Entertainment

MOVIN’ & GROOVIN’

OC Fontainebleau: Fri., July 1,7 p.m.

BAYVIEW BAR & GRILLE 2nd Floor Residence Inn 61st Street, Ocean City 410-723-2222 / www.ResidenceInnOC.com July 1: Karaoke w/Donnie, 7-10 p.m. July 2: Summer Anna Duo, 3-6 p.m. July 3: Sunday Funday w/DJ Wax, 2-5 p.m.; Bar Bingo w/Rupe, 6-8 p.m. July 4: Troy Hanna Duo, 3-6 p.m. CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, Located in The Courtyard by Marriott 410-289-7192/7191 / Captainstableoc.com Every Friday: Phil Perdue on Piano, 5-9 p.m. COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL In the Castle in the Sand Hotel 37th Street Oceanfront, Ocean City 410-289-6846 / www.castleinthesand.com July 1: Darin Engh, noon to 4 p.m.; Monkee Paw, 59 p.m. July 2: Rick & Regina, noon to 4 p.m.; Lombardy, 59 p.m. July 3: Shortcut Sunny, noon to 3 p.m.; Beach Mac, 4-8 p.m. July 4: Nate Clendenen, noon to 3 p.m.; Smooth Rhythm, 4-8 p.m. July 5: Jack Bannon, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Heather Vidal, 3:30-7:30 p.m. July 6: Kevin Poole Solo, noon to 3 p.m.; Rich Walton/Joe Mama, 4-8 p.m. July 7: Jess Arms, noon to 3 p.m.; Trigger Fish, 4-8 p.m. COINS 28th Street and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100 / www.coinspuboc.com July 1: Walk of Shame, 8 p.m. July 2: Jim Long, 3-6 p.m.; LaRicci & the Leftfover, 8 p.m. July 3: John Schwartz, 7 p.m. Every Wednesday: DJ Wax House Party, 8 p.m. OC EATERIES 12849 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 443-252-3700 / www.oceateriesmaryland.com July 1: TBD, 7-10 p.m. July 2: Endless Ember, 7-10 p.m. July 7: Bryan Dorsey, 7-10 p.m. OC FONTAINEBLEAU 101st Street, Ocean City Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort 410-524-3535 / www.ocbeachresort.com July 1: First Class, 3 p.m.; Movin’ & Groovin’, 7 p.m. July 2: First Class, 11 a.m.; Rachi, 3 p.m.; Heavy Fred, 7 p.m. July 3: First Class, 11 a.m.; The Barons, 3 p.m. July 4: On The Edge, 2:30 p.m.; DJ Yemi, 7 p.m. July 5-7: On The Edge, 2:30 p.m. OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7501 / www.opyachtclub.com

July 1: Tranzfusion, 6-10 p.m. July 2: Eclipse, 6-10 p.m. July 3: Great Train Robbery, 6-10 p.m. July 4: Beach Bandits, 4-8 p.m. July 7: Brian and Thing, 6-10 p.m. SEACRETS 49th Street and the bay, Ocean City 410-524-4900 / www.seacrets.com July 1: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Not Leaving Sober, 5-9 p.m.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; My Hero Zero, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 2: Bobby-O on De Bay, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 1:50 a.m.; The Way Outs, 1-5 p.m.; Jah Works, 5-9 p.m.; My Hero Zero, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 3: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 8 p.m.; DJ Tuff, noon to 8 p.m.; Jah Works, 1-5 p.m.; Triple Rail Turn, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Bobby-O, 6-8 p.m.; Late Last Night, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Lost in Paris, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 4: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle, 5-9 p.m.; Jah Works, 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Steal The Sky, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 5: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Opposite Directions, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Tuff, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; The Burnsiders, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Collie Buddz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 6: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Full Circle Duo, 5-9 p.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; The Burnsiders, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Davie, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; Kono Nation, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. July 7: Bobby-O on De Bay, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; John McNutt Band, 5-9 p.m.; Anthem, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; DJ Cruz, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Go Go Gadjet, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.; DJ Tuff, 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. THE VIEW AT THE CAMBRIA HOTEL 13 St. Louis Ave., Ocean City 443-856-4158 / https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/oceancity/cambria-hotels/md310 Every Tuesday: Karaoke, 7-11 p.m.

