The Delaware State Beach Patrol is an elite group 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! Guarded beaches include Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park – Tower Road, Delaware Seashore State Park – South Inlet, and Fenwick Island State Park.
Tryouts for 2024 have now concluded. Thank you to everyone who participated! For additional inquiries or questions, please reach out to Capt. Bailey Noel: Bailey.Noel@delaware.gov
Pay Structure
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.
Bonuses
Each year, DSBP Guards participate in numerous local, regional and national competitions. Below is the 2024 Competition Schedule as well as 2023 Competition Results. Check out our photo gallery.
2024 Competition Schedule
Date | Location | Link | |
TBD | TBD | ||
TBD | TBD | ||
TBD | TBD | ||
TBD | TBD |
2023 Competition Results
Date | Location | Results | |
6/19/23 | Ocean City | 1st | |
6/22/23 | Fenwick | 5th | |
6/26/23 | Sea Colony | 1st | |
6/29/23 | Middlesex All Womens’ | 3rd | |
7/6/23 | DSBP | 1st | |
7/12/23 | USLA Mid-Atlantic Regionals – Rehoboth | 1st – B Division | |
7/18/23 | USLA Mid-Atlantic Regionals – Crafts, NJ | 1st – B Division | |
7/24/23 | Bethany Beach | 2nd | |
7/27/23 | Rehoboth Beach Lifeguard Olympics | 1st | |
8/3/23 | Middlesex Beach | 2nd | |
8/10/23 | USLA Nationals – Virginia Beach, VA | 2nd | |
(Sussex County Lifeguard Association Mixed Team) |
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.
The junior lifeguard program runs from Tuesday July 9th thru Thursday August 1st.
Sessions are Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 9:30am.
Cost
Entire season:
$100 for 4 weeks If registering more than one child, the total cost is:
- 2 Children - $150
- 3 Children - $175
- 4 Children - $200
- 5 Children - $225
Weekly:
$50 per person (Select the Tuesday of the week you are registering for)
- 2 Children - $65
- 3 Children - $80
- 4 Children - $95
- 5 Children - $110
"I joined Delaware State Beach Patrol because of my love for the beach and helping others. Getting paid to workout, tan, and guard the beach all day is the best job I could ever imagine. My favorite part of guarding for DSBP is being able to compete in lifeguard competitions throughout the summer with some of my best friends! I love how our patrol is so close and able to come together as a team. I have made some of my favorite memories working for DSBP and can’t wait to make even more this summer!"
~ Hailey
“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
"Working for DSBP has been one of the best experiences of my life. After days of helping patrons and working out with my friends/coworkers I sometimes forget that I’m even getting paid to do this. Not only has it been the best job I’ve ever worked but allows me to create relationships with people I’ll remember for a lifetime".
~ L.J
“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: