At first I was moved to write this book in response to my family's request that I tell the story of my life and the unlikely career of brick mason to aquatic professional. The writing quickly got out of hand when I saw a need to also give insight to the reader into historical events in which I participated that helped to develop beach lifeguard services of post World War Two coastal towns into the full blown "Aquatic Centers" they are today. These permanent departments of many city governments across America established a new profession I call "Waterwork." A high achievement of this new calling in which I had a hand, as did many wonderful, able professionals, and famous individuals whom I hope to give adequate tribute to, was the establishment of the International Swimming Hall Of Fame at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. From life guarding the free-spirited beaches of the nineteen forties and fifties, professional "Waterwork" is here to stay.