BRYAN DORSEY

OC Eateries: Thurs., July 7, 7-10 p.m.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Maryland blue crab sauce over pasta ‘delightful dish’

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (July 1, 2022) Mutual correlations in human perceptions and sensory receptiveness are key components in the acknowledgement of “taste.” The theory of colloidal chemistry is an intricate part in the art of sauce making. A colloid is the presence of a small article in another substance. Fusion keeps menus interesting, which keeps guests coming back for more.

Crisfield, Maryland is long known as the “crab capital of the world.” Maryland blue crabs are a delicacy and a tradition on the Eastern Shore.

Maryland blue crab sauce over pasta is such a delightful dish and yet you do not see it on many menus.

What one will find is marinara sauce embellished with crab. Locals know this is not a true crab sauce.

Let us deconstruct a Maryland blue crab sauce for complete comprehension.

Making tomato sauce from fresh summer tomatoes is not only time consuming but is a very detailed See COOK Page 36

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, inside The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, www.captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Breakfast and lunch, Thursday, 8-11 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner and lite fare, Thursday. 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. and Sunday, 4-9 p.m. Featuring the finest seafood, steaks, poultry, and daily specials. Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. ■ COASTAL SALT 16th Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City 410973-7258, www.coastalsaltoc.com $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Coastal Salt is a new American restaurant with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood with a unique culinary twist. Open 7 days a week. Opening 8 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Casual dining atmosphere for families. “No Mumbo, Just Jumbo” crabcakes, seafood, hand cut steaks, specialty dishes and overstuffed sandwiches. Happy Hour, Sunday through Friday, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Early bird, daily 2-5:30 p.m. with special dinner menu. Open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday at 2 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR Oceanfront and 17th St. in Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, www.coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy our hearty homestyle breakfasts starting at 7 a.m. daily. Lunch and dinner offering light fare of soups and salads along with our house specialty Scallops St. Croix, along with ribs, Cuban pork and steak selections. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER S. Division Street and Boardwalk 410-289- 3501; 3rd Street and Boardwalk 410-289- 2599, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar An Ocean City family tradition since 1980. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Buttermilk pancakes, fresh handmade dough pizza and Italian dinners. We have something for everyone! ■ FISHTALES BAR & GRILL 21st Street and the Bay, Ocean City 410-2890990, www.ocfishtales.com $-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Fishtales located in a premier outdoor beach location on the bay with the best sunsets. Come for the best local fare in town. We offer lunch and dinner with great happy hour food and drink specials. Kids play area too. So, sit back and enjoy. ■ HARBOR WATCH 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Inlet Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bringing Ocean City the freshest seafood, an awardwinning Raw Bar along with certified Angus Beef. Great view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Call for Banquet information. Hours are Monday, 4-9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, closed; Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour: Monday, Thursday and Sunday nights, 4-9 p.m. ■ M.R. DUCKS BAR & GRILLE 311 Talbot Street, Ocean City 410-289-9125, www.mrducks.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy the unique charm of bayfront dining overlooking the bay and beautiful sunsets. Open every day at 11 a.m., 7 days a week. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. Featuring fresh seafood, appetizers, salads, the famous C.M. Wangs, a take on the chicken wing with 10 great flavors to choose from. Handmade burgers and fresh fish sandwiches, dock tacos, along with the favorite bar food and specialty sandwiches and more. Try the famous Ducks Signature cocktails, Chug-A-Duck, crushes, classic frozen drinks, margaritas, cold beer and wine. Come by boat with free docking, free valet parking or a free bike rack. ■ THE VIEW RESTAURANT AND BAR AT CAMBRIA, OC Located in the Cambria Hotel, 13 St. Louis Avenue, Ocean City 410-280-1645 or 410-520-4541 Open to the public with a new full menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy Hour each day from 3-9 p.m. Open 7 a.m. daily until midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other days. Enjoy overlooking the bay with fresh baked pastries on premise. Wounder appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and flatbreads.

