Lewes lifeguards mark second year on the beaches

“It was a great summer.” That’s how Lewes Beach Patrol Capt. Strohm Edwards began his end-of-season report to Lewes Mayor and City Council Oct. 27.

After starting the current lifeguard program from scratch in 2022, Edwards delivered good news about how the patrol developed this year.

“When I took over, I was the only one on the beach with any open-water experience,” he said. “But, I can tell you we took a huge step forward this year in the level of experience.”

Edwards said they had 41 rescues this summer, down from 57 in 2022. He attributes the decline to an increase in lifeguard chairs, from eight to 10.

He said he had 11 full-time and two part-time guards in 2023. He would like to increase that to 14 full-time and four part-time guards.

Edwards is the head coach of the Mako Swim Club, which has been an asset to finding qualified people.

“We’ve been fortunate enough where we have recruited our staff from my swim team, other swim teams and guards just spreading the word,” he said. “I think they’ve had a wonderful experience over the last couple of years.”

He said he expects to retain most of the lifeguards next summer.

Edwards would like to start a junior lifeguard program for children from 5 to 15 years old to help with recruiting; however, he said he has to increase staffing to launch that program.

He said some of the biggest challenges for his guards are keeping glass bottles, smokers and non-service dogs off the beaches. Watercraft getting too close to swimmers is also a major hazard.

“We have our buoy line that keeps the boats, the jet skis, the paddleboarders off the beach because they will run somebody over,” he said. “But it’s been tough. We have an air horn. We blow the whistle at them. They’re not too friendly.”

Edwards told council he would like to increase his uniform budget because right now each lifeguard has only one swimsuit. He said his wishlist also includes more umbrellas for the lifeguard chairs and an ocean kayak.

“I think we owe you a debt of gratitude,” said Deputy Mayor Khalil Saliba. “In May 2022, we almost started the season with no lifeguards. With Capt. Edwards’ leadership, experience, skill, enthusiasm, we’re building a real professional program.”

“It’s not work for me. I love it,” Edwards said.