Mayor Henry “Bud” Knight and Ocean City Beach Patrol Lt. Fred Miller turned the gold key 15 years ago on May 27 and officially “unlocked” the Atlantic Ocean for the summer of 2000.
Mayor Knight, who died on March 7, 2015, was a huge supporter of the local lifeguards. Under his watch (1992-2006), working conditions improved, and three new lifeguard zone headquarters/first aid stations (1st, 12th and 58thstreets) were built.
On May 14, 2015, Mayor Jay Gillian will sign a proclamation declaring Ocean City’s participation in National Beach Safety Week from May 23 to May 31. The proclamation reminds bathers to take appropriate measures to protect themselves including: swim near a lifeguard; never swim alone; never drink alcohol before swimming; respect the power of the surf; and learn to swim.
On Friday, May 22, 2015, at noon, on the Moorlyn Terrace beach, Mayor Jay Gillian and lifeguards will turn a large gold key into the sand and officially “unlock” the Atlantic Ocean for the summer of 2015. This will be followed by the Business Person’s Plunge.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2015 at 9:15 a.m., on the Moorlyn Terrace beach, lifeguards will row their lifeboat a short distance from the beach and place a wreath on the ocean to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives so we can live free.
