By Tim Kelly
It’s one of Ocean City’s most storied traditions, part of the town’s image and one of the most high profile – and potentially high pressure – seasonal occupations.
The Beach Patrol is ready for the challenge as it embarks on its 121st season.
”I think we have a good group this year,” said OCBP Chief Mark Jamieson, a 22-year veteran in his third year leading the 186-person squad. “We have a larger number of returning people than in the last few years. It’s great to see those familiar faces back with us again.”
He’s also looking forward to the annual rookie tryouts next month and seeing what new young talent will be wearing the signature red, white and blue beach gear when the season hits its busiest time.
Today’s lifeguards are trained in CPR, “bleed-out prevention,” care for victims of windblown beach umbrellas and other projectiles, and virtually any other foreseeable medical emergency one might encounter on the beach.
Last summer the OCBP performed 557 rescues on a total of 42 guarded beaches, Jamieson said.
In Ocean City there is more to consider than pulling would-be victims out of the surf. With several awards bestowed in recent years by national publications for having the best beaches and friendliest town, OCBP members are held to a higher standard.
“We try to impress on what it takes to be a Beach Patrol member in a place like Ocean City,” Jamieson said. “How they relate (to their peer guards), how they interact with the public is really important. We tell them, ‘This is the best job you will ever have, and here’s what you have to do keep it.’”
For starters, there is the minimum fitness level standard rookies must attain, and veteran guards must maintain. That includes running a half mile in three minutes, 45 seconds (a 7:30 mile pace) and a 500-meter open ocean swim in 10 minutes or less.
Those who make the grade join a unique fraternity. Today, that includes 25 females, among them three emergency medical technicians, a senior guard and a lieutenant.
There are other perks, such as the Lifeguard Ball, the annual Beach Patrol Reunion Party, which is an 80-year tradition, and the OCBP Hall of Fame inductions.
There are also Beach Patrol memories to last a lifetime.
Don Otto, 65, a summer resident of Belfast Road, made the squad in 1976 and was a member for six summers.
“I went to grad school to extend my guard years,” the former University of Delaware basketball star said. “To get ready for my tryout I stood under a cold shower for days before, to try to get used to the cold water.”
The ocean temperature was 52 degrees on the fateful day, he said, and the preparation paid off with a spot on the Beach Patrol and with a life-changing event.
“I literally met my wife of 36 years on the beach when I said hello to her as she walked by with a friend,” Otto said.
He also participated in a few rescues and looked on from the 10th Street beach lifeguard stand when a banner plane got into trouble and the pilot was forced to ditch in the ocean.
Jamieson said he invites anyone interested in trying out for this year’s Beach Patrol to compete at the rookie tryouts on June 15 and 16 at the First Street beach.
Applications are available online at www.ocnj.us he said.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and also the first large-scale Beach Patrol operations. Last week, the city announced the following beaches will be guarded, listed north to south: St. Charles Place, Brighton Place, Eighth Street, Ninth Street, 10th Street, 11th Street, 12th Street, 26th Street, 34th Street and 58th Street.
Beaches are guarded from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 5:30 p.m. on the weekends.
As the head of the Beach Patrol, Jamieson is looking forward to another safe summer. He is an Ocean City native and member of Ocean City High School’s class of 2000. He works fulltime as a physical education teacher at Egg Harbor Township High School and coaches the Eagles boys’ and girls’ swimming teams.
As much as he loves and is dedicated to teaching and coaching, Jamieson said being part of the Beach Patrol still ranks among his favorite career highlights
He added, “We’re ready to go for the weekend and the season and we’re all really looking forward to it.”
