Joe Fortes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Seraphim Fortes
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_Seraphim_Fortes,_1919.jpg)
Joe Fortes in Vancouver, 1910
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| Born | February 9, 1863 |
| Died | February 4, 1922 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Lifeguard |
| Years active | late 19th century to 1922 |
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Joseph Seraphim Fortes (born February 9, 1863 – died February 4, 1922) was a brave lifeguard from Canada. He was a very important person in early Vancouver and became the city's first official lifeguard.
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Joe Fortes' Early Life
Joe Fortes was born in 1863 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His father was from Barbados and his mother was from Spain or Portugal. When Joe was 17, he left Trinidad for England. He lived in Liverpool for five years. There, he learned to swim at St George’s Baths. He became a very good swimmer and diver.
He won a three-mile race across the Mersey River. He also received a gold medal for saving lives. Joe showed off his swimming skills with a team. They toured seaside towns in England and France. In 1884, he sailed from Liverpool to Canada. He arrived in Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, in September 1885.
Arriving in Vancouver
Joe Fortes arrived in Granville (which is now Vancouver) in September 1885. He made his home at English Bay. For many years, he lived in a tent on the beach during warm weather. Later, he moved into a small house. This house was near the beach, close to Alexandra Park.
Becoming a Lifeguard Hero
Joe Fortes first worked shining shoes in Vancouver. He also worked as a bartender and porter. But he became famous for something else. He was known for teaching thousands of children to swim. He also volunteered as a lifeguard at English Bay beach.
Around 1897, the city of Vancouver recognized his amazing work. They hired him as their first official lifeguard. He was also made a special police officer. People say he saved over 100 people from drowning.
His friends and the community called him "Old Black Joe" or "English Bay Joe." He was a kind friend and teacher to children. He protected swimmers and was a hero to people in trouble. Officially, he saved 29 lives. But many believe the real number is much higher.
In 1910, the City of Vancouver honored Joe Fortes. They gave him a gold watch and a special award. This was to thank him for his many years of service.
Joe Fortes' Lasting Legacy
Joe Fortes passed away on February 4, 1922. He died at Vancouver General Hospital. Many people attended his funeral. It was one of the largest funerals Vancouver had ever seen. Mourners filled Holy Rosary Cathedral. They said goodbye to a brave and kind friend. Joe Fortes was buried in Mountain View Cemetery. His grave has a simple stone that says: "JOE".
On June 24, 1927, the people of Vancouver built a monument for Joe Fortes. It is a fountain in Alexandra Park. The sculptor Charles Marega created it. The fountain has a special message: "LITTLE CHILDREN LOVED HIM."
Many things in Vancouver are named after Joe Fortes. In 1976, the Joe Fortes Branch of the Vancouver Public Library opened. In 1985, the Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House restaurant opened. This was 100 years after he arrived in Canada.
In 1986, Vancouver celebrated its 100th birthday. The Vancouver Historical Society named Joe Fortes "Citizen of the Century."
In 2002, an animated short film called Joe was made about him. In 2013, Canada Post released a postage stamp of Joe Fortes. This stamp celebrated Black History Month and his 150th birthday.
