Contact: Bryan John, Beach and Water Safety Manager, phone: (302) 227-2800
or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs Ofice, phone: (302) 739-9902

Delaware State Parks Announce Reductions in Lifeguards at Beaches/ Two Beaches Reduce Guarded Areas; Another Provides Only Weekend Coverage

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has announced reductions in lifeguard staff at three state park beaches beginning August 21. The staff reductions, necessary as a result of lifeguards leaving the area for college and sport camps, will remain in effect through Labor Day, September 4, the last day of guarded beaches at Delaware State Parks.

The Delaware Seashore State Park, South East Day Area, located on the south side of the Indian River Inlet and Fenwick Island State Park will reduce the number of lifeguards at these beaches, resulting in ocean swimming areas that are smaller and limited in use. The Delaware Seashore State Park – Towers Ocean Swimming Area located just south of Dewey Beach, will be unguarded Monday through Friday and guarded on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Lifeguards will also be on site on September 4, Labor Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at these three state beaches.

“Unguarded Beach” signs will be posted at all dune crossings, fee booths and other beach access areas affected by the lifeguard reductions.

“All park visitors are encouraged to swim only at guarded beaches,” said Bryan John, Manager of Beach and Water Safety for the Division of Parks and Recreation. “We recommend visitors speak to lifesaving staff regarding the location of established swimming areas and whether there are any limitations or restrictions. Parents are urged to supervise children to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day at our beautiful state park beaches,” he said.

On August 9, DNREC announced that beginning August 14, Cape Henlopen State Park’s Gordons Pond beach will be unguarded for the rest of the season. The main beach at Cape Henlopen State Park will remain guarded every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day.

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains 14 state parks, nature preserves and greenways throughout Delaware. Their Operations and Maintenance Section oversees the day-to-day operation and maintenance of all state parks and facilities. They also oversee the enforcement of rules and regulations, park safety and security, visitor assistance, revenue collection, contract and concession management and natural resource stewardship
 

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