Rehoboth proceeds on change putting lifeguards under police

Explained as a way to increase efficiency, Rehoboth Beach commissioners continue to hash out a proposed charter change allowing the city manager to delegate all supervisory authority, including the beach patrol.

It makes good sense and would be the best way to administer public safety, said Commissioner Richard Byrne, during a special commissioners meeting Jan. 12.

Currently, except for the beach patrol, the charter already allows the city manager to delegate all supervisory authority. City Manager Sharon Lynn brought forward the suggested change in late 2020, after former beach patrol Capt. Kent Buckson challenged her ability to delegate her supervisory authority of the beach patrol to Police Chief Keith Banks.

Due to COVID-related emergency orders, the beach patrol spent the summer of 2020 under the police department’s supervision. This past fall, Lynn told Buckson the beach patrol control would remain under Banks for the foreseeable future. Soon afterward, in October, Buckson requested an appeal hearing before the commissioners because he didn’t want to remain under police control. During a preliminary hearing in November, commissioners decided to not follow through with a full hearing. By the end of December, the proposed charter change had been introduced and Buckson had resigned after 34 years with the beach patrol, the last 21 as captain.

Commissioner Pat Coluzzi said it makes total sense to her that the beach patrol be under the police because public safety is one of the police chief’s responsibilities. 

Commissioner Jay Lagree said he was troubled by the proposed change, and didn’t see a compelling reason to make it. He said he was also concerned it would be adding a lot to the already-full-plate of Banks.

For his part, Banks said he would primarily be in a support position, and the intention is not to take away authority. The captain will still be the captain, he said.

Banks also said it would streamline the process of getting information to the city manager. Lifeguards and the general public won’t see any difference, he said.

One member of the public did speak out against the proposed change. Property owner Gary Glass described the change as managers managing managers, and said the action was introduced as a way to silence Buckson. He said he was concerned the beach patrol won’t run as well, which could be a problem heading into a summer that might see President Joe Biden visit because of his local home.

Mayor Stan Mills said he didn’t agree with one thing Glass said.

During the meeting, City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas reminded commissioners there have been changes made to the charter in the past, some of them recently. In 2019, there were two changes - one made sure the people who should be voting in town elections are; the other was a lodging tax on hotels, motels and tourist homes to make sure those businesses are paying the appropriate portion for the services needed because of the extra people they bring into town.

In addition to the structural change, there are a number of housekeeping changes to the section of the charter related to the beach patrol. Those changes include an update to the name of the American Red Cross test required for a person to pass before being allowed to be a lifeguard, and removing language allowing lifeguards to be made police officers in times of emergency.

In a follow-up email Jan. 14, Mills said the next step is to vote on whether or not to authorize the mayor to seek a legislative sponsor. He said this would likely take place at the regular meeting, which is slated for Friday, Feb. 19.

Jeffrey Giles named new beach patrol captain

Rehoboth Beach announced Jan. 28 that Jeffrey Giles, a 30-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, has been named as the new beach patrol captain.

Giles, a Delaware native, held several leadership positions in the state police, including supervising the maritime and scuba units. He also served on the safety committee for the annual Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge that takes place in Rehoboth Beach.

Banks said Giles served five summers as a member of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, including as a lieutenant, before he was with the state police.

“As a longtime professional in law enforcement, he brings extensive background in Homeland Security, emergency management, and training and education, which supports our goal in maintaining our community as a safe and welcoming one,” said Banks, in a prepared statement.

Giles said he is honored to be chosen for the position. 

“The beach patrol meant so much to me, and helped me in my career to fulfill my dreams,” said Giles. “Now, it is my turn to give back.”

Giles officially takes command as captain Monday, Feb. 1.

Kent Buckson hired as captain for North Shores

Roughly one month after resigning as Rehoboth Beach Patrol captain, Kent Buckson has been hired on as captain for North Shores, where he will be supervising the lifeguards and beach crew operations.

In an email Jan. 19, Buckson said North Shores is a smaller operation than Rehoboth, but the focus of all lifeguarding operations is always on safety, no matter how big or how small.

Buckson said he’s already started preparing for his new role by reviewing the budget, equipment inventory, policies and procedures.

It’s not lost on Buckson the North Shores operation may be smaller than Rehoboth, but there could be times when his crew is looking over President Joe Biden and his family. Biden owns a house in North Shores. However, Buckson said, he’s always taught his lifeguards that every life is equally important and it is imperative that they treat every person they encounter on the job with the same attention and respect.

As for the proposed charter change in Rehoboth Beach, Buckson continues to think it’s a bad idea. Rehoboth Beach Patrol is an organization that has proven to be successful in safeguarding the beach for decades under the current charter, said Buckson. That could change if the mayor and commissioners approve such a major structural change, he said.

Editor’s note: This story contains information related to Jeffrey Giles being named the beach patrol captain that is not included in the print edition for Friday, Jan. 29. The announcement came after deadline.