Some welcomed news for beachgoers: Lifeguards are making an unexpected comeback to the Lewes beaches just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
This comes just about a week after the resort town announced that its two municipal beaches would not be guarded this summer due to staffing challenges.
So, how’d they pull it off? Well, it’s yet another example of how the Delaware beach communities support one another in times of need – especially ahead of their busiest time of year.
BEFORE YOU GO:What’s new at the Delaware beaches for summer 2022? A starter list of what to expect
When veteran beach patrol captain Kent Buckson heard that Lewes wasn’t able to staff lifeguards this summer, he knew he had an opportunity to step up.
“It just kind of hit me,” said the North Shores captain who served as head of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol for more than 20 years. “I was kind of shocked and nervous for the town, and I said to myself: ‘I can help them.’”
Knowing that Lewes had recently lost its longtime captain – one reason the staffing challenges hit hard – Buckson met with City Manager Ann Marie Townshend and brought her a list of former lifeguards who he knew would be well-trained and qualified candidates to lead the town’s beach patrol.
PREVIOUS STORY:Swim at your own risk: Why there will be no lifeguards at Lewes beaches this summer
After serving as a beach patrol captain for decades, Buckson had experience in recruiting and knew several qualified lifeguards, or as he said: “I’m still in the game.”
Other people in the community similarly heard the news, and suddenly more young people reached out to the city and said they were willing to work as lifeguards for the summer.
It was a whirlwind of support that ultimately led Townshend to make a very different announcement during Monday night’s council meeting.
Lewes now expects to at least partially staff lifeguards on its beaches by Memorial Day weekend, she said. The city has also hired a new beach patrol captain, Strohm Edwards, a Sussex County native who brings a strong background in lifeguarding, as well as connections with young potential lifeguards as a swim coach and mentor.
WATER SAFETY:Those waves break harder than you think. Here’s how to stay safe at Delaware and Maryland beaches
“It is like literally an answered prayer,” Townshend said. “None of us liked the idea of not having lifeguards. I think we all know that Lewes Beach has gotten busier and busier every year. And we have a lot of young families.”
She added that Lewes lifeguards have performed rescues in the past, and it’s not uncommon for these staff members to help reunite families after children wander away on the beach.
For Buckson, he said that it’s all about having a presence on the city’s two beaches – Savannah Beach and Johnnie Walker beach. And he believes Edwards is the “perfect fit” to lead these efforts in Lewes.
“He’s a really excellent swim coach and somebody who I think can really bring a positive vibe to the operation and make sure it’s up and running,” he said.
Lewes has a lot of ideas to continue supporting its beach patrol, Buckson said, including a possible junior lifeguarding program that could help feed into the town’s seasonal lifeguard staff.
SEASONAL HIRES:Higher pay to housing stipends: Beach towns ramp up efforts to recruit seasonal police
In the meantime, Lewes expects to have at least two lifeguard chairs staffed this weekend with the captain on-site, and the plan is to be fully operational with five chairs by June 15, according to Buckson.
“We’re just very thankful beyond belief that Mr. Buckson reached out, that he had a network,” Townshend said, “and that he was able to use that network to put together what I think is going to be a pretty strong team of lifeguards for the summer.”
If anyone is interested in working as a Lewes lifeguard this summer, the applications are still open, and they can reach out to the City of Lewes.
As for everyone else, Buckson reminds visitors that lifeguard shortages are happening all along the coast. While most of Delaware’s beaches are staffed for the summer, it’s important to look for the lifeguard stands and swim where the beach is guarded.
And remember to thank a lifeguard, Buckson added – because there is clearly a community need for these seasonal employees.
MORE BEACH STORIES:As you drive to the beach, these 3 major construction projects may affect travel plans
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
