By: Alexander Huey, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Delaware State Parks

When visiting the beach in a Delaware State Park, you are sure to notice the distinct blue and gold of our Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol (DSBP) Life Guards. Responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers on our guarded beaches at Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, and Fenwick Island State Parks, these elite group of men and women spend their summer ensuring the safety of our park guests along Delaware shorelines.

Last summer, we caught up with a few of our Beach Patrol Members to hear what they had to say about their time on the Beach Patrol.

“I joined the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol because it is the best summer job a teenager can have. I learned many life skills such as First Aid, interpersonal communication, and most importantly how to save a life. There are other great perks such as the daily workout sessions, spending all day on the beach, a high salary, and the friendships you make with your coworkers. Some days can be stressful when the surf is rough and we have lots of rescues, but it is worth it when you hear the gracious thank you from the patron you saved. I would definitely recommend the Beach Patrol to anyone because it gives you a job where you can have fun and gain experiences you can’t find anywhere else.”

~ Lindsey

I keep coming back [to Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol] because of the people that I work with and serve as a lifeguard with on DSBP. Our staff are some of my best friends and the people we meet and serve each year keep me on my toes and excited to work every day. The most impactful moment I can remember as a guard would have to be a rescue situation involving five guards, including myself. On the day of this rescue, my coworkers and I saved near a dozen children from a local middle school who were all caught in the same rip. Had it not been for our stellar training and skills as a team, these children certainly could have drowned, and things would have been a lot worse. It was in this moment I understood why lifeguarding is one of the most rewarding and worthwhile professions! 

~Nick

“I joined the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol to help others. My favorite part about being a guard is the ability to have fun while still being serious when the situation calls for it. While beach patrons may be challenging sometimes, I find it rewarding when I’m able to provide assistance for whatever they may need: from telling them where the bathroom is to giving them serious medical attention. If you’re interested in being paid to help others, I strongly recommend this position for you.”

~ Hunter

Unique to Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol Members, in addition to base compensation, guards have the opportunity to receive a scholarship toward continuing education. Our beach patrol members receive advanced, nationally certified training, work in some of the most beautiful locations in the state, meet lifelong friends, compete in lifeguard competitions, and serve the people of Delaware, all while getting paid and having fun!

Joining the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol certainly makes for a summer to remember. Though summer may feel far off, Beach Patrol Members are starting to get ready for the 2019 season and invite you to attend one of their tryout dates. Are you looking to make this summer filled with excitement? Apply to our lifeguarding program today!

Do you know one of our guards? Let us know below!