Shortly after Sea Isle City was established in the late 1800’s, people quickly began traveling to the new resort. To accommodate the throngs of guests who wanted to visit Sea Isle, new railroad lines were soon put down, summer cottages were constructed, and hotels sprang-up along the shoreline. However, it wasn’t until July of 1919 when the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol (SICBP) was formed – one century ago this summer.
With the beach patrol’s 100th anniversary in mind, Mayor Leonard Desiderio has directed his staff to form a committee to plan events and activities during the summer of 2019 that will commemorate the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s centennial. The 7-person committee, consisting of Chief /Director of Public Safety Thomas McQuillen, Director of Community Services and Public Information Officer Katherine Custer, Beach Patrol Chief Renny Steele, past Beach Patrol Captains Thomas McCann and Mike McHale, Past Beach Patrol Lieutenant/Beach Patrol Alumni Association President John McCann and Tourism representative Diane Merson, convened for the first time on Feb. 6 with other members of the community who are looking forward to celebrating the SICBP’s special anniversary.
“The committee that is organizing events in honor of the Beach Patrol’s 100th anniversary consists of retired and current lifeguards as well as several other City employees, and I am certain their efforts will result in a great celebration,” said Desiderio. “We are very grateful to each of the lifeguards who have served in the past and who continue to serve this community. This year’s 100th Anniversary celebrations will honor them all.”
The mayor added, “I hope everyone will take the time to say, ‘thank you’ if you see one of our guards this year, because they are now and always have been devoted to protecting beachgoers.”
Chief McQuillen said the first meeting went very well. “The committee members presented great ideas on ways to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Beach Patrol,” he added. “I look forward to working together with the committee members to plan the best ways to recognize all of the achievements of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol. As we finalize the plans, we will continue to update everyone on the many ways we will honor this historic milestone.”
Details regarding the anniversary celebration will be forthcoming. For more information about events taking place in Sea Isle City, go to www.VISITSICNJ.com . To contact the SICBP 100th Anniversary Committee, phone 609-263-8687, ext. 103.
