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Rehoboth Beach Patrol celebrates 100th anniversary
More than 325 current and former guards attend
Past Lifeguards of the Year posed for a picture during the event. Shown are (l-r) Nate Klingsmith, Jordan Lingo, John Coveleski, Greg Abbott, Jeff Heckert, Jamie Young, Scot Dapp, Joe Barranco, Mark Moore, Derek Shockro, Jake Pangle, Rich Szvitich and Mark Marderwald. DAN COOK PHOTOS
August 4, 2022
More than 325 former and present Rehoboth Beach Patrol members attended the Lifeguard Ball July 30, to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Veterans, rookies and their loved ones shared an evening of food, libations, dancing, camaraderie and reminiscing with stories of pull-ins and beach parties. Members from as far back as 1946 celebrated at the event.
“What an epic night,” said former guard Ronnie Allen (1968-93) “Every time I turned around, there was someone I hadn't seen in years. The night's 100th celebration proved we are all truly proud and passionate about being a Rehoboth Beach lifeguard. What a fun and historical event, catching up with guards, sharing those old memories and creating new ones together.”
The Rehoboth Beach Patrol was formed by Benjamin F. Shaw in 1921 while working with the Red Cross. They guarded the beaches with two guards. A century later, the beaches are covered by 65 guards with medics and EMTs on duty from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend until three weeks after Labor Day.
The most veteran Rehoboth Beach Patrol member in attendance was Jerry Rapkin with his wife Janet. Jerry guarded the beaches of Rehoboth from 1945-47. The attendees celebrated his 93rd birthday during the event.
The dance floor was hopping during the sets by the Funsters.
Past Rookies of the Year posed for a picture at the event. Shown are (l-r) Jeremy Bushweller, Jordan Lingo, Justin Anderson, Mark Williams, Mike Ricetteli, Patrick Boyle, Andrew Boyle, Dave Dillehay, Tom Boyle, James Hutton, Chris Brown, Jeff Conrad, Josh Walker, Bruce Craig, Ryan MacLeish, Jeff Giles, Dan MacLeish, Colin Fuchsluger and Bryon Rimmer.
RBP alumnus Scot Dapp acted as emcee for the event.
RBP alum David “Jocko” Fritz (1975-82) gave the blessing.
Former guard Jason Giles (1988-95) rings the bell for movement of the guards.
RBP Chief Derek Shockro (1989-present) and his wife Katie enjoy the Lifeguard Ball.
RBP guards Alicia Lenoir, left, and Dion Stevenson pose for a picture on the dance floor.
Present guards sitting in the stands at the Lifeguard Ball are in back (l-r) Daniella Abrams, Luke Robertson and Hunter McFalls. In middle are Anna McDermott, Brooke Balducci, Meredith Lockwood and Lainey Shockro. In front are Rayne Sheats, Bryon Rimmer, Maddie Tonn, Rawley Florax and Colin Fuchsluger.
Funsters lead singer Sherman Ward entertains the dancers with his raspy vocals.
Joe “Chico” Barranco (1978-2009) stands with a painting done by his late best friend and roommate Tom “TC” Coveleski.
Former guard John Knarr, left, shares a moment with Lifeguard Ball Committee Chairman Ronnie Allen.
Former guards and friends share stories of manning the stands. Shown are (l-r) Ed Rapkin (1955-59) , Bruce Wright (1958-64) and Herb Miller (1955-59).
Former RBP guard Bill Collick (1969-75), right, gets a picture with his wife Nancy.
Former guard Kurt Vngve (1989), right, walks the red carpet with his wife, Carla.
RBP Chief Rich Szvitich, left, gets a picture with his wife Robin Talley.
Former RBP guard Dave Gillan (1978-82), left, speaks with former Lt. Todd Fritchman (1981-96).
Former guards Alyssa Bockius Sweeney (1998-2002), left, shares a moment with Jason McKay (1992-99).
Volunteer bartenders for the event were (l-r) Zach Berl, Hank Coveleski, Nick Rosado, Holly Hutton, Carrie Lingo, Tate Clark, Conway Bristow and Murray Padgett.
Former RBP guards and friends get together for a picture. Shown are (l-r) Scot Dapp (1975-80), John McClelland (1966-75) and Mark Moore (1973-87).
Sharing a picture are (l-r) Jason McKay (1992-99), Ronnie Allen (1968-93), Staci Coveleski and Pete Coveleski (1978-86).
Husband and wife former guards Holly Wilson Smith (2001-07) and Brandon Smith (2002-2007) share a stand forever.
Brittany Danahy and her husband Kevin (1994-2003) enjoy the event.
Sharing a moment are (l-r) Eric Seifert (2003-13), Jim and Jo Ann Reynolds and Kim Seifert.
Dian Stein speaks to those in attendance about matching scholarship donations.
Capt. Jeff Giles, left, and his wife Julie present flowers to Denise Allen, center, for her work with the Lifeguard Ball.
Former guard Tim Green (1993-2003) displays a painting donated for silent auction by New Jersey guard John Glenn.
Capt. Jeff Giles, left, and Scot Dapp speak with the crowd about the great job the guards do each year at Rehoboth.
Friends getting together at the ball include (l-r) TR Marshall (2002-07) Bridget Marshall, Logan Short (2000-04) and Sara Love Short (2001-05).
Shown having fun at the Lifeguard Ball are (l-r) Dan Sponaugle (1985-87), John Lord (1984-90), Patti Haas, Rep. Steve Smyk and John Lingo (1965-66).
Two video screens displayed memories from Rehoboth Beach Patrol.
Sharing a laugh are (l-r) Josh Bushweller (1990-94), Roger Hunt (1978) and Jeremy Bushweller (1990-94).
Friends posing for a picture are former guards Chase Monroe (1987-88), left, and Dave Lohrey (1987-88).
Former guard Jeff Heckert (1979-88) poses with his wife, Marva.
Pete Hartsock displays his picture of Surgeon General C. Everett Koop in his RBP jacket.
Herb Miller (1955-59) blows the whistle to start the ball.
