Swimmers beware: Lifeguards not at all Rehoboth’s beaches
Similar to other beach patrols around the state, Rehoboth Beach Patrol will have limited staff for the rest of the summer.
During a commissioner meeting Aug. 19, Interim City Manager Evan Miller said the beach patrol was down to about 17 lifeguards, while the police cadets were down to six.
“Both departments are adjusting coverage to address the August departures,” said Miller, during the meeting.
Lynn Coan, city spokesperson, said Aug. 29 the goal will be for the beach patrol to cover the beach from Henlopen Hotel south to Hickman Street for the remainder of the season, which ends Sunday, Sept. 25.
“We do anticipate having a few more guards available for Labor Day weekend, and while we’re not sure that the entire beach will be guarded, we will cover as much of the beach as possible,” said Coan.
Signs are posted at dune crossing entrances noticing beachgoers if the beach they’re about to use is unguarded.
For more information, contact the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, 1 Baltimore Ave., at 302-227-2280 or rehobothbeachpatrol@cityofrehoboth.com.
Lifeguard hours reduced at state parks beaches
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has reduced lifeguard hours at Delaware State Parks ocean swimming beaches. Smaller or limited guarded swimming areas at all Delaware State Parks swimming beaches will be available through Labor Day.
Those looking to swim at Delaware State Parks are encouraged to utilize guarded beaches, including the main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the south Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park, which will be guarded every day through Labor Day with limited staff.
Through Friday, Sept. 2, Fenwick Island State Park’s Fenwick Lot swimming area will be unguarded during the week but will remain guarded on the weekends.
All Delaware State Parks swimming areas will be guarded Labor Day weekend.
Reductions in hours are a result of lifeguards leaving the area to return to high school, college, and sports camps, and other staffing shortages.
For more information, go to dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov.
Dewey Beach staffed through Sept. 11
Dewey Beach Patrol Captain Todd Fritchman said his staff is now operating in adaptive mode, with a reduced number of lifeguards on patrol from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Through the end of the season, lifeguard stands will be set at an equal distance from each other on the beach rather than at each street end, and will be supported by mobile units, Frichtman said. Last day of duty is Sunday, Sept. 11.
