Important information: If you are interested in trying out for the beach patrol or are a returning patrol member:
The swim test dates are 2 & 3 May at the Toms River YMCA. You must show for one of the test dates.
Any applicant under the age of 18 must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian to take part in the testing.
The testing proceedure includes a 500 meter swim- in 10 minutes or less, a 400 meter run- in 1 min 40 sec or less and an interview.
Returning staff will begin retraining on Saturday, 16 May 2009. We will work weekends through Saturday, 13 June 2009 when we open full time. It was a long and cold winter but It will be great to be back protecting and serving the public.
The Island Beach State Park Lifeguards would like to welcome you to Island Beach State Park. With its miles of pristine beach front and lower Sedge islands, Island Beach State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the finest beach front recreational areas on the East Coast.
For the protection of the visitors, the Island Beach Lifeguards guard the swimming areas and respond to emergencies throughout the Park. The Beach Patrol is comprised of 64 men and women; who are dedicated and highly trained water safety professionals. It is the purpose of the Island Beach State Park Beach Patrol to provide patrons with the highest degree of professional service and safety. To that end, the IBBP seeks to recruit and train the most qualified individuals possible.
Successful candidates are accepted into a demanding training program that culminates in a rigorous testing phase. Once a candidate successfully completes the training and testing phase, they are assigned to a squad and mentored by older, more experienced guards.
In keeping with its motto: “Trained Eyes Save Lives”, the philosophy of the Beach patrol is one of preventive life guarding. Because of changing ocean, surf and weather conditions and large crowds (over 1 million a year); the guards are taught to be proactive to prevent dangerous situations from occurring. Last year over 36, 000 preventive actions were taken by the lifeguard staff.
As a proactive measure and part of public education, water safety signs are posted through out the Park. These signs include safety tips and rip current education. For your enjoyment and safety, please follow these simple safety measures:
BASIC OCEAN SAFETY TIPS:
1. ALWAYS SWIM IN LIFEGUARDED AREAS
2. NEVER SWIM ALONE
3. DON'T DIVE IN HEAD FIRST
4. READ AND OBEY ALL BEACH SAFETY SIGNS
5. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS.... IF IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT!
As an off shoot of the Beach Patrol, the Island Beach Lifesaving Association was formed. The non-profitassociation’s membership includes past and present Island Beach lifeguards. The Island Beach Lifesaving Association (IBLA) seeks to deal with issues related to providing and improving life guarding and ocean
safety services in Island Beach’s unique environment.
For more information, visit us at: http://www.IBLG.org
Look for our fund raising activities through out the summer:
Island Beach Tournament tee shirt sale
Island Beach IBSP decals for sale
Annual Beach Plum Festival flower sale
All proceeds go to support the IBLA and Island Beach life guards.
