One cannot simply perform a good deed in this world without receiving some kind of punishment:
Tomas Lopez, 21, was patrolling part of Hallandale Beach north of Miami when he was told that a swimmer was in trouble in an unguarded area of the beach.
“I wasn’t going to say no,” the lifeguard said.
But his bosses said he had broken company rules and could have put other swimmers at risk. At least two colleagues have resigned in protest.
If your company has a policy that states individuals cannot leave zones in order to save lives then your company has a stupid policy. Lopez should have been commended for taking action that was necessary to save the life of a person shouting for help. I hope he finds a good job with a company that isn’t run by ass hats.
EDIT: 2012-07-06 12:28: As Zerg539 pointed out in the comments the lifeguard was offered his job back but declined. I’m guessing public outcry was what lead the company to offer him his job back, never let it be said that companies can’t be held accountable. Also, good on the lifeguard for not taking the offer, who would want to work for a company that put their stupid polices ahead of human lives?
He was offered his job back but declined: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/05/hero-or-legal-liability/?intcmp=related
Thanks for the update. I’m glad he declined, I wouldn’t want to work for a company that was willing to fire me for saving lives.