Monday, May 21 – Ocean City Beach Patrol Begins Season With Full Staff

BERLIN – The Ocean City Beach Patrol will hit the sand this weekend for the start of another exciting summer season.

Captain Butch Arbin reports that the Beach Patrol has been successfully recruiting and training in the off-season.

The Beach Patrol will be fully staffed and ready to go this weekend, according to Arbin.

In the past, the patrol has started the season with 60 stands beginning full operation for the start of the summer. This year Arbin estimates a total of 65 stands will be up and running for this Memorial Day weekend. Arbin indicated that the department typically hires 180-200 surf rescue technicians (SRTs) or lifeguards each summer and has about 90 veteran guards coming back this year from last summer. 

The patrol consists of over 200 men and women dedicated to ocean rescue and maintaining a safe and orderly environment along the 10 1/2 miles of Ocean City’s beaches.

Arbin said many people visit the Ocean City beaches and may never notice the SRTs on patrol in the area; however, when a missing child, rip current or beach safety issue strikes, the lifeguards are there to help.

When vacationers hit the beach for the day in the sun they come to a friendly, enjoyable and safe beach. These are all testaments to the Beach Patrol, Arbin said.

Arbin said it may appear to be a “just add water” Beach Patrol. However, on May 26 when thousands of beach goers come to Ocean City to enjoy the beginning of another summer season, and the white stands are manned by the best lifeguards in the nation, you should know that it is not really “a just add water” beach patrol, according to Arbin.

Many months of off-season work have gone into delivering one of the most professional and best beach patrols in the world. The people and visitors to Ocean City deserve nothing less. Consequently, the beach patrol is always looking for additional members of its team.

Testing for the OCBP is offered in Ocean City and at numerous off site locations. The next test will be held Saturday, June 2. Registration begins at 11 a.m. on Dorchester Street. Look for the Lifeguard stand.

Once a candidate passes the physical skills test, he or she is appointed to a Surf Rescue Academy where training in all aspects of surf rescue and first responder skills takes place. 

Anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard is encouraged to call Arbin at beach patrol headquarters at 410-289-7556. For specifics on requirements, test locations, dates and times. refer to http://www.ococean.com.ocbp and click on the jobs button or email [email protected]