Rehoboth Beach Patrol prepares to ring in a new season, offers beach tips for Memorial Day weekend

Over the past 100 years, the Rehoboth Beach Patrol has stood guard over Rehoboth’s beach, providing a sense of security and assistance when a relaxing day at the beach doesn’t go quite as planned. Mayor Stan Mills will help the beach patrol ring in its 101st year during a small bell-ringing ceremony at 9:30 am Saturday, May 28, on the boardwalk at Baltimore Avenue.

The Rehoboth Beach Patrol is fully staffed with a complement of 65 personnel this year, including about 50 lifeguards, seven EMTs, and administrative staff. With a full staff, says Capt. Jeff Giles, the patrol will be able to provide complete coverage of the beach this year, something that was impossible last year due to staffing challenges. The beach patrol team this year includes 19 rookies.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the beach patrol will be watching over a healing Rehoboth

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Beach. As a result of the lingering nor’easter that Rehoboth experienced earlier this month, the beach is (temporarily) narrower, especially at high tide; the good news is that it also is wider than normal at low tide. As Mother Nature is returning some of the washed out sand to the shore, tidal pools are being created along the beach. Five of the city's 38 dune crossings are currently closed for safety reasons at the northern end of the beach.

The City of Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth Beach Patrol offer these tips to help make your Rehoboth Beach Memorial Day weekend experience enjoyable as the city, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and Mother Nature work to repair the beach:

• Spread out from the center and consider claiming a spot at the south or north end of Rehoboth Beach. Deauville Beach is open and accessible on the north end, and the south end is a bit wider, less steep, and has less dune damage.
• Consider timing your visit to coincide with low tide and avoid high tide peak.
• Travel light and compact to the beach in an effort to share space with other sun-seekers.
• Rehoboth Beach Patrol lifeguards will be on duty from 10 am-5:30 pm weekends and 10 am-5 pm weekdays throughout the season.
• If you're planning to brave the chilly water temps, be sure to swim with a buddy.
• Even when beaches are guarded, families need to be sure to keep an eye on one another, especially children.
• The Laurel Avenue crossing is wheelchair accessible and additional mats have been installed on the beach there to provide easier wheelchair access.

“We know that guarded beaches help our visitors feel safe,” says Giles. “But our lifeguards can’t keep their eyes on everyone constantly. It’s important that families take responsibility to look out for one another, especially young children. And if you’re going in the water, it’s important to have someone there with you.”

Over the course of the summer season, the beach patrol deals with marine life and rough water conditions and responds to minor and major medical issues as well as lost children. Last year, nearly 400 children were “lost” on Rehoboth Beach. Giles reports that all of them were found.

In July, two lifeguard competitions will be held in Rehoboth Beach. The United States Lifesaving Association will hold its Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship July 13, and the annual Lifeguard Olympics competition will take place July 30.