Wildwood Beach Patrol and 21 Down Partner for Annual ‘Beach Day’

WILDWOOD – Wildwood Beach Patrol (WBP) proudly hosts the 9th Annual “Beach Day” with 21 DOWN from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 17.  
21 DOWN is a local non-profit, Down Syndrome awareness group serving families, educators and healthcare professionals of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.  Together 21 Down creates a network of families who share information and support. 
“The ultimate goal of 21 Down is for our children and families to be accepted within the community. We strive to have our children seen as caring and feeling individuals participating in school activities, work environments, and public outings. We want our families’ lives to be enriched with happiness and pleasant memories”
“Beach Day” is focused on making memories for the Down Syndrome participants and their families!  This event started with the simple concept of providing children an amazing day at the beach, riding waves they might not typically feel comfortable attempting by themselves. “Beach Day” has become a favorite event for the guards and the 21 DOWN families!
The Down Syndrome children and adults, including siblings, spend hours riding waves in tandem with seasoned WBP guards on soft-top paddleboards.  Short breaks for lifeguard style relay races, lunch and ice cream are also provided as beach safety is reinforced!  This event allows for many photo memories with the support of local donations and the Wildwood guards, who value fun & safe family centered events.  
Over 40 Down Syndrome participants and their families, plus over 30 volunteers are expected to attend.
The central meeting area is set up at Lincoln Avenue and the beach, in front of WBP Headquarters, at the 20-foot guard tower, dubbed, “Tower X.”
Off-street, event parking on the beach in front of WBP headquarters will be offered till 12:30 p.m. To access parking, enter the beach from the Schellenger Avenue tunnel under the Boardwalk onto the sand. The Ferris Wheel will be directly on the left and headquarters will be on the right.  WBP members will be present at the entrance of the beach to open the gate, direct cars and shuttle participants and their families to and from the water’s edge.