On July 11, 1919, the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol was born.
At around 10:45 a.m. that day, two regular lifeguards and three volunteers went to work patrolling and protecting the beaches around headquarters, located at 43rd Street, just a block from where it is today at 44th Street.
With the 100th anniversary coming up this summer, Sea Isle City and the Beach Patrol will hold a number of events to celebrate the milestone year. They include:
July 11 at 8 a.m.: A special mass in honor of all deceased Sea Isle City lifeguards at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 4300 Landis Avenue. The public is welcome to attend.
July 11 at 10:45 a.m.: Centennial Parade along the Promenade (29th to 44th Streets). SICBP alumnus Andy Sannino, the oldest living Sea Isle lifeguard, will serve as Grand Marshal. The parade will also feature lifeguard boats, additional alumni and more.
July 11 at 11:15 a.m.: 100th Anniversary Ceremony at Beach Patrol Headquarters on the 44th Street Beach, featuring a gun salute, bagpipes, prayers and speeches by dignitaries. The ceremony will end with a Row-Out Ceremony, during which two Sea Isle lifeguard boats will be rowed by alumni past the breakers, where flowers will be set adrift in honor of all deceased beach patrol members.
July 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.: Beach Patrol Open House. The general public is invited to enjoy guided tours through Sea Isle Beach Patrol Headquarters on the 44th Street Beach, where they can view equipment, awards from competitions and pictures from past decades.
This sign at 43rd Street marks the "birthplace" of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol.
July 13 at 10 a.m.: History Presentation of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol at the Sea Isle City Library, 4800 Central Avenue, presented by former SICBP Captains Mike McHale and Bill Gallagher.
July 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.: Beach Patrol Open House. The general public is invited to enjoy free guided tours through Beach Patrol Headquarters, 44th Street and the Promenade,.
July 13 at 3 p.m.: Paddle-Out Wreath Ceremony (floating memorial service) on the 44th Street Beach, with lifeguard boats, paddleboards and wave runners to honor deceased members of the beach patrol.
Other Activities Associated with the SICBP 100th Anniversary Celebration:
Follow the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol on Facebook and Instagram to view pictures and read historical facts pertaining to the 100-year history of the Beach Patrol. Look for new posts each Thursday on “Throwback Thursdays.”
The Sea Isle City Historical Museum, located on the first level of the Sea Isle City Library at 4800 Central Avenue, has created a comprehensive display of beach patrol memorabilia. This display will be available for viewing until October 2019.
Visit www.sicbp.com and click the “Centennial Events” link on the home page for more information and updates about the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s 100th anniversary celebration.
A new exhibit at the Sea Isle City Historical Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Beach Patrol.
