On June 26, the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol (SICBP) hosted the 2024 South Jersey Women’s Lifeguard Conference, which included 64 female guards representing 16 lifesaving organizations along New Jersey’s shoreline, including Atlantic City, Avalon, Brigantine City, Cape May, Cape May Point, Diamond Beach, Longport, Margate City, North Wildwood, Ocean City, Sea Girt, Sea Isle City, Upper Township, Ventnor City, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest Beach Patrols.
During the conference, attendees had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and discuss issues related to females in the workplace.
The event also included a fitness session and presentations from two guest speakers: Colleen McIntyre Osborne and Joanne Lombard Palombo, both of whom are alumni with the SICBP.
“Our guest speakers shared stories and offered great advice, especially for those who are just starting their lifeguard careers,” said event organizer Bridget O’Hanlon, who has been a member of the SICBP for nine-years.
“This conference is important because it gives female guards from different communities the opportunity to meet and learn from one another,” added Ms. O’Hanlon, who teaches at the Medford Township Public School District in the off-season and serves as an EMT with the SICBP’s Alert Team during the summer. “It was exciting to have so many female lifeguards gathered together; and we are grateful that so many beach patrols were able to send representatives to the conference.”
“We are also grateful for the support this event received from local businesses, including Giovanni’s Delicatessen, Maryanne Pastry Shoppe, McGowan’s Market, Playa Bowls, Seaside Shade Shack, Shorebreak Café, Surfside Fitness and Wawa Market,” she added.
According to SICBP Chief Renny Steele, nearly half of Sea Isle’s Beach Patrol is made up of female employees (approximately 45%), and his organization’s female guards have continually demonstrated their athletic prowess and professionalism on the sand.
“From all reports, this year’s conference was very successful, and we are looking forward to hosting this event again in 2025,” said Chief Steele.
To learn more about the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, go to https://sicbp.com/.
