In the waning days of summer 2023, some regulars at the Greenwich pool at Byram Park reflected on a special connection they made with Parks & Rec lifeguard, Solomon Wakin, 16.
With just a few days remaining before the school year starts, Derek Lulgjuraj, a rising 3rd grader at Hamilton Avenue School, his brother George, a rising 6th grader at Western Middle School and their friend Rocky Gulli, a rising 7th grader at Western, all enjoyed a splash in the pool and shared why they appreciated “Salmon,” their own name for their favorite lifeguard.
“He always plays with on his breaks and goes above and beyond to make our day,” Rocky said.
“He shows us lifeguard drills,” George said, adding that all three boys now aspire to becoming lifeguards.
During Solomon’s breaks the boys said he played color game and tag with them in the pool.
“Last summer we went to the island (Island Beach) a lot, but this summer it’s more time here. And we met Salmon,” Rocky said.
Solomon said he while he had the certification to be a lifeguard at either the beach or pool, he preferred being stationed at the Byram Pool and hopes to return.
“This is my first summer here, but I’ve lifeguarded before,” he said, adding that he attends Kent School and lifeguards there.
Solomon, who lives in Westchester, an aspires to be a Physicist, said he has an older brother and fraternal twin brother who spent his summer as a camper.
Rocky’s mother Cindy Moss said Solomon had made a big difference for the boys this summer.
“He enforced the rules, but was always kind,” Moss said. “He’s a great role model, and, frankly, a breath of fresh air.”
“He’s so patient and tolerant. The boys always wondered if he would be there and would wave to him in the parking lot.”
“No other teenager on a break wants to pay attention to children. Ever,” said George and Derek’s mother, Kylie.
“He’s always smiling and always positive,” Cindy said. “Some people are always quick to complain, and I love a positive rather than a negative.”
“It’s completely warranted, and you’re awesome,” she said to Solomon.
Asked how they felt about summer coming to a close, George said, “Kind of sad.”
But, as the boys looked forward to fall, and playing football with the BANC Raiders, they liked that they also had football in common with Solomon, who plays quarterback and safety at Kent School.
After a break to talk about their summer, the boys and Solomon all headed back into the water, counting down from three to jump the pool at the same time.
