Fired Hero Lifeguard Rejects Rehiring Offer

The lifeguard sacked for saving a life outside his assigned area has been offered his job back—but he's not interested. Tomas Lopez, 21, "humbly declined" the offer, though he noted that "the company offered a real good apology." Lopez, a Broward College student, plans to take time off from beach duties as he concentrates on schoolwork, the Miami Herald reports. The Jeff Ellis Management Company, which has overseen safety at the public Hallandale Beach for years, says it plans to investigate the firing, which prompted at least two others to resign.

Hallandale City officials aren't pleased. “We take the safety to all visitors to our beaches very seriously,” said the city manager. “Whether they are in a protected area or unprotected area, we believe aid must be rendered." (More lifeguard stories.)