ATLANTIC CITY — The International Lifeguard Museum Inc. (ILM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating, educating and empowering the public about the role of lifeguards, is scheduled to host its kick-off celebration at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
The event is expected to bring together community leaders, sponsors, donors and water safety advocates for an evening of celebration.
Guests will be treated to an evening of live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar inside Boardwalk Hall, the potential home of the International Lifeguard Museum.
Special guest AC Mike will open the celebration. Singer, songwriter and producer Dave Damiani will emcee the event. Tickets are $15 for first responders and $25 for general admission. Free parking is available for all attendees. All proceeds will directly benefit the museum’s mission.
Founded in 2024, the International Lifeguard Museum is rooted in the legacy of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol.
Established in 1855, the ACBP is the oldest operational lifeguard organization in the United States. The ILM is committed to highlighting the role of lifeguards as essential first responders through education, art and immersive experiences.
The museum will feature interactive exhibits, virtual and physical displays, and educational storytelling, bringing to life the history of lifeguarding from the early 20th century to today.
Atlantic City draws 20 million visitors annually, ranging from locals to international tourists.
ILM’s local heritage fuels a mission and message with worldwide relevance. The museum has received support from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority through two reimbursable grants totaling $89,000, for funding concept development, budget planning and marketing efforts.
“This investment marks a defining moment for the International Lifeguard Museum,” said Chris Brown, ILM board president. “CRDA’s commitment provides the momentum needed to transform years of planning into a destination that honors the legacy of lifeguards, advances water safety education and strengthens Atlantic City’s role as the birthplace of modern beach patrols. We are grateful for CRDA’s confidence in our vision and look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world.”
There are about 4,000 drowning deaths and 8,000 near-drownings each year in the United States, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause. For children ages 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, according to the CDC. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 300,000 drowning deaths worldwide annually, with children under 5 years old accounting for nearly a quarter of all deaths.
ILM aims to prevent drownings.
“We want to build a culture of water safety,” Brown said. “Giving visitors and community members tools and information for being safe in and around water will be key to that effort.”
The museum is raising $4 million to complete the build-out of the International Lifeguard Museum, with a range of naming and sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets for the fundraiser begin at $15. Visit internationallifeguardmuseum.org to sponsor or purchase tickets for the event, or for more information about the event or the Museum. Donations may also be mailed to: International Lifeguard Museum Inc., PO Box 1536, Atlantic City, NJ 08404.
