Beach Patrol
ABOUT
The mission of the USLA and the Dewey Beach Patrol is to establish high standards for open water (beach) lifeguards, to educate the public, and to promote actions intended to result in saving of human life in and around the marine environment.
In order to maintain high standards and exemplary performance, all members of the Dewey Beach Patrol must undergo rigorous physical training and educational coursework. The DBP is nationally accredited by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) to certify its members in open water rescue. Each guard is certified as: (1) an Emergency First Responder by the Delaware State Fire School, (2) as a Health Care Provider by the American Heart Association; and (3) as an open water rescue lifeguard through the USLA (Appendix A). First year lifeguards are required to complete a minimum of twenty-one (21) days of rookie training that includes intense physical conditioning and the completion of the annual rookie test. In addition, the DBP is a standing member of the Sussex County Lifesaving Association (SCLA). All lifeguards must continuously complete routine training in CPR, standard first aid and c-spine injury stabilization.
The DBP safeguards Dewey Beach on a daily basis from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Extended season duty typically applies. Operational duties begin at 9:00 AM for roll call, briefing and training. The lifeguards sign on at 10 AM sharp, clear the water at 4:57 pm and sign off at 5:00 pm unless an active response is in progress.
JOIN THE 2023 BEACH PATROL
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Dewey Beach Patrol. For more information, or to apply as a lifeguard or EMT, click "Join the Beach Patrol" on the left hand menu. Try out dates for the 2025 season are 3/23, 3/30 and 4/6. Testing will include a 1 mile beach run, 200m sand sprint, 500m swim, rescue simulations (buoy charges), and strength testing (push-ups and cross-chest). Try outs will be held at the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station at 1 Dagsworthy Ave, Dewey Beach, DE 19971.