A Look Back
By Fred Miller
Oliver Muzslay, an Ocean City Beach Patrol legend, died on Oct. 4, 2024 at the age of 83. He joined the patrol in 1957, promoted to lieutenant in 1962, and he was appointed captain in 1983. He retired in 2000.
The 2001 OCBP yearbook devoted a full page to Captain Muzslay under this headline: “The Ocean City Beach Patrol proudly salutes Captain Oliver M. Muzslay and his 43 years of lifeguarding pride and excellence.” The article included the following: “in 1983, upon Captain George Lafferty’s retirement, the City selected Oliver Muzslay as captain. His watch went uninterrupted for 17 years during which he carried on the tradition of ensuring that Ocean City was the premier beach patrol, not only locally, but state and nationally.”
The salute ended reporting, “Among the countless contributions Captain Muzslay has made to the beach patrol is that of his three sons, Lance, Heath and Drew. They all served on the patrol and competed in many competitions.”
The picture included in this article of Captain Muzslay holding the Cape May County Lifeguard Championship trophy was taken by Lt. Fred Miller on July 14, 1995, on the Rambler Road beach in Wildwood Crest. Lance Muzslay won the Run-Swim event.
On August 14, 2010, the Ocean City Beach Patrol Alumni Association inducted Oliver Muzslay into the OCBP Hall of Fame.
A celebration of Captain Muzslay’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Flanders Hotel in the Garden Room. From noon to 1 p.m. will be an opportunity to pay respects and from 1 to 3 p.m., people are invited to share stories and memories. It’s a great opportunity to reunite with old friends and share fond memories of Cap’s wonderful life.
