SEA ISLE CITY – For decades, the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol (SICBP) has been saving lives and protecting swimmers from the dangers of the Atlantic Ocean. In 2010 alone, the organization’s lifeguards successfully completed 18 documented flag rescues, assisted 70 lost children and gave medical aid to over 200 patients. To keep in pace with the ever-growing local tourist industry, the SICBP has developed methods and programs that allow them to plan for the future, cultivate young lifeguards and win awards.
Each summer for the past twelve years, the SICBP has attracted young recruits by hosting a Junior Lifeguard Program for prospective guards. This year’s Junior Lifeguard Program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 26 to August 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the SICBP’s Headquarters on the 44th Street beach. The program is open to male and female applicants, ages 14 to 17, who are interested in one day becoming a lifeguard in Sea Isle City. Space is limited to 40 applicants.
The main goal of the Junior Lifeguard Program is to introduce basic lifesaving skills and rescue techniques as an educational and physical training foundation for prospective beach patrol employees. During the three week program, seasoned beach patrol instructors apply the principals of surf bashing, swimming, running, paddling and ocean rowing to standard techniques of water rescue and beach management appropriate to the participant’s age and developing skills. Junior lifeguards (age 16 or older) who develop through this program and reach the advanced level may be selected for employment with the SICBP upon graduation in August.
Once new lifeguards enter the SICBP, they spend their first week attending Rookie School, which is led by SICBP Lt. Dave Stearne, a long-time lifeguard and Professor of Kinesiology at West Chester University. According to Stearne, Rookie School includes American Red Cross CRP and First Aid training, ocean swimming, running, surf bashing, paddling and rowing as a base for physical conditioning and skill development related to rescue scenarios and lifesaving. “This intensive camp prepares lifeguards for the rigors of summer employment with the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol,” he said.
The SICBP’s 2011 rookies are Kevin Ng, 17, Matthew Horn, 20, Matt Winterle, 16, William Turney, 20, Patrick Lombard, 24, Neil MacFarland, 16, Ashleigh Dinan, 18, Jessica Emmanuelle, 22, Joe Rogowski III, 19, Danny Scannapieco, 20, Derek Webber, 18, Hunter Webber, 20, Joshua Frake, 20, Peter Palmen, 17, Brendan Courtney, 19, and Matthew Boland, 17.
As any experienced guard can tell you, no life-saving organization can be successful without a strong leader. Fortunately for Sea Isle City, Captain Renny Steele has been at the SICBP’s helm for over two decades. Earlier this year, Steele, who is now in his 41st year with the SICBP, received a Special Safety Recognition Award from the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund for developing lighter beach stands and identifying problems with “shore breaks” during his 40 year tenure with the SICBP. To congratulate Captain Steele, the ACMJIF awarded him with a complimentary luncheon for him and his municipal co-workers, which took place on June 30 at Sea Isle City’s Community Lodge.
Thanks to an excellent safety record, effective programs that plan for the future and a fine captain, Sea Isle City’s beaches are the ideal location for families in search of a safe day on the sand. For additional information about SICBP Captain Renny Steele, Rookie Week or the Junior Lifeguard Program, visit www.sicbp.com or phone (609) 263-3655.
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