By William Sokolic
When we go to the beach, we tend to congregate around beach patrol stands. And why not. You feel safe knowing the lifeguards are sitting atop the chairs, or carrying rescue equipment as they walk the surf.
But on a national scale, beach patrols have faced a shortage of applicants. “Plus, they have to compete with every other industry looking for seasonal employees and summer interns,” says Thomas Gill, vice president, United States Lifesaving Association, the trade group for beach patrols. “We have the best job that will provide the best experience for someone with a future in any industry. We just have to work harder to convince the applicants and provide better incentives than before.”
For 2023, Downbeach lifeguard patrols haven’t had to deal with this issue.
Tom Kresz knows about the best jobs in the summer. He’s a beach baby, born and raised in Longport. Sand and surf are in his blood as well as his toes. When he needed work for summers, the beach patrol was where he set his sights.
“It was a no-brainer for me,” said Kresz, a veteran of more than 20 summers and now captain of the beach patrol. The majority of beach patrol members in the three Downbeach communities grew up in either Ventnor, Margate or Longport. They’re used to the beach. They couldn’t see a summer somewhere else.
Longport brought on 18 new hires, considered large by past year’s figures, said Kresz, a teacher during the other three seasons of the year.
“We had nine last year,” he says. “We got lucky this year with a lot of interest. We held a six-day rookie school.”
Margate has 60 members, which includes 13 new additions. “The group is a little on the young side,” said Chief Greg. Smallwood, who was born and raised in Margate, and also a schoolteacher with 34 years on the patrol.
A factor that could be affecting staffing goes back to the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 took its toll in 2020 and 2021. We do not have a full picture of the hiring as some staff are still filling their ranks and while applicant numbers may be up, they all must complete the training required before becoming full employees,” Gill says.
The minimum age for senior lifeguards is 16, said Smallwood. At full staff, Margate could cover 12 beaches.
Ventnor has 70 lifeguards and six officers. They were able to keep within the 70 to 75 targets, said Chief Stan Bergman. “We’re fortunate that we have more people taking tests. Last year for the first time we had trouble with getting people to take the test. “We had more applicants pass the test. We recommend the others take the tests in Margate, Atlantic City, Brigantine and Longport. A lot of kids did that.”
Kids who take the junior lifeguard program are primed to be on the beach patrol when they are of age. “A lot of those kids are now on the beach patrol. It’s a good feeder system.”
Despite the local picture, the national situation is not following suit. “Here in Virginia Beach, VA, we have seen about a 10 percent increase in new hires from last year. But it certainly seems like the ‘pool’ of applicants is smaller overall,” Gill says. “Thus, lifeguard agencies are in competition with every other industry looking for seasonal employees.”
Gill suggests an increase in pay and more flexibility to find additional employees. with the schedule to accommodate conflicts. “Be ready to hire additional employees that may work limited schedules, but most of all, provide an experience that is positive and rewarding for the guards that put their lives on the line to help others. We just have to work harder to convince the applicants and provide better incentives than before.”
William Sokolic is a veteran journalist who has written for daily, weekly and monthly publications. He’s covered a wide range of news, features and entertainment stories. Much of his work concerns tourism, Atlantic City, and the gaming industry.
