Lifeguards Return to Assateague After Unguarded Stretch

BERLIN, Md. – Lifeguard services have returned to the beaches of Assateague Island National Seashore after a period where they were left unguarded.

Assateague faced a shortage of lifeguards likely due to federal budget constraints and hiring issues. Worcester County Officials worked to make the beaches as safe as possible as they worked through the issues. The counties Chief Administration Officer, Weston Young, explained how they took on this issue.

“We also reached out to our federal delegation, and, given it’s a federal agency, we wanted their help.” Said Young.  “To try to get lifeguards back in the stands as soon as possible.”

Beach-goers weren’t the only ones affected by this change. It also created a domino-effect of emergency services.

“When the lifeguards, were not present that strains local volunteer fire companies, specifically Berlin Fire was was responding to calls for emergency.” Said Young.

Berlin Fire Department’s Chief Andy Grunden addressed the departments assistance in a statement:

“BFC made immediate changes to address the challenges presented by the reduction in NPS staff. Beach-centric training was ramped up, over-sand-vehicle deployment plans/locations/techniques were assessed and refined for maximum efficiency.” -Andy Grunden, BCF Chief.

Lifeguards will now be on duty at popular Assateague beaches, Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm.