Rehoboth Beach Patrol prepares to ring in new season May 28

Over the past 100 years, the Rehoboth Beach Patrol has stood guard over Rehoboth’s sands and waters, providing a sense of security as well as assistance when a relaxing day at the shore doesn’t go quite as planned. Mayor Stan Mills will help the beach patrol ring in its 101st year during a bell-ringing ceremony at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 28, on the Boardwalk at Baltimore Avenue.

The Rehoboth Beach Patrol is fully staffed with a complement of 65 personnel this year, including about 50 lifeguards, seven emergency medical technicians and administrative team. With a full staff, said Capt. Jeff Giles, the patrol will be able to provide complete coverage of the beach this year, something that was impossible last year due to staffing challenges. The beach patrol team this year includes 19 rookies.

During Memorial Day weekend, the beach patrol will be watching over a healing Rehoboth Beach. As a result of the lingering nor’easter the area experienced earlier this month, the beach is temporarily narrower, especially at high tide; the good news is that it’s also wider than normal at low tide. As Mother Nature is returning some of the washed-out sand to the shore, tidal pools are being created along the beach. Two of the city's 38 dune crossings are currently closed for safety reasons, one at Maryland Avenue and one at Surf Avenue, at the northern end of the beach. Some beach crossings are steeper and contain looser sand than usual, so beachgoers should walk carefully.

The City of Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth Beach Patrol offer the following tips to help make everyone’s Memorial Day weekend experience enjoyable as the city, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and Mother Nature work to repair the beach.

Spread out from the center and consider claiming a spot at the south or north end of Rehoboth Beach. Deauville Beach is open and accessible on the north end, and the south end is a bit wider, less steep, and has less dune damage. Consider timing visits to coincide with low tide and avoid high-tide peak time. Travel light and compact to the beach in an effort to share space with other sun-seekers.

Rehoboth Beach Patrol lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays throughout the season. Even when beaches are guarded, families need to be sure to keep an eye on one another, especially children. Anyone planning to brave the chilly water temps should be sure to swim with a buddy.

The Laurel Avenue pedestrian crossing is wheelchair accessible, and extra mats have been installed on the beach there to provide easier wheelchair access.

“We know that guarded beaches help our visitors feel safe,” said Giles. “But our lifeguards can’t keep their eyes on everyone constantly. It’s important that families take responsibility to look out for one another, especially young children. And if you’re going in the water, it’s important to have someone there with you.”

Over the course of the summer season, the beach patrol deals with marine life and rough water conditions, and responds to minor and major medical issues as well as lost children. Last year, nearly 400 children were “lost” on Rehoboth Beach. Giles reported that all of them were found and reunited with their families.

In July, two lifeguard competitions will be held in Rehoboth Beach. The United States Lifesaving Association will hold its Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Wednesday, July 13, and the annual Lifeguard Olympics competition will take place Saturday, July 30.