Decreased lifeguards at Del. state beaches start on Aug. 21

Officials say beginning in August, the lifeguard schedule for state beaches will change in Delaware.

On Wednesday, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Division of Parks and Recreation announced changes in hours and locations for lifeguarded ocean swimming in Delaware State Parks, beginning next week.

According to officials, starting on August 21 through August 25, Delaware Seashore State Park's Tower Road will be unguarded. On August 28 through September 1, the Delaware State Park's Tower Road and Fenwick Island State Park's Fenwick Lot will be unguarded. Officials say on weekends, both locations will be guarded.

DNREC says all other state park guarded swimming beaches including the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park will be guarded every day through Labor Day with limited staff. Officials say smaller or limited swimming areas will be available through Labor Day.

According to DNREC, all swimming beaches will be guarded on weekends through Labor Day with lifeguard hours remaining as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

The reduction in lifeguard hours were apparently necessary as a result of lifeguards leaving the area to return to high school, college, and camps.

For more information, call the Division of Parks and Recreation's Operations Section at 302-739-9200.