on Bodie Island and at Buxton.

In addition to Hutson, the persons recognized were:

“It is gratifying to be part of a team that is able to help people in their time of need,” said Valor Award recipient Jack Corrao. “Every rescue is the result of an effort that includes everyone on the scene but also extends beyond that to those who train us, practice with us, equip us, and support us, including our families. They help us so that we can help others.”