Beach Safety: Safety Tips From the Local Beach Patrols

By Dave Bontempo

Everyone gets this message: Beach safety is the universal theme linking all patrols, the public, communities, and emergency services.

The more that’s said, the better.

Sophisticated technology has expanded the philosophy in recent years. That includes Avalon Beach Patrol guards being deployed in the water or Stone Harbor officials reminding people not to swim after hours.

The perpetual instruction weaves thread upon thread, generation to generation.

Here’s an overview of tips highlighted, discussed and practiced by local patrols.

AVALON

In Avalon, that philosophy found a new link. Chief Matt Wolf, who practiced the safety principles taught by his late father Murray Wolf, has found a new generation of disciples. The safety theme this year comes from Dolan Grisbaum, the new beach patrol lieutenant who also helped Avalon gain two consecutive championships in the South Jerseys.

Grisbaum and second-year lieutenant David Giulian, a rowing stalwart who also helped orchestrate these championships, are advising incoming guards about key safety measures. This instruction will be reflected in the guards’ public service.

Grisbaum offered two major points from his experience.

“I have been coming to the beach since I was 3 years old and, for as far back as I can remember, the No. 1 rule has always been to swim in front of a lifeguard,” he says. “We are there to protect the public and we are proud to be doing that. If you swim away from the lifeguard stand, you may minimize the amount of help you can get.

“Not only can the guards see the swimmers, but they know how to offer help on important things to know. They know the wind conditions, the rip tide risk, etc.”

Grisbaum says the ocean is a beast and everyone from swimmers to the guards must adjust to it. Conditions are always changing, he adds.

Other quick observations:

“Don’t put yourself in situations you can’t get out of,” he says.

That can span everything from ensuring one has a flotation device to swimming with a buddy and being sure not to become isolated.

Grisbaum touts Avalon’s practice of having lifeguards positioned in the water at times. He says the guards are prepared for anything.

Look no further than the summer of 2025 to underscore that. Avalon Beach Patrol guards used Jet Skis, lifeboats, paddleboards, and swimmers to rescue the crew of a boat that had been slammed into a jetty. The boat sank, but the entire crew was rescued by Avalon’s response to the Mayday call.

Crews also authored a dramatic rescue in its waters on the afternoon leading up to the South Jerseys. Members of the team that would win the South Jerseys later that evening were involved in the rescues.

The guards are safety practitioners first, competitors second.

The patrol website also has an excellent graphic instructing people how to deal with a rip current.

Here are some other tips gleaned from the patrol:

Water Safety

• Swim near lifeguards: Never swim at your own risk before 10am, after 5pm, or on unguarded beaches. Always swim directly in front of the lifeguard stand.

• Listen to instructions: Pay attention to lifeguard whistles and directions. Guards actively adjust safe zones based on changing tides, surf, and lateral currents.

• Respect the rules: Obey designated zones for swimming, rafts, and surfing to avoid collisions.

Beach Strand Safety

• Dig holes safely: Never climb into an unattended hole, as the sand can become unstable and cause entrapment.

• Fill in your holes: Uncovered holes are a major hazard to beach goers and night-time emergency vehicles.

• Secure umbrellas: Always anchor beach umbrellas deeply and securely. On windy days, a loose umbrella can become a dangerous projectile.

Health & Sun Protection

• Beat the heat: Take breaks from the sun, avoid alcohol in the water, and drink plenty of water to prevent heat exhaustion.

STONE HARBOR

Stone Harbor Beach Patrol Captain Sandy Bosacco sees a practical application of prominent tips.

When advising the public not to swim in unguarded waters, he cites giving the same information to his guards. Many of them are high school or college athletes in exceptional shape. If it doesn’t make sense for them, it’s not good for the public, either.

Another tip concerns children or parents who can’t find one another.

“What you want to do is go down and tell a lifeguard,” Bosacco indicates. “We can get on the radio and send a description out to all the other lifeguard stands. Oftentimes somebody has just wandered not too far away. When the beaches are crowded, you can lose people. I would say it happens maybe 30 times a summer. It helps to know bathing suit color, hair color, etc.”

Bosacco reminds parents to keep watching their children because although the guards will help, they are watching everyone in the water. The role of a parent or guardian does not end when they come to the beach.

Another common-sense issue involves respecting the heat, especially as late July and August temperatures soar. He advises scheduling activities like a run in the early morning or evening hours.

So there you have it. Or part of it.

Everyone can add their own insights. But this collection, compiled from experts, is an excellent place to start.