Beach patrol crews gearing up for summer season, new incentives for lifeguards
DELMARVA – Warmer temperatures make it enticing to hit the water in places like Ocean City. Yet, the challenge has been finding personnel to guard them. “There’s a whole host of reasons why. Everything from the cost of housing, inflation, to generational differences,” Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joseph Theobald said.
“We certainly hope the incentives are going to get more people interested in the position.”
In an effort to attract talent, Ocean City Beach Patrol is now offering lifeguards a starting pay of just over $18 an hour and a $250 sign on bonus amongst other benefits. “There are a lot of incentives for anyone to take this position and enjoy the beach during the summer on top of it,” Joseph Theobald.
Over in Rehoboth Beach, Patrol Captain Jeff Giles says they currently have a staff of 15 guards with several returning.
They’re starting their crew off at $16.50 an hour and providing a housing stipend of up to $1,000. “The hardest part is being able to attract really good lifeguards and have them be able to live down here and make it affordable. That’s difficult, so this $1,000 stipend is really going to go places for us,” Giles said.
We’re told it’s not just about getting more guards on duty, as Theobald says they’re making sure guards have the tools to make every dive into the water count. “They are the ambassadors to the city. Everybody that comes to Ocean City ends up on the beach at some point during the summer months. We want to make sure we have the right people that are trained properly,” Theobald said.
“Never go in by yourself no matter how good of a swimmer you are because something could happen. Please go in with a friend and try to make it onto a guarded beach. Our guards are there for a reason and that’s to watch you,” Captain Giles said.
Beach Patrol personnel want to remind people to be aware of signage indicating if lifeguards are on or off duty before heading into the water.
Ocean City Emergency Services tells us they’re still in need of additional staff to support day to day operations. They have two additional training sessions available.
