First responders to offer safety tips for J-1 students

OCEAN CITY, Md. – First responders and neighbors in Ocean City are stepping up their efforts to keep J-1 visa students safe this summer.

Every summer, 4,000 students from places like Europe and the Dominican Republic travel to work in Ocean City.

They provide the extra staff needed for businesses to handle the summer influx of tourists, which can mean big bucks during the season.

But, many of these workers are not familiar with the rules and regulations in the area.

So, for the first time ever beach patrol and police will gather on Tuesday with these workers and their employers for a conversation on how to keep everyone safer.

During that discussion first responders will also be talking about things like traffic signals and beach safety.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce Melanie Pursel says that by giving them the tools they need to live and work here this summer both the seasonal workers and the local businesses will thrive.

“We thought it would be a way to kind of roll out the red carpet on these young people that are often here for the very first time and it’s a little scary,” said Pursel.

“It gives them a chance to meet and greet with other students, other employers, and then get to meet our beach patrol our police officers and just know they are here,” said Pursel.

Many local businesses in Ocean City would not be able to operate without these students.

Officials hope this event will help them overcome any challenges they will face this summer.

Churches, the Ocean City Fire Department and even the Worcester County Health Department will also be at Tuesday’s meeting.

The gathering will take place at the Residence Inn Hotel at 4 PM.