Ocean City Beach Patrol returns ahead of busy Memorial Day Weekend

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Beach Patrol is getting prepared for the busy summer season. Lieutenant Mike Stone is preparing his officials for the busy season ahead.

“There is a lot going on behind the scenes preparing we have training of new people going on this week. We have a lot of veterans checking in today and then some tomorrow morning, but we’ll be out there at 10 o’clock.”

The OCBP is helping new recruits take their first steps toward becoming surf rescue technicians. Lessons cover flag signaling, communication, and beach-goer safety.

“Each day is laid out for them to progress, so they can feel comfortable to navigate the surf and how we operate.” Lieutenant Stone is excited about the season – and he states teaching is one of their most vital steps in training.

“We’re big on education and prevention, and if we do that, then guards won’t have to make as many rescues.”

According to Stone, rescues vary from summer to summer – he estimates about 1,000 rescues occur over each summer. He said the lifeguards are more than prepared to
keep order on the beachfront.

“Keep your feet in the sand, until we’re up in the stand. That’s Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, through the third Sunday in September we’ll be on duty.”