Former Rehoboth Beach Patrol Lt. Randall Stone has been recognized in the September Delaware Today magazine as one of the state’s top teachers. The nomination was made by Randy’s first RBP lieutenant, Woody Marderwald, who turned out more rookies of the year on the beach patrol than did any other lieutenant.
Randy was and is remarkable - former captain of the University of Delaware Swim Team, RBP Rookie of the Year when he came on board at age 28. Elected Lifeguard of the Year by his peers on the RBP. But that just barely touches Randy’s many great qualities, including complete devotion to teamwork and treating ocean lifeguarding for what it really is - not a sport or competition (despite his being a strong competitor) but life or death, pure and simple. With that commitment, Randy maintained a perfect safety record, with many rescues and no drownings ever on any beach he guarded.
When Randy took the RBP rookie test, he purposefully tied with one of his teammates so that both were named Rookie of the Year; they didn’t want to beat other; true sacrifice and sharing. Later on, as mentioned, Randy was also elected RBP Lifeguard of the Year. Randy, Woody, and others in Woody’s section were recognized by Sussex County EMS when they saved a man who suffered from cardiac arrest. The man referred to these guys as his “guardian angels.” Randy’s and Woody’s leadership and commitment to group cohesion and rapid, excellent response played a special role in saving the man’s life.
One might think that, with a record like this, let alone his recognition by Delaware Today magazine, Randy might be arrogant and dismissive of others. He is just the opposite - a friend and mentor both generally and to all whom he teaches and coaches. He is someone whom I and many others are honored to call our friend.
An example of what the magazine says gives additional insight to Randy’s special qualities:
Stone created the game to teach his students about teamwork, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, empathy and mindfulness. Those may sound like big concepts for little kids. “But when kids understand the rules of a game, they’ll usually be mindful not to break them so that their team doesn’t suffer,” Stone explains. “They also learn to help members on ther team who are struggling, so that everyone succeeds.”
Self-sacrifice may best sum up who Randy is. He always puts others before himself and is a champion for the greater good where the most benefit, not the least.
Similarly, Woody Marderwald’s successful nomination of Randy for this recognition shows that Woody hasn’t lost his magic touch both for picking the best and helping them to become even better.
Rehoboth and Delaware should be proud of Randy and Woody, who repeatedly risked their lives in one of the most dangerous professions in the world to serve the public good, suffered many injuries while doing so, and never lost anyone on their watch; perfect safety records.
Dr. Peter I. Hartsock
co-founder, Rehoboth Beach Patrol Alumni Association
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