The Romanian Coast's Past: Boatmen as Lifeguards and the 'Miss România' Drama

The Romanian Black Sea coast's early tourism era was marked by the vital role of boatmen who served as the first unofficial lifeguards. These individuals, armed with little more than a boat, a lifebuoy, and a rope, bravely risked their lives each summer and beyond to rescue those in peril at sea.

Their interventions saved tourists who ventured too far into the waves, fishermen struggling against the elements, and sailors whose vessels were capsized by sudden storms. This service was initially entrusted to the boatmen by local authorities as beach tourism began to flourish after Dobrogea's return to Romania.

As seaside resorts developed, beaches like Duduia, Tataia, Wartanoff, and Plaja de la Vii emerged. These areas featured changing cabins, where ladies in crinolines and gentlemen in top hats would don more appropriate beach attire. Initially, beaches were segregated by gender, with clothing evolving from full-body coverage to more revealing styles over time.

Archival documents from the National Archives reveal the names of early boatmen like Mihail Constănţeanu and Gheorghe Aslan, who served in the late 19th century. By the early 1900s, regulations required rescue equipment on boats. In 1923, Nicolin Hristu was contracted to provide a rescue boat service at Mamaia, ensuring readiness from the arrival of the first train until the departure of the last.