Tough time of year, starting to say goodbye to the lifeguard crew
OCEAN CITY — As we bid farewell to summer, a familiar scene unfolds along our beaches. Our dedicated student lifeguards — and many of our teachers — are starting to head back to school.
It’s a bittersweet moment, and I can’t help but feel a little sad watching these lifeguards, whom I consider both family and friends, wrap up their season. Their commitment to keeping our beaches safe has been nothing short of remarkable.
Even before Labor Day, we’re beginning to close some beaches. It starts with just a couple, and then more begin to follow.
By the time that long weekend arrives, only a few beaches will remain open for swimming — a clear sign that summer is winding down.
As the lifeguarding season comes to a close, many local surfers are excited about the change. With fewer guarded beaches, some of the island’s prime surfing spots — especially downtown near the jetties — become more accessible. When the waves pick up and the storm surf rolls in, these areas fill up quickly.
While it may be tempting to swim at unguarded beaches instead of walking a block to the next stand, it is highly discouraged. If there are no lifeguards on duty, it’s not worth the risk — especially in areas with strong surf or heavy surfer traffic. Always swim near a lifeguard and stick to guarded beaches that remain open.
I want to take a moment to recognize our guards. The city offers incentives for them to stay through Labor Day, and many step up to do so.
But not as many as we’d like — college, jobs and other commitments pull them away. Still, it’s heartening to hear how much they love the job. Many even ask to return on weekends if we still have beaches open for them to cover.
Heading into fall brings a new set of challenges. The ocean tends to get rougher, so we all need to be extra cautious. If you’re planning a beach day, check the weather and ocean conditions first. Visit ocnj.us/ocbp_guarded_beaches.
Always swim with a buddy and stay in designated areas. If there’s no lifeguard on duty, we strongly urge you not to swim.
As a bonus — parking is a lot easier as summer winds down, so it’s a great chance to enjoy the quieter side of island life while still staying safe.
As we wave goodbye to summer, I’m looking forward to the post-season — my favorite time of year in Ocean City. The weather is pleasant, the waves are great, the crowds thin out, the humidity drops and, yes, parking is finally easy. But even during these beautiful days, it’s still important to think safety first and avoid swimming at unguarded beaches.
To all our guards, volunteers and community members — thank you. Your support made this summer a success. We look forward to seeing you at the beach, whether you’re swimming or catching waves. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @oceancitybeachpatrolnj for year-round updates and tips.
Stay safe.
— Erich Becker, Chief of Operations, Ocean City Beach Patrol