Committee Plans Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s Centennial Celebrations

SEA ISLE CITY – Shortly after Sea Isle City was established in the late 1800s, people quickly began traveling to the new resort.  
To accommodate the throngs who wanted to visit Sea Isle, railroad lines were soon put down, summer cottages were constructed, and hotels sprang up along the shoreline.
It wasn’t until July 1919 when the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol (SICBP) was formed – a century ago this summer.
According to a city release, with the SICBP’s 100th anniversary in mind, Mayor Leonard Desiderio directed his staff to form a committee to plan events and activities during the summer of 2019 that will commemorate the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s centennial.
The seven-person committee, consists of Police Chief / Director of Public Safety Thomas McQuillen, Director of Community Services / Public Information Officer Katherine Custer, Chief Renny Steele, past Beach Patrol captains Thomas McCann and Mike McHale, past Beach Patrol lieutenant / SICBP Alumni Association President John McCann and tourism representative Diane Merson, convened for the first time  Feb. 6 with others of the community who are looking forward to celebrating the special anniversary.
“The committee that is organizing events in honor of the Beach Patrol’s 100th anniversary consists of retired and current lifeguards as well as several other City employees, and I am certain their efforts will result in a great celebration,” stated Desiderio.  “We are very grateful to each of the lifeguards who have served in the past and who continue to serve this community.  This year’s 100th Anniversary celebrations will honor them all.”
“Our first meeting went very well, and the committee members presented great ideas on ways to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Beach Patrol,” stated McQuillen.  “I look forward to working together with the committee members to plan the best ways to recognize all of the achievements of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol.  As we finalize the plans, we will continue to update everyone on the many ways we will honor this historic milestone.”
“2019 will be the ‘Summer of Lifeguards’ in Sea Isle City,” added the mayor. “I hope everyone will take the time to say ‘thank you’ if you see one of our guards this year because they are now and always have been devoted to protecting beachgoers.”
Details of the anniversary will be forthcoming.