Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Peter Leroy Colombo
(December 23, 1905 - July 12, 1974)
Colombo became a hired lifeguard at the age of 18. In a time of segregation, he would go on to save hundreds from drowning, regardless of race, over a career spanning approximately 50 years. In addition, Colombo set many endurance and speed records in swimming matches, often participating in races that were up to 30 miles long. He was also a pioneer surfer on Galveston’s beaches.
Colombo officially retired in 1967, but continued to swim and serve as a lifeguard when he was able. When Peter Leroy Colombo died in 1974, he was recognized with a moment of silence by the Texas state legislature. He had officially saved over 900 people from drowning, with many other rescues going unrecorded. In 2005, the natatorium at the Texas School for the Deaf was named in his honor. Today, Peter Leroy Colombo is remembered as an individual who did not allow disabilities to limit him, risking his life to rescue hundreds along the beaches of Galveston.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15133.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Communications • Education • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is December 23, 1905.
Location. 29° 16.145′ N, 94° 49.344′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of Seawall Boulevard and 57th Street, on the right when traveling west on Seawall Boulevard. Marker is located at the southeast end of the Galveston Island Convention Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5600 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX 77551, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Ducky's Beach" (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burial Site of David G. Burnet (1788-1870) (approx. ¼ mile away); The Rev. Henry P. Young (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Tennant Austin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rosewood Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Rosewood Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Beach Invertebrates (approx. half a mile away); The Original Galveston Seawall (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Also see . . .
1. Leroy Colombo: The Deaf Lifeguard of Galveston Island Part I. From the East Texas Historical Journal. (Submitted on November 4, 2015.)
2. Leroy Colombo: The Deaf Lifeguard of Galveston Island Part II. From the East Texas Historical Journal. (Submitted on November 4, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 938 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 4, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.