Party Guard
"Party Guard" was the name of a popular social society made up of young Boston College graduates living in Boston's North End in the early 1990's. The group experienced several years of growth after the success of its four year run of twice weekly pre-parties and popular "late nights".
Party Guard gained some local notoriety when its t-shirt giveaway became seemingly "too" popular. The official-looking white shirt was emblazoned with a large red cross. Accompanied by "Party Guard" in bold lettering and the tagline "Party First, Safety Last" upset safety advocates and off-duty lifeguards when a large group of partiers were spotted wearing the shirts on a family beach on Boston's North Shore in 1994. Critics had argued that the shirts conveyed an "irresponsible" message and could confuse those in need of water rescue.
Membership waned after this criticism, but its ultimate disbanding was due to its members aging out with several moving from the Boston area. The founder, Gilly (full name redacted), currently lives with his wife and two children outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Party Guard gained some local notoriety when its t-shirt giveaway became seemingly "too" popular. The official-looking white shirt was emblazoned with a large red cross. Accompanied by "Party Guard" in bold lettering and the tagline "Party First, Safety Last" upset safety advocates and off-duty lifeguards when a large group of partiers were spotted wearing the shirts on a family beach on Boston's North Shore in 1994. Critics had argued that the shirts conveyed an "irresponsible" message and could confuse those in need of water rescue.
Membership waned after this criticism, but its ultimate disbanding was due to its members aging out with several moving from the Boston area. The founder, Gilly (full name redacted), currently lives with his wife and two children outside of Philadelphia, PA.
The Party Guard phenomenon blurred the line between revelry and water safety.