■ 32 PALM Located in The Hilton,32nd Street, Ocean City 410289-2525, www.32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bar and lounge. Western Caribbean cuisine with a mix of traditional Eastern Shore favorites. Prohibition Happy Hour every day, 26 p.m. Password: BEE’S KNEES. ■ COCONUT’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Castle in the Sand Hotel, 37th Street and the beach, Ocean City 410-289-6846, www.castleinthesand.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Beachfront open air dining in a tropical setting. Serving grilled sandwiches, specialty salads, appetizers, wraps, tacos and frozen drinks, beer and wine. Live entertainment. Happy Hour daily, 5-6 p.m. 2 for 1 drink specials. Waitress service on the beach Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Coconuts is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting. ■ THE DOUGH ROLLER 41st Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-9254; 70th Street and Coastal Highway 410-524-7981, www.TheDoughRoller.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Online ordering See downtown locations for description. ■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-5639, www.longboardcafe.net $$-$$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Classic and creative American dishes and cocktails are showcased in a festive, surf-themed setting with weekly specials. Featuring burgers, tacos, prime rib, seafood and more. Open every day at 11 a.m., closed Tuesdays. ■ MARLIN MOON Located in the Double Tree Hotel, 3301 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City 410-289-1201, www.marlinmoonocmd.com $$ Sunday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Restaurant and bar with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts and cocktails. ■ PGN CRAB HOUSE 29th Street, Ocean City 410-289-8380, 410-2894083, www.pgncrabhouse.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Beer & Wine Known for their famous steamed crabs. Dining in or carry out is available. Casual seasonal seafood stop for the all-you-can-eat specials. Steamed crabs, chicken and corn on the cob. You can find clams, ribs, crab cakes, seafood plater and more. You can call for daily specials. Open 7 day a week, 11 a.m. ■ RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT 61st Street Bayside/2nd Floor @ Bayview Bar & Grill, Ocean City 443- 664-7043 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Bayfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in burgers, flat breads, crab cakes, shrimp burgers and full dinner specials. Happy Hour daily, 4-7 p.m. Open Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Open Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. with Island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets

■ BAHAMAS’S CRABSHACK CARRYOUT & OUTLET Oceanside MD/DE Line and Coastal Highway, Fenwick 302-537-5882 Premium seafood, fat crabs by weight, sandwiches and dinners. Seafood, chicken, homemade soups, super crab cakes, steamed shrimp, fresh clams, soft crabs, scallops, oysters and snow crab claws. ■ BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH 12601 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-664-2896, www.bourbonstreetonthebeach.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Opens at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Louisianastyle cooking with specials for Valentine’s Day and Fat Tuesday Specials. Featuring surf and turf, fantastic chicken dishes, seafood gumbo, fried catfish, jambalaya prime rib and many more. Champagne and desserts. ■ HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT, BREAKERS PUB & LENNY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL Inside the Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort, 101st Street, Ocean City 410-524-3535, ocbeachresort.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving beach-inspired dishes in our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breakers Pub. Horizons: Open 7 a.m to 1 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Lennys & Breakers Pub: Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekends, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Happy Hour at the bar 4-7 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner including light fare and steamer specials. ■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11403 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City 443-880-6258 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Serving daily small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, fried rice, entrees and desserts. Also, a full menu of Nori’s Premium Rolls, Nigiri and Sashimi with fresh classic hand roll combos. Full-service bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Offering inside dining and take out, 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery via Door Dash Online. Weekends until 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner. ■ SOPHIA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Inside the Gold Coast Mall, 11405 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City 410-723-5188 $$ | Kids’ menu Open 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Serving appetizes, salads, subs and soup of the day. Many specialty pizzas with premium toppings or made to order. Calzones and a healthy line of low carb alternatives along with a wide variety of Italian entrée dishes. A La Carte fresh vegetables and wonderful homemade desserts. Call for take-out or delivery. Formally Three Bros. Pizza. ■ THAI O-CHA 13727 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-250-9918, www.thaiochamd.com $$ | Beer & Wine Serving authentic Thai food, full vegan menu and vegetarian options including curry, rice and noodle dishes. Homemade appetizers, soups and sauces. Seafood, meat chicken, stir fries, vegetable and tofu. Desserts, beer, and wine. Dine or takeout. Serving lunch, Monday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Hours open, Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Closed Wednesday.

■ COASTAL SMOKEHOUSE 12513 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-3905998, coastalsmokehouse.com $$-$$$ | Full bar with 18 TVs Coastal Smokehouse caters to the steak and barbecue expert inside of us all with a menu that tours the nation's hottest barbecue destinations and a top-notch bourbon list with which to wash it all down. Open 7days a week for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. ■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistro 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Offering a wide array of authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carryout. Lunch specials. Dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. ■ OC EATERIES 12849 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), West Ocean City 443-252-3700, oceateriesmaryland.com $-$$ | Kids’ menu | 2 full bars Modern, market-style food destination with table service. A one-stop shop and hangout just minutes from the beach; perfect for those times when everyone is craving something different! Seven diverse restaurants offering brick oven pizza, all-natural wings, authentic street tacos, cheesy mac, loaded potatoes, and more. Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. with food and drink specials. Live entertainment, Thursday through Saturday, 7-10 p.m. Indoor and outdoor seating.

