Junior Beach Patrol

The Ocean City Beach Patrol's Junior Beach Patrol program is award-winning. Each summer, the program is offered to individuals ages 10-17 beginning the first Tuesday T after July 4th. Once enrolled, children can experience the training and daily routine of

Surf Rescue Technicians (SRTs). The program models itself after the training, workouts, duties, and responsibilities of the SRT. It focuses on the development of skills associated with the enjoyable and safe use of the beach environment. It is designed to instruct boys and girls in surf rescue techniques and ocean knowledge. Registration for these programs begins in February each year and continues until all slots are filled. So that all participants have a valuable experience, we limit the number in each session to 30 participants, giving an instructor to participant ratio of less than one to five. The popularity of this program has grown throughout the years. Parents are encouraged to register their children early to ensure a spot. Registration questions may be directed to the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department at 410-250-0125. Many

SRTs made their start in lifesaving in the Junior Beach Patrol. Tuesday through Friday, we offer a four-day academy from 8:00 am until 11:30 am.

In addition, due to the program's popularity, we have added a four-day afternoon session during several weeks from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. There is also a one-day introductory session which takes place on Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

58 Inside Ocean City 2022

by Kristin Joson, Ocean City Beach Patrol

The four-day academy consists of four levels that children can advance through, introducing new skills at each level. Each level has an age requirement and requires completion of the previous level. After successfully completing all four levels, a participant can apply for a paid position as a Junior Instructor once they are fifteen years old. This paid position requires candidates to pass a running and swimming test. Once selected, Junior Instructors will attend a paid Surf Rescue Training Academy along with rookie Surf Rescue Technicians. They will be well on their way to becoming a Surf Rescue Technician once they turn seventeen years of age. Since 2020 anyone who has participated successfully in all four levels may become an SRT at sixteen once they pass all phases of our pre-employment physical skills evaluation. Many of our Junior Beach Patrol families make the camp a family outing. Parents and younger siblings make it a beach day while watching their children have fun and learn valuable lessons. Programs are repeated each week for six weeks, so there should be a JBP academy that will work for any vacationer during your stay in Ocean City. Just remember to register early, before the program is sold out and your child misses the most incredible adventure of their young life!

Inside Ocean City 2022 59