REHOBOTH BEACH — The Rehoboth Beach Patrol has stood guard for 100 years, providing a sense of security and assistance when a relaxing day doesn’t go quite as planned.

Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills will help the patrol ring in its 101st year during a small bell-ringing ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday on the boardwalk at Baltimore Avenue.

The Rehoboth Beach Patrol is fully staffed with 65 personnel this year, including about 50 lifeguards, seven EMTs and administrative staff.

With a complete staff, Capt. Jeff Giles said the patrol will be able to provide thorough coverage of the beach, something that was impossible in 2021 due to staffing challenges. The team includes 19 rookies this year.

The beach patrol will be watching over a healing coast this holiday weekend. As a result of a lingering nor’easter the area experienced in early May, the beach is temporarily narrower, especially at high tide. The good news is that it also is wider than normal at low tide.

As Mother Nature is returning some of the washed-out sand to the shore, tidal pools are being created. Five of the city’s 38 dune crossings are closed for safety reasons at the northern end of the beach.

The city of Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth Beach Patrol offer these tips to make Memorial Day weekend enjoyable, as the city, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Mother Nature work to repair the beach:

• Spread out from the center and consider claiming a spot at the south or north end of Rehoboth Beach. Deauville Beach is open and accessible on the north end, and the south end is a bit wider, less steep and has less dune damage.

• Consider timing a visit to coincide with low tide.
• Travel light, in an effort to share space with other sun-seekers.
• Lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays throughout the season.
• Anyone planning to brave the chilly water temperatures should be sure to swim with a friend.
• Even when beaches are guarded, families need to keep an eye on one another, especially children.
• The Laurel Avenue crossing is wheelchair-accessible, and additional mats have been installed on the beach there.

“We know that guarded beaches help our visitors feel safe,” Capt. Giles said. “But our lifeguards can’t keep their eyes on everyone constantly. It’s important that families take responsibility to look out for one another, especially young children. And if you’re going in the water, it’s important to have someone there with you.”

Over the course of the summer, the beach patrol deals with marine life and rough water conditions and responds to minor and major medical issues, as well as lost children.

Last year, nearly 400 children were separated from their families on Rehoboth Beach. Capt. Giles said that all of them were reunited.

In July, two lifeguard competitions will be held in Rehoboth. The U.S. Lifesaving Association will hold its Mid Atlantic Regional Lifeguarding Championships on July 13, and the annual Lifeguard Olympics competition will take place July 30.