WEST OCEAN CITY

Cook live blue crabs in sauce for more flavor

Continued from Page 33 process where knowledge and understanding is imperative.

The sauce should have a bright, fruity aroma and a flavor of barely cooked tomatoes.

In addition, the sauce should also have a concentrated consistency and deep, sweet notes which can only be achieved by cooking off much of the natural water that caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars.

Finally, all seeds and skins need to removed. This takes a lot of time and is not an option for the average cook.

Good quality canned tomatoes are the preferred choice. I find that crushed tomatoes yield a consistency that is conducive for a Maryland blue crab sauce.

The tomato sauce has to be able to support the hard-shell crabs and yet not overpower the delicate crab meat.

A few pinches of baking soda will help alleviate the acidity of the tomatoes. The sauce will start to foam and this is normal. Too much baking soda will cause the sauce to turn bitter.

A splash of heavy cream and a touch of chicken stock will give the sauce more depth of flavor.

One might be surprised what goes into a “tomato” sauce.

Cooking live blue crabs in the sauce is the secret. The juices of the crabs will add a natural flavor that cannot be replaced with any type of seasoning.

Once the crabs are cooked, remove from the sauce and allow to cool. Remove the outer hard shell, lungs and gills. Break the crab in half and place them back into the sauce with the claws.

This process should be done over a bowl with a mesh strainer. Any juices that escape while opening the crabs are added back to the sauce.

A few tablespoons of Zatarain’s Crawfish, Shrimp and Crab Boil in a Bag and seafood stock take the sauce to another level.

The piece de resistance is to garnish the dish with jumbo lump crab meat.

Maryland blue crab sauce over pasta is a feast. Crab sauce, pasta, hard shell crabs for the picking, and jumbo lump crab are fun and perfect for July 4th celebrations. Enjoy!

Maryland Blue Crab Sauce Over Pasta

Ingredients 2 dozen live crabs 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 head of garlic, minced 1 large yellow onion, finely diced 2 (1 pt. 8 oz.) favorite non dark beer 3 rounded teaspoons chicken base 3 rounded teaspoons seafood base 6 (28 oz.) cans of good quality crushed tomatoes 1 (12 oz.) can of good quality tomato paste 2 tablespoons of Zatarain’s Crawfish,

Shrimp, and Crab Boil in a Bag 4 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning 3 tablespoons dried oregano 3 tablespoons dried basil 1 ½ tablespoons dried thyme 2 teaspoons crushed pepper flakes 1 cup parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing 3 bay leaves few pinches of baking soda splash of heavy cream 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat favorite pasta 1. In a large Dutch oven or pressure cooker, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat until vegetables become translucent, about 7 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients except for the live crabs, crab meat, pasta and cheese for garnishing. Turn the heat to medium high. When the sauce is very hot, add the live crabs and cook until the shells turn orange. 3. Remove crabs and allow to cool. Remove the outer shell, lungs, and gills.

Break the crabs in half and add back to the sauce with the claws. This should be done over a bowl with a mesh strainer. Any juices that escaped should be added back back to the sauce. 4. Prepare your favorite pasta. 5. Serve sauce with hard shell crabs over pasta. Garnish with jumbo lump crab and a dusting of parmesan cheese.

Secret Ingredient – Hard Work. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

EARTH DAY

Earth Day was celebrated at Worcester Preparatory School on April 22. In preparation of the event, the Environment Club built bird houses, and the Lower School students painted them. For a small donation of $2, students were able to dress out of uniform and instead wear earth tones. All donations will help support the Environment, Garden and Recycling clubs.

NEW ELKS MEMBERS

Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 recently welcomed 38 new members. They mingled with current members and were treated to a lunch in the social quarters of the lodge.

ON GUARD Take shelter when lightning

Continued from Page 34 throughout the country of people being hit by lightning while the sun is shining. This is called a bolt from the blue.

The beach patrol is not only in constant contact with the weather service, but we have constant communication with each other up and down the beach as well.

The guards know when lightning has been spotted in an area and will alert our duty officer in the beach patrol’s operations center.

The beach patrol, like other modern emergency services, relies on two-way radio systems as well as semaphore and a whistle system. The beach patrol’s primary concern is your safety, and we will clear the beach if we feel you are not safe.

While vacationing on the beach in Ocean City you may or may not notice the lifeguards communicating with each other, but please heed their warnings and leave the beach if asked to do so, even if you do not see lightning.

