
The Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol is an elite group of men and women responsible for ocean rescue and beach safety at Delaware's award-winning state park beaches. Our beach patrol members receive advanced, nationally certified training, work in some of the most beautiful locations in the state, meet lifelong friends, compete in lifeguard competitions, and serve the people of Delaware, all while getting paid and having fun!
Summer tryouts for Beach Patrol season 2024 (500 meter swim in under 10 minutes and 1 mile run in under 10 minutes):
For more information or to express interest for future seasons, please contact Capt. Bailey Noel at Bailey.Noel@delaware.gov.
Application, tryout criteria, and what to bring information is listed below.
All DSBP guards will receive base pay determined by their tenure and guarding rank, plus additional hourly pay upon achieving the following certifications. All certifications are available through Delaware State Parks.
To apply for the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol, you must complete the following steps:
Tryout Criteria
No experience is necessary, but minimum physical fitness standards and swimming ability are required:
"I joined the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol because of the amazing work environment and the high demands for on the job. Being on the beach all day has its perks, but what I enjoy most is the fact that I get to help keep patrons safe and have the training to save lives and provide medical attention when needed. Daily workouts keep me in great shape and lifeguard competitions are the highlight of my summer. This job is in high demand, the pay is great, and the satisfaction you get from helping others is even better. If you love the ocean and want a fun job, this beach patrol is calling your name!”
~ Hannah
“I joined the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol not only as a result of my lifelong love of the ocean, but also to help those in need. It is extremely rewarding using your lifesaving knowledge to make a true impact on someone's life. In addition, the patrol is a unified group of well-skilled individuals who love what they do. This gives a great sense of community at work, and therefore I enjoy my time on the stand each and every day. The members of this patrol have my full trust at all times because they are not only my co-workers, but my friends as well.”
~ Alec
“I joined the beach patrol because I was looking for a more fulfilling place to put my lifeguarding skills to use. I'm also an avid surfer and love the opportunity to work where many people only get to vacation. Summer 2020 will be my fifth summer with DSBP, and my second summer as a lieutenant. My favorite part of my job is working with my employees and the public. My staff are some of my best friends. I also love helping the public understand how to have fun and stay safe at our beaches. At DSBP, you will receive the highest level of training, get in the best shape of your life, meet lifelong friends, and make unforgettable memories.”
~ Nick
“DSBP has given me some of the greatest memories of my life. It truly has felt like my second family from the day I started, and I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. Not only have I been taught skills that I can carry with me anywhere, but it gave me a chance to fall in love with the beach all over again. If I could go back and do anything differently, I would have joined sooner!”
~ Kyle
“This has been the most physically, emotionally, and psychologically challenging week of training that I have ever participated in. It taught me to have better confidence in myself, my friends, and in all the DSBP lifeguards. Our workouts have made me realize what I am capable of. I’m very glad I chose DSBP this summer and look forward to wearing my uniform proudly. I only have positive things to say about DSBP and the training that was included.”
“Throughout this past week, I have learned a lot about how to be a lifeguard but also to stay strong when things are rough. Rookie training was by no means easy, and I was pushed more than ever before. I have also learned a lot about being on a team and encouraging everyone else to stay strong as well. At the end of the day, it is my job to make sure that everyone makes it home safely no matter what might be going on in my personal life. While training was physically and mentally demanding, every day I went home feeling accomplished for what I had learned and the workouts I had completed.”
“These have been some of the best and worst days of my life. I’ve grown so much already and have learned so many valuable life skills and lifeguarding skills alike. You have all shown me the discipline I need in order to succeed on the stand and in life. I feel confident in my ability to protect the lives of others and I am wholly confident that I can save a life. This has been an amazing program and I consider myself lucky to be part of it. I will never forget my experience.”
Ocean rescue is a demanding job, and our experienced staff will prepare you to meet every challenge. If you have any questions about the Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol, contact our beach patrol captain:
Registration for the 2023 Junior Lifeguard Program is now full. Check back in late spring 2024 for next season’s registration!
Annually, Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol offers a Junior Lifeguard Program for children ages 9-16 years at Cape Henlopen State Park. This fun and educational program is designed to teach the importance of water safety, surf rescue techniques, minor first aid, respect for natural resources, and to provide children with the knowledge and experience of true ocean rescuers.