OCBP Then and Now: U.S. Life Saving Station

The first professional lifeguards in Ocean City were the men of the U. S. Life Saving Service. During the day, the lifeguards watched the ocean from the tower looking for ships in distress. Then, from sunset to sunrise, they patrolled the beach on foot. This station was built in 1885 on the beach at Fourth Street. Today, the 130-year-old station is in the middle of an historic restoration project. It will honor Ocean City’s tradition of excellence in water safety. The pictures above and below show what the life-saving station looked like 100 years ago, and today. — A weekly feature from Ocean City Beach Patrol historian Fred Miller