LeRoy Colombo, a Galveston native who overcame deafness and childhood illness, became one of the most celebrated lifeguards in history, credited with saving more than 900 lives and securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
On a spring morning in 1928, a tugboat was consumed by flames off Galveston’s Pier 20. Without a moment's pause, 22-year-old lifeguard LeRoy Colombo sprang into action as burning sailors plunged into the water. Though he had been deaf since childhood and could not hear the explosion, the tremor of the pier resonated through him. With a courageous leap, he plunged into the fiery chaos on the water's surface, emerging with two men in his grasp, all while battling the suffocating grip of gasoline and the threat of drowning.
The harrowing rescue stands out as just one of the many extraordinary feats in Colombo’s remarkable career. Spanning the decades from the 1920s to the 1970s, this Galveston native emerged as a local hero, recognized for his outstanding achievement of saving 907 lives from the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Mexico. His remarkable achievements brought him national acclaim and secured his spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, where he was celebrated as the “world’s greatest lifeguard.”
In 1905, a child named Colombo was born, the son of Italian immigrants. However, at the tender age of seven, he faced a life-altering challenge when an illness, initially thought to be spinal meningitis, robbed him of both his hearing and the use of his legs. With unwavering resolve, his brothers pulled him through the winding alleys of Galveston, helping him to reclaim his strength and the ability to walk once more. Ultimately, he found solace in the ocean, where swimming transformed into a profound source of healing and fervor.
At the age of 16, Colombo became a member of the Surf Toboggan Club, an organization comprised of competitive swimmers and dedicated volunteer lifeguards. He swiftly established his prowess, clinching victories in long-distance races and garnering a reputation for his remarkable stamina. In 1925, he accomplished an impressive feat by swimming 10 miles along the Gulf in just under seven hours, leaving his competitors far behind.
Yet, it was his heroic efforts that solidified his legacy in the history of Galveston. In the midst of World War II, as soldiers converged on the island, Colombo is said to have performed a remarkable act of heroism by rescuing 19 individuals in just one day. His techniques stood out not only for their effectiveness but also for their unforgettable nature—occasionally incapacitating frantic swimmers who risked pulling him down, before bringing them safely to the beach.
Historians suggest that Colombo’s deafness, initially perceived as a drawback, might have enhanced his visual acuity, enabling him to monitor the waves with greater efficiency than his fellow lifeguards. In the face of communication hurdles—his speech often hard to decipher and his family lacking knowledge of sign language—he emerged as a beloved figure in the community. His audacious rescues and marathon swims were frequently documented in the press, drawing large crowds eager to witness his races.
Despite leading a humble life, frequently enhancing his income through various side jobs, Colombo's influence on Galveston endures. A marker on the Seawall stands as a tribute, serving as a poignant reminder to beachgoers of the man who devoted his life to the noble cause of saving others.
In Galveston, Colombo transcends his role as a mere historical figure; he embodies resilience, heroism, and the profound connection that exists between the island and the sea.
Initially printed in the pages of Texas Monthly, this story endures as Colombo’s testament to resilience, bravery, and the profound connection between Galveston and the ocean.
