Life — August 26, 1920 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Life-Saver" - August 26, 1920 This cover illustration by Boardman Kilvert depicts a figure viewed from behind, standing on a beach holding an oar. The person wears a bathing costume of the 1920s era—a dark jacket over white pants with black shoes—and a white swimming cap. The title "The Life-Saver" appears ironic: the figure strikes a heroic pose with the oar, but stands alone on an empty beach with only a small boat visible in the distance and birds in the sky. The satire likely mocks either ineffectual rescue efforts, overstated heroics, or perhaps references a specific 1920 news event involving a lifeguard or coastal rescue. The "Summer Resort Number" designation suggests this appeared in a seasonal entertainment issue.