The City of Rehoboth honors Beach Patrol with Time Capsule

Rehoboth Beach Patrol

Rehoboth Beach, De. – While summer has ended, The City of Rehoboth Beach held a ceremony where they buried a time capsule to preserve the history of the Beach Patrol.

Patrol’s Past

Captain Jeff Giles of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol says this time capsule is meant to capture the essence of family and service the patrol has had for over 100 years. “There’s no robots that go into the water and save people, it’s still going to be human contact, you still need somebody there to help you. That is still going to be the same 100 years from now… We started back in 1921, and, you know, the ocean has its own rules, so you always need to have somebody there to monitor it, so basically that’s what we are, we’re just the common sense on the beach, making sure everybody is ok.”

Beware of the Waves 

He says many times they face dangerous situations that could cost them their lives. “If you make contact with those jetties, they’re going to cut you up, and also the current can pull you under and that will cause you to drown… I hope that 100 years from now, lifeguards in Rehoboth have the same family philosophy that we have. And our philosophy ‘Everyone goes home’ and that includes the public, and it includes the lifeguards.”

First Responders, Too

Often people forget that they too are first responders, and Captain Giles is glad this is how the city is choosing to honor them. “If you see how hard these guards work, it’s not just sitting on the stand getting some sun. I mean these guys and girls work really hard. And when it’s time, and they need to respond, it’s something to watch.”

Become a Lifeguard 

The patrol also wanted to note you should always swim when a lifeguard is present and only during beach hours. They also say they are honored to be memorized in history this way and hope 100 years from now the community feels the same. If you are interested in joining the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, visit their website.