Due to constant monitoring of the weather and their communication systems, they are aware of dangers that you might not be able to see.

A beach is listed as one of the most vulnerable places to be during an electrical storm, according to weather researchers. The Ocean City Beach Patrol will clear the beach if lightning is spotted in the area.

After making sure all beach patrons have been warned (whether or not they heed our warning and leave) lifeguards then take cover to the back of the beach for their safety.

No one is permitted back on the beach until there has been no lightning for 30 minutes. Beach patrol supervisors will then patrol the beach in covered vehicles to make sure that everyone is staying off the beach.

You would be amazed at how many beach patrons want to argue or give excuses why they are out on the beach when there is visible lightning.

Several years ago, shortly after we cleared the beach due to lightning in the area and after the last stragglers left the beach, one of our guard stands on 127th Street was struck by lightning.

This is concrete evidence of the need to heed the lifeguards’ orders to get off the beach immediately (do not even take time to pack up) when lightning is nearby.

The lightning strike during this brief but powerful thunderstorm resulted in splintering and burning the stand’s wood and sending sparks and nails shooting outward. The people watching from nearby balconies got to witness the danger of lightning firsthand.

However, there are some people who still don’t realize the dangers. It is very unsettling to try to reason with people that their life is in danger.

I realize they might not have seen lightning, but we are only trying to do our job and keep everyone safe. We have over 100 lifeguards scanning the beach and we are in close contact with weather communications.

Thirty minutes is not too long to wait to catch that wave and live to talk about it.

Capt. Butch Arbin has been with the beach patrol for 50 years. With that experience he has been involved with 10 documented and confirmed lightning strikes involving people.

The worst case occurred about 39 years ago in the area of North Division Street when a group of individuals were warned to leave the beach but instead, they insisted on staying and huddled under their umbrella.

Unfortunately for them and their loved ones at home it was the last bad decision they would ever make. A single bolt of lightning killed all four instantly.

The Surf Rescue Technicians left the safety of the buildings where they had retreated for cover and performed lifesaving measures; the result was four fatalities.

Stories like this are scary, yet still we get concerns from beach patrons about sharks and questions like, “Is it safe to be in the ocean?”

But lightning is a real and present danger that is emphasized by the following statistics:

Eleven people were killed by lightning last year.

In 2021, it was a record year for lightning in the U.S. where deaths reached a record low. However, an average year, based on data from 2011 to 2021, sees 23 lightning deaths.

In a recent 12-year period, Maryland ranked 25th in lightning deaths with an average of over one per year, while in that same period there were no incidents involving sharks.

In fact, Maryland has never even had one documented shark attack in the entire history of the state.

There is some confusion about where the most dangerous place is to be during a storm since our surf rescue technicians clear the water first.

This isn’t because it is more dangerous in the water, but rather because it takes far more time for a person in the water to exit and then gather their belongings before leaving the beach.

As your surf rescue technician is informed of an approaching storm, they will signal everyone out of the ocean and inform them of the situation.

As soon as they see visible lightning, they will signal everyone on “their” beach to quickly take cover off the beach.

The surf rescue technician will then assure that everyone they are responsible for has been warned of the dangerous situation and then they too will quickly seek safety off the beach.

Your surf rescue technician does not go off duty but finds a safe location just off the beach while continuing to warn people to stay off the beach until they receive the “all clear.”

Once the “all clear” is given they will return to their post and you can return to your beach activities.

Remember, the National Weather Service saying … “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors,” this is for your safety.

If you hear thunder, you’re within striking distance of lightning.

Ocean City is famous for its clean, safe and fun beach and ocean, and that is what brings you here and keeps you coming back.

However, when conditions make it unsafe to be on the beach or in the ocean, the beach patrol is committed to providing for you and your family’s safety so that you can return another day.

Enjoy the beach but please do so in a safe manner and listen to the lifeguard on duty in all matters.

One thing that you can always do to remain safe is talk to your lifeguard about current beach conditions each day and limit beach activity to a time when lifeguards are on duty.

To get current information about the beach patrol as well as daily stats and current beach conditions, you can follow the beach patrol on Instagram or “like us” on the Official OCBP Facebook page.

If interested in working as part of this exciting organization next season talk to your surf rescue technician (lifeguard) or visit our website, JoinBeachPatrol.com.

We can’t wait to be a part of your fun experiences in Ocean City, because we are glad you are here, and always remember to “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!”