Sea Isle Gets Early Jump on Hiring Lifeguards

By MADDY VITALE The dead of winter may be here, but there is something to look forward to – summer. And Sea Isle City’s Beach Patrol is already gearing up to return to the lifeguard stands and ensure the safety of bathers and other beachgoers. Beach Patrol Chief Renny Steele and his team are looking for highly qualified lifeguards to join the patrol. Known for more than 100 years of lifesaving service, with dedicated lifeguards and former lifeguards who continue to make it a standout Beach Patrol. When the Beach Patrol is fully staffed, it has 108 lifeguards, Steele said. Steele, who has been a part of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol since 1968, anticipates the 2024 season will be a good one with plenty of strong applicants. “Considering the preceding summer, I expect the beach patrol to hire an exceptionally large number of guards in the 2024 summer season,” he said. “In other words, it will be a good year to try out for the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol.” The starting salary for lifeguards in Sea Isle is $17.50 an hour, or $140 per day. For more information about employment as a lifeguard, visit the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol website at www.sicbp.com. Steele said a competitive salary is just one of the many reasons why Sea Isle is a great choice for guards when they are thinking of which beach patrol they would like to join. “Sea Isle City Beach Patrol is recruiting the same potential lifeguards as its neighbors. An offshore applicant will seek employment with the municipality who offers a good hourly wage for first-year guards,” Steele noted. “Additionally, if Sea Isle does not have a competitive pay scale, prospective guards living on the island will travel to neighboring towns for employment.” Steele said that he is thankful that the city’s governing body “understands the need for a competitive pay scale and has provided a salaries budget that does not hamper recruiting.” Beach Patrol Chief Renny Steele gives lifeguard candidates instructions during tryouts in June of 2021. But obviously, being a part of the Beach Patrol is more than just about getting a paycheck, Steele emphasized. It’s about lifelong connections. “Many choose the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol due to the fact that Sea Isle offers more than just a job,” he said. “Working for Sea Isle is a life experience where friendships are made for life and memories hold a special place in your heart. Many former guards, who long ago left the patrol for permanent employment, say working as a lifeguard in Sea Isle was the best job they have ever had.” Steele explained that while athletic ability is paramount for the job, rookies certainly can show why they are a right fit and begin a career on the patrol. “Although athletic ability is required for employment, most young adults can train to meet the minimum requirements for employment,” he said. “Rookies must be able to swim 500 meters in 10 minutes or under and run a mile in 7:30 or less.” And it is also about character, Steele said. “People skills and character displayed during the recruiting process, especially the interview during the first day of tryouts, are very important,” he said. “One of the results of our 48-hour rookie school is that the participants bond as a unit and experience the importance of teamwork.” He pointed to the Junior Lifeguard Program as a key way that the Beach Patrol has hired highly qualified lifeguards over the years, since the program began in 2000. The program introduces participants to basic lifesaving skills and rescue techniques as an educational and physical training foundation to prospective beach patrol employees, Steele said. It is such an important feeder program for the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol that Steele said between 20 to 25 percent of the patrol’s new hires each season come from the Junior Lifeguard Program. Steele said lifeguards are always a part of the history of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol and the community. Former lifeguards have helped with recruitment of family and friends over the years simply by spreading the word about their experiences. “Many of our previously employed lifeguards had a wonderful experience working for the Sea Isle City beach Patrol,” he said. “They want the same experience for their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Each year their word of mouth recruiting results in a substantial number of our new hires.” For more information about the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol visit www.sicbp.com. Participants of the Junior Lifeguard Program learn basic lifesaving skills and rescue techniques. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City Beach Patrol)