Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s 2011 Mascot School and Races Delighted 200 Children

SEA ISLE CITY – During the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s 2011 Captain Thomas P. McCann Mascot School on July 6-7, 200 children, ages 4-8, learned about beach and water safety, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Participants also played games, enjoyed rides in lifeguard boats and socialized with their peers on the beach during the two-day school, which took place in front of the SICBP Headquarters on the 44th Street Beach. The annual event, which is always a sell-out, is a rite-of-passage for many children, some of whom have parents who were mascots years earlier.
Then, on July 9, the exciting Mascot Races allowed the youngsters to show-off their skills in front of family members and many other spectators. During the races, each of the young mascots were donned in matching tee-shirts while enjoying additional games, singing upbeat songs and competing in sprinting and surf-bashing competitions – all the while receiving plenty of encouragement from Sea Isle’s lifeguards. Afterwards, the kids were treated to snacks while chatting with the many new friends they made during the event.
According to SICBP Lieutenant Mike McCormick, organizer of the yearly school and races, the event’s 2011 sponsors were Rocky and Fred’s Creative Design Florist, 7-Eleven of Sea Isle City, Casino Steaks & Pizzeria, Shoobies Restaurant and the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol.
“Several of this year’s lifeguard rookies were the mascot’s group leaders, and they did a fantastic job working with the kids,” McCormick said. “The mascot program is an awesome bonding experience between the guards and the children while being a very fun experience for everyone. Participants always take home safety skills that will make them safer beach patrons – and that’s very important.”
For additional information about the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol and the various events they sponsor, visit www.sicbp.com.