Junior Lifeguarding Program

The Dewey Beach Patrol, in conjunction with the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), is proud to announce the Dewey Beach Patrol Junior Lifeguard Program. Funding for the program is provided primarily through private donations. Much appreciation is extended to the Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Dewey Beach Lions Club for their support.

The Dewey Beach Patrol Junior Lifeguarding Program is designed to target ages 6 to 16.  The program will include regular sessions being held on Tuesday and Thursday from July 2, 2024 through August 2024 (end date TBA). The program will begin promptly at 10:30 am and will end at 11:30 am each day.  Individuals interested in participating in the program will report to the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station located on Dagsworthy Street and the Beach. Participants should report each day (rain or shine) with bathing suit, towel, and a sweat suit. Registration fees must accompany the registration form below. The fees are as follows: 

• $50.00 first child
• $35.00 second sibling
• $20.00 third sibling 

Additional donations are greatly appreciated.

Participants should meet the following criteria:

• Must be between the age of 6 and 16 years of age
• Must provide a basic physical examination, certified by a physician or a nurse practitioner.
• Must be able to demonstrate intermediate swimming ability
• Must be able to demonstrate a high degree of self discipline during instruction
• Must be able to meet an intermediate level of physical fitness
• Must complete and return a liability waiver
• Must complete and return a registration form.

Participants will be provided with the following:

• Quality instruction by the Captain of the Dewey Beach Patrol whose qualifications include: DE Certified Secondary Level Education Instructor of Oceanography and Biology, BS Biology, MS Science Education, USLA certified open water rescue instructor, CPR, and standard initial first aid, National First Responders, ICS Incident Command Certification and 30+ years of open water rescue experience in training and management
• Secondary Instruction provided by veteran members of the patrol and Emergency Medical Service Officers
• Official Dewey Beach Patrol shorts and logo t-shirt will be provided on a first come first serve basis (limited quantities)
• Official membership in the USLA upon completion of the program (Membership fees may apply)

Participants will receive direct instruction and applied experience in the following areas:

• Lifesaving History
• Lifeguard qualification and training
• Communications Methods
• Health, Fitness, and Safety
• The surf beach
• The marine environment
• Weather and other hazards
• Rescue Equipment
• Public Relations
• Drowning
• Preventative Lifeguarding
• Water Surveillance
• Aquatic Search and Rescue
• Records and Reports
• Components of a Rescue

I just wanted to email to let you know how much our son, Luca, is loving Junior Guards this year. This is his second year doing it and he’s having a blast (he’s 7). It’s the perfect mix of fun and games, education, on sand exercise and in water swimming. I just wanted to let you know so you could tell the lifeguards leading the program how happy we are. I’m so sad that next week is the end! Thanks again for everything you do to keep Dewey safe, especially educating the next generation. We truly appreciate it.
  Joanne Fabrizio