Nags Head Lifeguards home destroyed by fire

8/5 7:00 am

Early this morning one of the homes that houses Nags Head’s lifeguards caught fire. One lifeguard was flown to Sentara Norfolk by Dare Med Flight. All of the other guards were able to escape without injury. The home and all their belongings are a total loss. The Outer Banks always rallies when tragedy hits. They are in need of almost everything.

See updates below.

A message from Cat in Norfolk. 

8/9 A couple guards were able to visit Catherine in the hospital 

8/5 10am

Currently getting a list of the lifeguards needs and their sizes. Still awaiting an update on the lifeguards condition in Norfolk. 

8/5 12pm

The lifeguard flown to Norfolk was intubated but is stable and in good spirits. Will keep everyone updated her condition. The girls wear size medium clothing and the guys wear 32 waist and L shirts. We are currently working on providing them housing and replacing their necessities.

8/5 5pm

The overwhelming support from the community has been amazing. The fire chief has secured housing for the lifeguards. 

8/6 11am

The guard is still in the ICU in Norfolk but is in good spirits. Her family is arriving today to visit her in the hospital. The medical bills are our number one priority at the moment so the guard and family can focus on getting back to 100% and not stress about the financial burden. Thank you so much to the members of this community that continue to give. It gives peace of mind and assurance to the families of the lifeguards hundreds of miles away. Secret Spot Surf Shop has stepped to be a donation drop off point and is accepting donations which they will match.

8/6 5pm

An update from the lifeguard in Norfolk’s aunt and uncle. The healtcare multidisciplinary team decided to keep her intubated. Considering the discomfort, she is sedated with strong medication. By doing so, she is often tired. Her mother and additional family had flight delays enroute but were making their way to Norfolk. In summary, the situation is stable and the medical team have good hope for recovery considering her age and health.

8/8 12pm

The lifeguard injured is still in the ICU in Norfolk and hopefully will be extubated today or tomorrow. She will then have to be observed for one week to confirm her airway is healing properly. If it is possible her family may take her back to Canada for the observation process to limit medical expenses. 

8/8 4pm

Good news from Norfolk as Catherine was extubated today and now she will be observed for seven days.

For transparency and accountability Nags Head Relief Fund chairman, Bob Muller, will be assisting me in record keeping and appropriation of the funds from this fundraiser. 

8/8 9pm

We received a FaceTime form Norfolk tonight. Catherine hopes to be in Nags Head on her birthday the 18th of august.

For those that don’t know me. My name is Shawn Kenny and I’ve worked ocean rescue on the Outer Banks for the last 12 years. I work alongside those that were effected by the fire. Nags Head Ocean Rescue fosters relationships that last lifetimes each summer our family grows and this summer is no different. With the recent tragedy we hope to cover medical costs and help replace some personal items lost to the fire. This includes lifesaving paddle boards, road bikes, laptops, iPads and many other items. I will be working with Nags Head Relief Fund Board to prioritize and spread the money raised from the fundraiser. The money will be withdrawn to my personal savings account and then spread with guidance and oversight from the relief fund board.