The Sea Isle City Beach Patrol was founded on July 11, 1919. To mark the 100th anniversary this week, a series of public events will be hosted by the city’s administration in cooperation with the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol and the SICBP Alumni Association, including a parade, ceremonies, free tours of beach patrol headquarters and a historical presentation.
Following is a list of events:
Thursday:
8 a.m.: A special mass will be held in honor of all deceased Sea Isle City lifeguards at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4300 Landis Avenue. This event is open to the public.
10:45 a.m.: Centennial surf boat parade along the Promenade (29th to 44th Streets), featuring Grand Marshal Andy Sannino (age 100, the oldest living Sea Isle City Beach Patrol alumni), lifeguard boats from neighboring beach patrols, SICBP alumni, and other dignitaries.
11:15 a.m.: 100th anniversary ceremony at Beach Patrol Headquarters, located on the Promenade at 44th Street, with words of praise from dignitaries, bag pipes and more.
11:45 a.m.: Row-out ceremony on the 43rd Street Beach, where Beach Patrol alumni will row two lifeguard boats past the breakers and set flowers adrift in honor of all deceased beach patrol members.
1 to 5 p.m.: Free guided tours through Sea Isle City Beach Patrol Headquarters, located on the Promenade at 44th Street, where the public can view life-saving equipment, awards from competitions, and pictures from past decades.
This sign at 43rd Street marks the "birthplace" of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol.
Saturday:
10 a.m.: A free historical presentation will spotlight the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s past century in the Sea Isle City Library, 4800 Central Avenue, presented by former SICBP Captains Mike McHale and Bill Gallagher.
1 to 5 p.m.: Free guided tours through Sea Isle City Beach Patrol Headquarters, located on the Promenade at 44th Street, where the public can view life-saving equipment, awards from competitions, and pictures from past decades.
3 p.m.: Paddle-out wreath ceremony and floating memorial service: On the 44th Street Beach, current SICBP lifeguards will paddle lifeguard boats and paddleboards beyond the breakers and set flowers adrift in honor of all deceased Beach Patrol members.
All Summer:
Free Historical Display: The Sea Isle City Historical Museum, located inside the Sea Isle City Library at 4800 Central Avenue, has created a comprehensive display of beach patrol memorabilia and photos, which will be on display throughout the summer.
The museum is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
