Noticing fewer lifeguard stands on the beaches this week? There’s a reason for that.
Most of the Delaware beaches will have some sort of limited lifeguard staffing this week as the fall quickly approaches.
While many beach patrols on Delmarva and across the country have reported low staffing this summer, multiple local captains said this end-of-season shortage is typical due to guards heading back to high school, college and fall sports.
Most beach patrols boost their staffing more for the Labor Day weekend – even calling in former guards to help out – but they may have limited lifeguards during the weekdays.
Here’s a roundup of what you can expect at the Delaware beaches headed into Labor Day and beyond.
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Delaware State Parks: Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Fenwick Island
The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reduce the lifeguarding hours at Delaware State Parks beaches starting Monday.
All swimming beaches will likely have smaller or limited guarded swimming areas, according to a DNREC press release.
Fenwick Island State Park’s swimming area at the Fenwick Lot will be unguarded during the week but will remain guarded on the weekends.
Delaware State Parks encouraged beachgoers to visit the remaining guarded beaches. The main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park and the South Indian River Inlet side of Delaware Seashore State Park will be guarded, with limited staffing, every day through Labor Day.
All swimming areas will be guarded Labor Day weekend, according to a State Parks spokesperson. Delaware State Parks only staff lifeguards through Labor Day.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach patrol is operating with about 12-18 lifeguards on staff through the rest of the season, according to city spokesperson Lynne Coan. The patrol typically has about 35 lifeguards at full staff.
Because of that, there may be limited lifeguards in Rehoboth. The goal is to cover the beach from the Henlopen Hotel to Hickman Street, which is just a couple blocks south of Funland on the south side of the boardwalk, Coan said.
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Rehoboth expects to have more lifeguards coming in for the Labor Day weekend. The beaches in the Nation’s Summer Capital are guarded through the rest of September.
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach Patrol will modify its coverage with a lighter staff starting Monday, according to Beach Patrol Captain Todd Fritchman.
Beachgoers can expect to see fewer lifeguard stands in Dewey, but Fritchman said lifeguards will still be visible because mobile units will monitor the beaches on all-terrain vehicles.
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The ATVs are equipped with the required tools for open water rescues and support for medical emergencies.
Dewey Beach will staff lifeguards until Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.
Bethany Beach
While the quiet resort town has lost some lifeguards as they head back to school, Bethany Beach Patrol Captain Joe Donnelly said the beaches will still have lifeguard coverage.
Bethany Beach is able to staff lifeguards throughout this week and Labor Day.
After the holiday weekend, Bethany only hires lifeguards to cover the boardwalk area beaches on the weekends in September.
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Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
